[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  CONGRATULATING GRACE VERGARA-MACTAL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SUSIE LEE

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2023

  Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Grace Vergara-
Mactal, Executive Director of SEIU 1107, for her upcoming retirement 
and a career of service to Nevada.
  Grace was born and raised in the Philippines where she earned her 
bachelor's degree and worked as a medical technician. Immigrating to 
the U.S. in 1989, her first job involved mopping floors for $3.50 an 
hour, but she worked her way back into the health care field as a 
hospital lab technician. As a leader and organizer for her fellow lab 
workers, Grace was suspended from her job while circulating a petition. 
Undeterred, she pursued this activism, climbing from volunteer, to 
organizer, Organizing Director, Chief of Staff, and eventually leader 
of Local 1107.
  As one of the foremost leaders of the labor movement, both in Nevada 
and across the country, Grace has been a tireless advocate for good 
jobs and quality services during her incredible 3-decade career. As 
Executive Director, she represents nearly 20,000 health care and public 
service workers across the state.
  In this position, Grace has led with a commitment to mobilizing and 
empowering workers and families while fighting for economic, racial, 
and social justice. Her work focused on growing Local 1107, passing 
historic legislation, winning major contract battles, and building 
vital community coalitions. She also serves as Vice President and 
Executive Board Member of the Service Employees International Union, 
officer of the SEIU Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, and Executive Board 
Member of the Nevada AFL-CIO.
  In addition to being an important union leader, Grace is a 
trailblazer in our community. As the first member of the AANHPI 
community to serve as an officer for Local 1107, she is an important 
representative for one of Nevada's fastest growing demographics. Grace 
has a particular dedication to developing and supporting worker 
leaders, especially workers of color in her leadership with SEIU Local 
1107 and the Nevada AFL-CIO.
  Grace often says that she will always be an organizer at heart, so I 
am confident that her retirement will not be the last that I see of 
her.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Grace Vergara-Mactal on 
her outstanding service to Nevada and our Nation, and in congratulating 
Grace on her retirement.

                          ____________________