[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 117 (Friday, July 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 34TH ANNUAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE GALA HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 15, 2022

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez and Hispanic Federation as they are honored 
by the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD) at its 
34th Annual Roberto Clemente Gala on July 22, 2022. It is my privilege 
to recognize the outstanding efforts of PRAHD and this year's gala 
honorees.
  Former Executive Director/CEO of PRAHD, the Honorable Yvonne Lopez 
represents the 19th Legislative District of New Jersey and currently 
serves as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. She is also Chair of the 
Housing Committee, a member of the Transportation and Independent 
Authorities committee, Financial Institutions and Insurance committee, 
and Joint Committee on Housing Affordability, as well as a member of 
the NJ Legislative Latino Caucus and National Hispanic Caucus of State 
Legislators. She also served on the Complete Counts Commission and the 
New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission and previously worked in the private 
sector as Vice President/Community Affairs Manager for Wachovia Banks. 
In her capacity at PRAHD, Assemblywoman Lopez oversaw the operations 
and management of the organization while cultivating community and 
public relations. Assemblywoman Lopez truly embodies the spirit of the 
Roberto Clemente Award and I join with PRAHD in applauding her 
leadership and service to the community.
  Partner of the Year Award recipient, Hispanic Federation, echoes the 
mission of PRAHD. Its advocacy efforts, programs, and public education 
initiatives support community organizations and strengthen individuals 
and families. Its work assists individuals to obtain health insurance, 
citizenship and civics education, job training, childhood literacy 
skills, college preparation, and more. In response to the COVID-19 
pandemic, Hispanic Federation provided relief and recovery grants to 
local organizations and small businesses and held a national outreach 
campaign to educate Latinos on COVID-19 vaccines. Hispanic Federation 
continues to promote Latino interests and uplift the Hispanic community 
and its efforts are to be commended.
  For nearly 50 years, PRAHD has provided outstanding support to our 
local communities. Its comprehensive services and programs promote 
self-sufficiency and community involvement. I applaud PRAHD for its 
dedication to improving the well-being of our communities and the 
evening's honorees for their commitment to service and action.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in 
honoring Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez and Hispanic Federation for their 
contributions to the community and congratulating them on this well-
deserved recognition by PRAHD.

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