[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 168 (Friday, October 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE 2023 WOMEN OF THE YEAR: RUTHIE DINEEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 13, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of Ruthie Dineen as she is honored as one of California's 
8th Congressional District's Women of the Year.
  Ruthie is a compassionate and dedicated leader who works to improve 
her community through her work, talent, and volunteerism. She is a 
Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as an accomplished pianist and 
composer. Ruthie is the current executive director of the East Bay 
Center for the Performing Arts where she has led the organization with 
strategic vision since 2021. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated and 
passionate leader who has touched the lives of countless students and 
staff. Since taking the position, Ruthie has helped increase the 
funding for the East Bay Center from $3.2M to $4.2M and in doing so has 
helped raise wages for the Center's staff. Ruthie is also leading the 
Center's Strategic Plan, requiring organizational and cultural changes 
to the operation, doing so while maintaining high faculty and staff 
morale. Her work makes the school a more vibrant place for every 
student and helps many discover new talents and interests which may 
otherwise go unnoticed. Ruthie embodies the mission of the East Bay 
Center of the Performing Arts to engage with students in the community 
through the world of performance traditions.
  She is also an active member of her community who has been involved 
in a number of initiatives including Healthy Richmond, the Invest in 
Youth Coalition, and the planning group for the Blueprint to Prevent 
Interpersonal Violence in Contra Costa County. In everything she does, 
Ruthie finds ways to bring positive change to her community.
  On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, 
it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Ruthie Dineen for her positive 
contributions to our community.

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