[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARIA CISNEROS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria 
Eduviges Lopez-Cisneros, whom I have named the 2024 Woman of the Year 
for Napa County because of her excellent work in our community. Woman 
of the Year recognizes women who contributed significantly to 
California's 4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service.
  Mrs. Cisneros was born in Jalisco, Mexico. She is one of 10 siblings 
and has been married to Gonzalo Cisneros for 25 years. They have a 
daughter named Maya ``Yuni'' Cisneros. Mrs. Cisneros received a 
bachelor's degree in Spanish literature and Culture from Sonoma State 
University and a master's degree in counseling from Sonoma State 
University. She also earned an Educational Leadership Credential from 
Sonoma State University.
  Mrs. Cisneros is a prominent leader in quality education for 
students. She is an outstanding member of our community, having served 
on countless commissions and organizations throughout Napa County, 
including the Association of California Schools Administration, Fair 
Housing Napa Valley Board Member, Mentis Board Member, Napa Valley 
Community Foundation, Napa County Hispanic Network, and as a member of 
various other community organizations. Ms. Cisneros' dedication as a 
public servant is apparent.
  Notably, Mrs. Cisneros has been an advocate of programs that support 
first-generation college-bound students. Over her 29 years in the Napa 
Valley Unified School District (NVUSD), she has been critical in 
implementing the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 
program, increasing the number of students attending Summer Search, and 
working with the organization 10,000 Degrees. Mrs. Cisneros is a first-
generation college graduate who was given many opportunities by her 
local high school community and college and has continued to pay-it-
forward.
  As a current principal of Valley Oak High School and Napa Valley 
Independent Studies, Mrs. Cisneros is a principal who understands the 
many challenges and needs of her students while also being able to 
balance that with pushing students academically to their highest 
potential. As a former counselor, Mrs. Cisneros can step into any 
problematic or delicate situation with students, families, or even 
staff and truly listen with ears and a heart to understand others. It 
is a combination of her wisdom, compassion, and strength that makes her 
such a great leader.
  Mrs. Cisneros' incredible impact on our community has been recognized 
by many. In 2023, she was named the Association of California School 
Administrators (ACSA) Alternative Education/Educational Options 
Principal of the Year. She received the 2021 Napa Valley Center for 
Spiritual Living Celebrating Compassion in Action Award. In 2018, she 
received the Napa County Hispanic Chamber ``Blend of Cultures'' 
Harvesting the Future Award. These are just some awards that exemplify 
Mrs. Cisneros' constant and unwavering dedication to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Mrs. Cisneros for her excellent service and 
passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her 
here today as Napa County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

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