[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 102 (Monday, June 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO LAURA SELKEN--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2023

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Laura 
Selken of Santa Maria, California.
  A longtime resident of Santa Maria, Laura Selken, has dedicated her 
time, talents, and skills to several community organizations. Laura has 
taken leadership positions at all the organizations she is a volunteer 
for and is always one to take the initiative when a task needs to be 
completed.
  Laura is passionate about advancing and promoting women's education 
and women's rights. She understands the power of social media and puts 
her ideas into action by creating eye-catching social media publicity 
and e-newsletters for all the groups she's involved in. In addition to 
planning and organizing thoughtful programs and events that help to 
educate the Santa Maria Valley community at large on the status and 
experiences of women locally, nationally, and globally.
  You can always quietly see Laura involved in organizing events such 
as the hybrid, online and in-person, event on women in Iran for 
International Women's Day 2023 to Chairing the American Association of 
University Women (AAUW)--Santa Maria's 2023 Tech Trek program, to 
sponsor five rising eighth grade students who reside in North Santa 
Barbara County and identify as girls to spend a week taking STEM 
(Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) courses at University 
of California, Santa Barbara.
  Laura Selken is dedicated to making it possible for historically 
excluded voices of the Santa Maria Valley, particularly the voices of 
young women of color, to be heard. In fact, whether online, in person, 
or both, Laura is often the one making sure that the audio and video 
technology are functioning optimally so that everyone at an event feels 
seen and heard. She is never one to shy away from learning or teaching 
others new technology, or anything new and innovative, and thus 
inspires those of us who work with her to do the same.
  Laura Selken often does not receive the recognition she deserves for 
all of the time and energy she gives to ensuring the progress and 
success of women's organizations in the Santa Maria Valley. The 
commitment and passion she invests in the community is invaluable.
  I am honored to recognize Laura Selken for her continued commitment 
to volunteerism education, social justice, and advocacy throughout the 
Santa Maria Valley. Her contributions have provided opportunities for 
young girls throughout the Santa Maria community. I ask all Members to 
join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th 
Congressional District, Laura Selken, for her incredible service to her 
community.

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