[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING ELAINE M. WALSH, PH.D

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2022

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to Elaine M. Walsh, Ph.D., for her outstanding community 
advocacy as she departs Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB8) after a 
quarter century of dedicated leadership and service.
  Dr. Walsh first began her long history of community engagement during 
her time at Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service, 
where she earned a Master of Social Work. She began her career as a 
social worker in New York City, becoming the director of senior citizen 
crime prevention for the New York City Department for the Aging and the 
director of elderly services at the Office of Victim Services.
  Dr. Walsh has served as Director of the Public Service Scholar 
Program (PSSP) at Hunter College since 1986 after joining the 
university as an Associate Professor of Urban Affairs. The PSSP works 
to improve the city by preparing talented undergraduate students for 
careers in the public and non-profit sectors. The program also aims to 
increase representation of women, minority-group members and immigrants 
in leadership positions. Under Dr. Walsh's supervision, over 700 of the 
program's scholars have contributed more than 500,000 hours in service 
to communities throughout New York City.
  Dr. Walsh served as a member of CB8 for 25 years and co-chaired the 
CB8 Zoning and Development Committee. During her tenure, Dr. Walsh was 
a constant advocate for her community, particularly in regard to 
environmental concerns and infrastructure. During her time as a member, 
Dr. Walsh worked to support policies and programs that increased 
accessibility to city services for both businesses and individuals and 
served as the conscience of the Board in her consistent, forceful 
advocacy for the needs of under privileged New Yorkers.
  Dr. Walsh serves as President of the East 86th Street Association, 
which she helped to establish in 2004. The Association seeks to 
``improve the quality of life along the East 86th Street corridor by 
conducting research, education, and advocacy projects'' while 
facilitating community dialogue to encourage civic participation and 
foster neighborhood pride. Under the leadership of Dr. Walsh, the East 
86th Street Association has worked on many projects which have greatly 
improved residents' quality of life.
  Dr. Walsh has previously received awards including the New York City 
Chapter's ``NASW Leadership Award'', the NYC Public Advocate 
``Advocate's Award'', Fordham University's ``Alumni Award'', the 
Manhattan Borough President's ``Women's Leadership Award'', the NYC 
Comptroller's Award ``Outstanding Irish Educator in Social Policy and 
Leadership'', the Our Town newspaper's OTTY award for her continued 
leadership and advocacy in the East 86th Street Association, and was 
named one of the 2013 New York State Senate's ``Women of Distinction''.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
accomplishments and contributions of Dr. Elaine M. Walsh. Her 
dedication and leadership have helped cultivate a better, more lively 
community for the residents of Roosevelt Island and Manhattan's Upper 
East Side. Dr. Walsh's service and commitment to improving the lives of 
New Yorkers will leave a lasting impact on her community and our city.

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