[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 78 (Monday, May 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KAREN URBANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Karen 
Urbano, whom I have named the 2024 Woman of the Year for Yolo County 
because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year 
recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 
4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional 
Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Ms. Urbano was born in Oakland, California. She lives in Woodland, CA 
with her husband Ramon and their three sons. She received her 
bachelor's degree from the University of CaIifornia, Davis, and 
Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Montclair State College. She also 
received her certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from 
the University of California, Irvine.
  Ms. Urbano is a prominent leader in the voting rights community, She 
is an outstanding member of our community, having served countless 
organizations throughout Yolo County. For example, she has served as 
both President and Vice President of the Woodland League of Women 
Voters. Some of her notable achievements as President and longtime 
member of the League of Women Voters of Woodland include working to 
register voters at local high schools, aiming to encourage the 
participation of citizens in their government, and observing various 
governmental meetings. She has also hosted forums for candidates 
running for local office and ballot issues, as well as informational 
forums on issues as varied as redistricting in California and climate 
change. Ms. Urbano has also partnered with local governments to inform 
and advocate for issues approved by the local League as well as the 
California and U.S. Leagues. Her dedication to these issues, and 
unwavering commitment to justice and equity for all, make her 
exceptionally deserving of this award.
  Her impact is not solely limited to activism with the League of Women 
Voters. Ms. Urbano has generously donated to the Yolo County chapter of 
100 Women Who Care, and to the UC Davis Chancellor's Club. She has 
served as a board member of the University Farm Circle in Davis. She 
has also served as a docent of the Woodland Stroll through History, and 
as a Paralegal at the Legal Services of Union and Middlesex counties in 
New Jersey. In addition, she has served as an instructor of ESL at 
Santa Ana College in Orange County. This dedication to worthy causes 
both inside and outside of Yolo County is awe-inspiring.
  Ms. Urbano is also active in our community through religious 
organizations. She serves on the board of the Unitarian Universalist 
Justice Ministry of California and the Unitarian Universalist Ministry 
for Earth. She has also been a board member and chalice lighter 
coordinator for the Pacific Central District of the Unitarian 
Universalist Association.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Ms. Karen Urbano for her excellent service and 
passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her 
here today as Yolo County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

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