[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. LOURDES ``LULU'' BLACKSMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2024

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Lourdes 
``Lulu'' Blacksmith on her retirement and to honor her many years of 
dedicated service to communities across Kane County and beyond.
  Dr. Blacksmith's Journey is a testament to the American Dream. Born 
in Querendaro, Michoacan, Mexico, she arrived in the United States in 
1974, embracing a new land with open arms and a thirst for opportunity.
  Her career path reflects a commitment to public service and community 
engagement. Dr. Blacksmith began her exemplary career as the Manager of 
Community Outreach at AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, 
Illinois. She went on to serve as the Director of Community Relations 
and District Press Secretary for the Speaker of the U.S. House of 
Representatives, demonstrating her ability to navigate the complexities 
of government and advocate for the needs of constituents. Most 
recently, she served as the Managing Director of Community Engagement 
and Legislative Affairs for Elgin Community College, where she helped 
bridge the gap between education and the community.
  In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Blacksmith has 
dedicated herself to empowering marginalized communities. In 1999, she 
founded Companeros en Salud, an organization that provides vital 
healthcare resources to the Hispanic community and other diverse 
groups. Her commitment to social justice is evident in her active 
membership in numerous organizations, including the Chicago 
Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), the Community Foundation of 
the Fox River Valley, RISE of South Elgin, and the St. Charles Chamber 
of Commerce.
  Dr. Blacksmith's tireless efforts have been recognized with numerous 
awards including the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation's 
Latino Leadership Award, the Quad County Urban League's ``Women of 
Power'' Award, and the Chicago Latino Network's Latina Professionals 
Award.
  Her academic achievements are equally impressive. Dr. Blacksmith 
earned her Doctor of Education degree in Leadership in Higher Education 
and Organizational Change from Benedictine University, a Masters degree 
in Higher Education Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University, 
her Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Multicultural 
Studies from DePaul University, and an Associate's degree in Applied 
Sciences from Waubonsee Community College.
  Mr Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Lourdes ``Lulu'' Blacksmith. Her 
dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others 
have left an indelible mark on our community. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating her as she embarks on this new chapter in her 
life with her husband Steve, two daughters Nikki and Stefanie, and her 
grandchildren Sophia and Stephen. We wish her the best in her well-
deserved retirement, and we express our gratitude for her contributions 
to Kane County and the Nation.

                          ____________________