[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5327-H5328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF CRISTINA VILLAREAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich 
contributions to our Nation, I rise to recognize my constituent, 
Cristina Villareal, for her dedication and advocacy to champion Latinas 
in our Nation.
  Cristina's career, from her roles in the city of Chicago to Cook 
County, reflects a deep commitment to social justice and equity. As 
chief officer of external affairs at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, 
Cristina has tirelessly worked to ensure that Illinois remains an 
abortion haven for the Midwest, defending the right of every woman to 
bodily autonomy and to access the reproductive care they need and 
deserve when they need it.
  Cristina has also served as the president of the Chicago chapter of 
the National Organization for Women, amplifying the voices of Latinas 
and ensuring they exercise their right to vote.
  Her work is inspired by the world she wants to build for her two 
daughters, Catalina, who is watching now, and Camila.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend 
Cristina Villareal for her unwavering dedication to justice, to equity 
for Latinas and all women, and her invaluable service to her community 
and to our State as a ``powerful Latina,'' ``poderosa Latina.''
  Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate Cristina.


                In Recognition of Rogelio ``Roy'' Soria

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich 
contributions to this Nation, I am proud today to recognize Rogelio 
``Roy'' Soria of the Transportation Workers Union of America Local 556 
for his tireless advocacy for worker rights.
  As a shop steward, executive board member for his local, and 
recording secretary of the Chicago metro chapter of the Labor Council 
for Latin-American Advancement, Roy has dedicated himself to building a 
multiracial unity as we fight for fair wages, for dignity, and for 
justice.
  Because of Roy's leadership, we passed the 2022 Illinois Workers' 
Rights Amendment, enshrining the right of employees to organize and 
bargain collectively in Illinois, and expanded the Illinois Sick Leave 
Act to 30,000 aviation workers in Illinois.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend 
Rogelio ``Roy'' Soria for his unwavering commitment to worker 
solidarity and the power of collective action.
  Mr. Speaker, ``congratulations,'' ``felicidades'' to Roy, and I thank 
him for his incredible leadership.

                              {time}  1045


                          Honoring Hugo Manzo

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich 
contributions to our Nation, I rise to honor Hugo Manzo, a champion for 
Latino representation in the trades, for his unwavering commitment to 
organized labor and Latino empowerment.
  Initiated into the Painters Local Union 33 in 1993 as a drywall 
finisher, Hugo was the very first Mexican American hired by Painters 
District Council 14.
  In 2014, Hugo became the first Mexican elected business 
representative for Painters District Council 14, overseeing the work of 
Will and Grundy Counties.
  He later served as the director of organizing, driving efforts to 
unionize nonunion sites and industries, providing workers with the 
option to, for the very first time, collectively negotiate wages, 
hours, working conditions, and their own welfare.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I 
commend Hugo Manzo and join workers throughout Illinois to thank him 
for his leadership.


                       Honoring Stephanie Chavez

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich 
contributions to this entire Nation, I rise to honor my constituent, 
Stephanie Chavez, a proud first-generation Mexican American from 
Glendale Heights, Illinois.
  The daughter of Maria and Tomas Chavez, Stephanie has spent her life 
pursuing a career as a secondary social studies teacher. She believes 
that education is a tool for collective liberation and has committed to 
teaching the next generation about the history and policies of our 
Nation and to teach our young people to be proud of our roots, many of 
those immigrant roots, and

[[Page H5328]]

how to engage and shape a brighter, more equitable future.
  Her dedication and hard work have led to her being awarded the 2024 
Outstanding Graduate by the College of DuPage Foundation.
  I had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the incredible leadership and 
positive example that Stephanie sets for her children at Glen Ellyn 
Children's Resource Center in my district.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I 
commend and thank Stephanie for her passion and dedication. She is an 
inspiration to all of us, especially young Latinas dreaming of a future 
of liberation like I do.

                          ____________________