[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1531-H1532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A FEW REMARKABLE WOMEN FROM OREGON'S SIXTH DISTRICT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Oregon (Ms. Salinas) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, as Women's History Month comes to a 
close, I rise to recognize a few of the remarkable women who call 
Oregon's Sixth District home.
  This month my office accepted submissions of inspiring women from 
across our community. While we couldn't possibly feature all of them, 
the women you see here today represent some of the best Oregon has to 
offer.
  Every day, women hold the weight of the world on their shoulders. 
Take Lori Simpson, for example. Lori has worked at a nonprofit for 20 
years, giving back to vulnerable members of our society throughout her 
career. Outside work, she is laser-focused on building a happy home for 
her two boys, especially after she was tragically widowed when her 
youngest was just 11. She is unstoppable and loved by all who know her.
  The same can be said for Estela Anaya, another remarkable woman from 
Oregon's Sixth. Twenty years ago, Estela left her home and her family 
in Mexico in hopes of providing her five children with opportunities 
she could only dream of. Estela struggled to learn English, but never 
to care for her children. She showed up to every meeting, concert, and 
game because for her, family comes first.
  Family is the foundation of life for so many women in our community, 
but that doesn't limit them from doing more because the women of 
Oregon's Sixth District can do it all.
  Just look at Kristen Stoller. When she is not being a devoted mom to 
three beautiful children or running her successful business, she is 
working to make Yamhill County stronger and safer as a volunteer, board 
member, and nonprofit leader.
  Then there is Remy Drabkin, a community organizer and elected 
official who is currently serving as the mayor of McMinnville. Outside 
her duties, Remy doubles as an entrepreneur and small business owner. 
Her incredible winery is now a staple in Willamette Valley.
  Of course, we can't leave out Valerie Castillo, who is described by 
those who know her as ``in every way an everywoman.'' Valerie works 
with food banks, donates blood, hosts exchange students, and has been a 
union steward for years.
  Women like Kristen, Remy, and Valerie are a reminder that 
``Everything Everywhere All At Once'' is more than just a best picture 
recipient; it is a way of life.
  The next few women I want to mention have a shared gift for turning 
adversity into purpose.
  Vivian Ang is one of those women. When she was younger, Vivian failed 
third grade because she struggled to read, but she didn't let that stop 
her. No. She turned that experience into a force for good, and now she 
runs a literacy organization that has tutored thousands of adults and 
helped hundreds gain citizenship.
  Vivian's story reminds me a bit of Donna Lepley's story. Donna 
struggled with alcoholism for 40 years before she found the strength 
and support to embrace recovery. When she was 57, she went back to 
school, eventually earning her master's in psychology and addiction 
counseling. Donna now works to help people struggling with addiction 
and is living proof that recovery is possible.
  Of course, when we are talking about turning adversity into purpose, 
we need to talk about Caitlin Sticka. Caitlin is a two-time breast 
cancer survivor who founded a group to provide support and resources 
for families who are impacted by this awful disease. She makes people 
feel welcome and safe during what can be a frightening, isolating 
experience, and she is changing lives, one survivor at a time.
  Like Vivian, Donna, and Caitlin, Erica Jauregui also faces 
challenges. She was homeless as a teen but turned that into a plan to 
serve Oregonians at the Department of Human Services. Today, she is 
someone who fights hard for unhoused communities and other vulnerable 
individuals, and she has made a big difference in our community.
  Last, but certainly not least, I want to tell you about Namene James 
Rodgers. Namene is a diversity, equity, and

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inclusion specialist whose mission is to ensure that her organization 
is as inclusive and compassionate as possible. She embodies the quality 
that unites all of these women, a shared desire to build a better 
future for all.
  Lori, Estela, Kristen, Remy, Valerie, Vivian, Donna, Caitlin, Erica, 
and Namene, you enrich our community beyond measure. Never doubt your 
impact because we all feel it every single day.

                          ____________________