[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1305-H1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMENDING IVELISSE DIAZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Latina, a 
music prodigy, a cultural worker, a mother, and a constituent: La 
Bombera de Corazon, Ivelisse Diaz.
  Born and raised in Humboldt Park to a Puerto Rican family, Ivelisse 
found her calling in life at the age of 5 when she started studying the 
traditional Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba.
  Over her 24-year career, audiences in Seattle, California, Detroit, 
Puerto Rico, New York, Mexico, and Ghana have been moved, enthralled, 
and educated by Ivelisse's artistry and passion.
  A trailblazer in so many ways, she is the recipient of the 
prestigious 2019 3Arts Award for her contribution to the arts.
  La Bombera has gone on to ensure the preservation of Bomba by 
founding La Escuelita Bombera de Corazon, where she shares her 
knowledge of the history, the culture, and music of Afro-Indigenous 
culture.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my honor 
to commend Ivelisse Diaz for her work preserving culture and passing 
the torch to the next generation of Bomberas.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate Ivelisse.


                       Commending Diana Martinez

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Diana Martinez, a 
powerful Latina voice for our art, culture, and community in Illinois' 
Third District.
  The proud daughter of a Salvadoran immigrant single mother, Diana 
demonstrated an early passion for creativity and the arts.
  A Glen Ellyn native, she started her young career by participating in 
the Park District's theater programs and then nurtured her love for 
theater at Glenbard West High School and the University of Illinois.
  In her current leadership role directing the McAninch Arts Center, 
Diana curates culturally impactful art experiences in DuPage County, 
including bringing major exhibits to our region featuring renowned 
paintings from legends like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.
  As an active and engaged neighbor, Diana seeks to protect and 
preserve her community's cultural and historic character through her 
work with Protect Glen Ellyn and Save Main.
  For her dedication to art as a powerful means of building community, 
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behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my great honor 
to commend Diana Martinez for her dedication to service and leadership. 
Congratulations to Diana.


                Commending Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Hernandez

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of a 
Latina trailblazer and champion for working-class individuals across my 
home State of Illinois, the one, the only, State representative 
Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Hernandez.
  Representative Hernandez is the highest ranking and longest serving 
Latina in the Illinois State Assembly, and she was recently elected the 
chair of the Illinois Democratic Party where she continues to ensure 
that Latinas are represented and recognized across our State.
  As the current deputy majority leader in the General Assembly, she 
has been an advocate for quality higher education accessibility, a 
leader for reproductive rights and liberties, a champion for climate 
justice and natural disaster relief, and a defender for healthcare for 
all.
  Whether organizing food drives to support local families or 
spearheading grant workshops to help small businesses thrive, 
Representative Lisa Hernandez is an inspiration for all Latinas in 
Illinois.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my 
greatest honor to commend ``my friend,'' ``mi amiga,'' my colleague for 
her commitment to public service and tireless work to make Illinois a 
safe and welcoming State for women, migrants, and everyone who desires 
to call it home.
  It is my honor to congratulate Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Hernandez with this 
commendation.

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