[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





TRIBUTE TO CARMENITA HELLIGAR--28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2022

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History 
Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and 
sacrifices made by our Nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to 
outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional 
District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Carmenita 
Helligar of Burbank, California.
  In addition to being a successful business owner and activist, Ms. 
Helligar is a dedicated volunteer in the community, serving as a Board 
of Library Trustee for the City of Burbank and on the Burbank Unified 
School District's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which 
fosters inclusive curriculum and equity of college prep classes for all 
students.
  Ms. Helligar credits her grandmother, Ernestine, lovingly referred to 
as Grandma Stein, as her inspiration for volunteerism, as she taught 
Ms. Helligar that we are on this earth to help people. Earnestine also 
encouraged Ms. Helligar to believe that a person can do anything if 
they're willing to try, which is an attitude Ms. Helligar has adopted 
in her life.
  Ms. Helligar is one of the founders of The Destiny Education Project 
(DEP), a non-profit BIPOC-led organization, where ``Destiny'' stands 
for Diversity, Equity, Sustainability, Teaching Inclusivity & Nurturing 
Youth. DEP strives for every student to feel safe as well as learn in 
an inclusive and supported educational environment.
  An avid supporter of small businesses, Ms. Helligar is the Founder/
CEO of Local As Can Bee (LACB), an e-commerce marketplace for 
individuals who own a small business. Ms. Helligar's goal is for LACB 
to become a national Co-Op which will be a source for secondary income 
for small business owners to boost community support.
  Ms. Helligar and her husband, Jeffrey, have three children, and are 
also raising Ms. Helligar's niece. An interior designer by trade, Ms. 
Helligar enjoys designing whenever she has free time and loves to bake. 
She is also an avid reader and tries to read at least one book a week.
  I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well-
respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Carmenita 
Helligar.

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