[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E664-E665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING GLORIA ORTIZ-FISHER FOR HER ACHIEVEMENTS WITH THE WESTSIDE 
                  HOUSING ORGANIZATION IN KANSAS CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Gloria Ortiz-
Fisher for receiving the prestigious 2024 Mid-America Regional Council 
Regional Leadership Award. Gloria has bettered the lives of countless 
people in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District through her 
remarkable work as the Executive Director for the Westside Housing 
Organization. This award serves as a testament to her lifelong 
commitment to supporting her community.
  Born in Kansas City--the same city she would later serve--Gloria 
graduated from Park University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting 
and from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School with an MBA. Since 
then, she boasts over 30 years of work experience in the field of 
finance, using her skills to make an impact on her fellow Kansas 
Citians. Notably, she served as the Director of Finance and Purchasing 
for Jackson County, Missouri, from

[[Page E665]]

2003 to 2007 and served as a member of its environmental task force, 
promoting energy efficiency across all County departments. A naturally 
helpful and supportive person, Gloria first started working with the 
Westside Housing Organization in 2011 at the request of a friend in 
need, as there was a vacancy on the board. The rest is history.
  Gloria's passion for community service and volunteerism eventually 
earned her the title of Executive Director of the Westside Housing 
Organization, which was founded on these very principles in 1973. The 
group began as Kansas City neighbors joined forces to save their 
communities from degradation and destruction, forming a local non-
profit development group now known as the Westside Housing 
Organization. With over four decades of experience, growth, and 
appreciation, the Westside Housing Organization prides itself on 
working, ``at the intersection of home, health, energy, and equity.'' 
It not only builds new housing in Kansas City, but also provides 
essential repair and restoration efforts to citizens who are unable to 
afford these costs.
  Though it has expanded far beyond a small group of neighbors 
repairing homes, the Westside Housing Organization has maintained the 
neighborly sentiment that founded the organization so long ago thanks 
to Gloria's diligent leadership. Gloria has brought far more than 
remodeled roofs, pristine paint, or functioning furnaces to 
disadvantaged neighborhoods--she also brings care and dignity to the 
people she serves. It is through Gloria that the houses and residences 
the Westside Housing Organization works on become homes and 
communities.
  Gloria's impact on communities is as wide-reaching as it is 
essential. Beginning with her work for Jackson County, Gloria has 
worked tirelessly to address ongoing climate concerns and their harsh 
impact on housing for underprivileged populations. She constantly 
advocates for sustainability and environmentally friendly housing 
initiatives, saving lower-income households major costs. Her push for 
climate sustainability extends beyond her job requirements. Only a year 
into her role as Executive Director, the Westside Housing Organization 
was granted with a ``Green Designation'' from NeighborWorks America for 
being committed to sustainability. Gloria also serves as Commissioner 
of the Mayor's Energy Task Force, promoting environmental consciousness 
throughout the city.
  Gloria pours her heart and soul into bettering the lives of Kansas 
Citians--whether that be in or out of the professional sphere. In her 
free time, she serves as a mentor for young Latino students in the 
University of Missouri-Kansas City's Avanzado program and is an active 
member and Community Leader of the Christ Community Church. Her record 
of relentless service reminds me of Hebrews 13:16:--``And do not forget 
to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is 
pleased.'' Gloria continues to serve as a shining example of helping 
others in need, and I am filled with pride at her commitment to 
service.
  With Gloria's devotion to the people of Kansas City, I cannot think 
of a more deserving recipient of the 2024 MARC Regional Leadership 
Award. Recipients of this award have embodied excellence and made 
meaningful contributions to the Greater Kansas City region. As a former 
recipient of this award, I am incredibly pleased to have Ms. Ortiz-
Fisher join the cohort of those who have been granted this honor for 
their leadership and service, and I am honored to share this award with 
her. May this achievement express the profound appreciation the people 
of Kansas City, including myself, have for her. Gloria is truly a 
neighbor for all Kansas Citians and will continue to have a remarkable 
living legacy in this city--one that will be felt for generations.

                          ____________________