[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 163 (Friday, October 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING JOE PODLASEK AND JANE STEVENS FOR THEIR DISTINGUISHED 
                SERVICE TO THE TRICKSTER CULTURAL CENTER

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2022

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the 
retirements of CEO of the Trickster Cultural Center Joseph Podlasek and 
Board Member Jane Stevens for their many years of service to our 
community. The Trickster Cultural Center is a uniquely Native American 
owned and operated arts institution in Illinois and provides a critical 
space for Native American Veterans and the arts at large.
  Among its many important functions, the Trickster Cultural Center 
displays contemporary Native American art, provides educational 
workshops, and features multicultural exhibitions. Joe Podlasek has 
served as an honorable leader of the institution for nearly a decade 
and has been a dedicated and determined advocate for Native American 
Veterans regarding local, state, and federal issues.
  Jane Stevens is a deeply committed member of the Illinois arts 
community. Ms. Stevens curated countless exhibits for the Illinois 
State Museum and has worked closely with the Native American arts 
community for over 20 years.
  Today, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Podlasek and Ms. 
Stevens for their service to our community and for their work in 
uplifting the voices and important artistic contributions of Native 
American Veterans.
  I also wish to welcome Julia Kelly as the new CEO and David Tepper as 
a new board member of the Trickster Cultural Center. Julia Kelly, 
``Baassaannee Xiassaa,'' served in the United States Army retiring at 
the rank of Command Sergeant Major after 28 years of honorable service. 
Ms. Kelly has worked tirelessly with Veterans, particularly Native 
American Veterans and Women Veterans, for decades at the Trickster 
Cultural Center and other government and nonprofit organizations. David 
Tepper has worked as a photographer and educator and will be a welcome 
addition to the Board. With the addition of these talented 
professionals, the future of the Trickster Cultural Center is bright, 
and I am confident the organization will continue to make tremendous 
contributions to our local community.

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