[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             RECOGNIZING KAREN CLIFFORD, UNICAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Karen A. Clifford who will 
be named the UNICAN of the Year by the UNICO National Scranton Chapter 
at their annual gathering on Saturday, February 25, 2023. As UNICO 
National celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the Scranton 
Chapter has determined that Karen truly embodies the organization's 
motto of ``service above self.''
  Karen was raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania by her parents, Jane and 
Philip Clifford, and her godparents, Margaret and Stanley Sienkiewicz. 
A graduate of Keystone College, Karen spent 33 years of her 
professional career at Verizon, working in engineering, marketing and 
the business office. After retiring from Verizon, she continued working 
with TR Associates as the Vice President of Development.
  Karen has dedicated her life to uplifting her fellow citizens and 
contributing to community service organizations, often holding 
leadership roles on their boards. She has proudly served as board 
member and past chairperson for the NET Credit Union and secretary, 
treasurer and vice chairperson of the Greater Scranton Chamber of 
Commerce. She continues to serve on Skills in Scranton for the Chamber. 
Currently, Karen serves on the boards of Scranton Counseling Center, La 
Festa Italiana and St. Francis Kitchen. She is also a past president of 
Saint Joseph's Foundation and co-president of Saint Joseph's Center 
Auxiliary.
  Karen has been an instrumental force for good through her service 
with the UNICO National Scranton Chapter. She currently sits on the 
board of directors for the organization and recently joined the Ladies 
Auxiliary. She was the first woman to serve as the chair of the UNICO 
National Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Under her direction, the 
Hershey convention was the largest in UNICO history.
  Karen's commitment to her community does not end with her service on 
leadership boards. She uses her unparalleled knowledge of local issue 
and organizations as well as her vast network of Facebook friends to 
connect people and highlight local small business, fundraisers and good 
news from the community.
  It is an honor to join with the Scranton Chapter of UNICO National to 
recognize Karen for her contributions to their organization and our 
community at large. May she continue to find fulfillment and purpose in 
serving others.

                          ____________________