[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         HONORING ROSA FIGUEROA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 2025

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosa Figueroa as 
she retires after 18 remarkable years as the Director of the LaGuardia 
Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In this 
vital position, Rosa oversaw the Center's small business services and 
spearheaded economic development initiatives that has left a lasting 
legacy. Her tireless dedication and leadership have been instrumental 
in ensuring the success and growth of small businesses, particularly 
those in the Sunnyside, Woodside, and neighboring Queens communities.
  Rosa's commitment to fostering small business development has had a 
profound impact on Queens and New York City as a whole. Notably, she 
has been a staunch advocate for minority and women-owned entrepreneurs, 
providing them with the resources and support needed to thrive in a 
competitive market.
  The LaGuardia SBDC assists approximately 3,000 small businesses 
across Queens, New York each year through its comprehensive advising 
and education programs. Recognizing the crucial role these small 
businesses play in New York City's economy, Rosa ensured that the SBDC 
was an accessible and valuable resource for all small business owners. 
Her years of dedicated service have positioned the LaGuardia SBDC to 
continue its mission of supporting small businesses well into the 
future.
  In addition to her outstanding role at the SBDC, Rosa has served on 
numerous boards and as a member of various business, trade, and civic 
organizations. Through these roles, she has tirelessly promoted small 
business and community partnerships, fostering local economic vitality. 
Rosa has received numerous accolades for her exceptional service and 
unwavering commitment to our state and community.
  On behalf of the small business community in Queens, I extend my 
deepest gratitude to Rosa Figueroa for her unwavering dedication and 
significant contributions. Her efforts have made our city a better 
place to live, work, and launch a business. I am honored to recognize 
and congratulate Rosa on her well-deserved retirement and wish her the 
best of luck in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________