[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 51 (Tuesday, March 21, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING AIYANNA ZAKIA SANDERS--A CELEBRATED SCHOLAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SYDNEY KAMLAGER-DOVE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 21, 2023

  Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise during Women's History Month 
to celebrate an incredible woman from California's 37th Congressional 
District, Aiyanna Zakia Sanders. Aiyanna was born in Los Angeles, 
California, in 1997. In just 25 years she has made incredible strides. 
In 2015, Aiyanna was an honored graduate from the Los Angeles Center 
for Enriched Studies High School; In 2019, she graduated from Emory 
University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and African 
American Studies. Recently, in 2022, she and her family celebrated her 
graduation from the prestigious Harvard Law School.
  While pursuing her rigorous education, Aiyanna went the extra mile to 
serve her community. While at Emory University, she was a member of the 
local NAACP chapter, the Head Step-Mistress of Ngambika, Co-founder and 
President of the Black Pre-Law Society, and a member of Black Mental 
Health Ambassadors. Proudly, Aiyanna also became a member of the 
illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. while at Emory. While 
studying law at Harvard University, Aiyanna was the Secretary of the 
Black Law Student's Association and an editor of the Black Letter Law 
Journal. Her many extracurricular activities and roles demonstrate her 
immense talent and leadership capabilities.
  In addition to her extensive leadership, Aiyanna has earned numerous 
awards for her commitment to public service. She was awarded the Dr. 
Herman L. Reese Community Service Award, the Delta Research and 
Educational Foundation Golden Anniversary Award, and the 2018 NAACP 
Peoples Award. In 2019 she was honored as a California Change Lawyers 
Scholar and received the Graduating Woman of Excellence Award. Mr. 
Speaker, I am honored to recognize the achievements and dedication of 
this incredible woman.
  Beyond her academics, Aiyanna is a cherished daughter, granddaughter, 
and friend. Her parents, Mr. Aaron L. and Mrs. Chawn B. Sanders, her 
grandparents, Mr. Clifton Byron Ray, III and Mrs. Willa Ray, and 
countless friends and sisters have rooted for her along the way. I 
stand here today, proud. When we talk about representation, this is 
what we mean. Aiyanna is a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a role 
model for many. I thank her for all she has done and look forward to 
what she will accomplish.

                          ____________________