[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 40 (Monday, March 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING NORMA FERRIZ de MASSARO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Norma 
Ferriz de Massaro. I have named Ms. Ferriz de Massaro as the California 
4th District's Woman of the Year for Napa County because of her 
excellent work in our community. This honor recognizes women who have 
made important contribations to California's 4th Congressional District 
in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and 
Innovation or Community Service.
  Born in Mexico City, Ms. Ferriz de Massaro immigrated to the United 
States in 2007 and became a naturalized citizen in 2013. She holds a 
Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma 
de Mexico, where she was awarded the prestigious Medalla Gabino Barreda 
for academic excellence. She went on to earn a master's degree in 
public administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Organization 
Administration from the University of Washington. Ms. Ferriz de Massaro 
was also the recipient of the Fulbright-Garcia Robles Scholarship and 
the MacArthur-Ford-Hewlett Scholarship during her studies. She further 
expanded her expertise by earning an Associate Degree in Accounting 
from Napa Valley College and achieving certification as an Advanced 
Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional.
  Ms. Ferriz de Massaro has been a pillar of the Napa Valley community 
for nearly two decades. She currently serves as the Finance and 
Operations Director for the Up Valley Family Centers of Napa County, 
where she has been a dedicated staff member for the past 17 years, 
strengthening programs that provide vital support to local families. 
She has also been an active member of numerous civic and nonprofit 
organizations, including Soroptimist International St. Helena Sunrise, 
the St. Helena Star Editorial Board, the St. Helena Library Committee, 
the St. Helena Library Foundation, the St. Helena Multicultural 
Committee, and the Napa Valley Community Foundation's Community 
Programs and Grants Committee. Her leadership in these organizations 
has helped make our community more inclusive. Additionally, Ms. Ferriz 
de Massaro led a Girl Scout Troop in St. Helena for 12 years, mentoring 
Latina girls and providing them with opportunities for growth, 
leadership, and joy.
  Her dedication to public service was recognized in 2019 when she was 
named St. Helena Citizen of the Year. She further deepened her 
engagement with community leadership as a participant in the 2020 
Leadership Napa Valley program, gaining insight into the inner workings 
of local governance.
  Ms. Ferriz de Massaro is widely known for her enthusiasm, positivity, 
and ability to bring people together. Whether through social media, 
community outreach, or personal connections, she works tirelessly to 
link individuals with resources, foster collaboration, and turn good 
ideas into great initiatives. She embodies the words of Mr. Rogers: 
``Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'' 
Ms. Ferriz de Massaro is one of those helpers, always ready to support 
others with her energy and optimism.
  Beyond her professional and civic contributions, Ms. Ferriz de 
Massaro and her husband, Evan Massaro share a love for adventure. Each 
year, they embark on multi-week cycling or trekking journeys, embracing 
exploration both at home and abroad. Her passion for life and community 
shines through in everything she does.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Ferriz de Massaro for her remarkable service 
and dedication to our Napa Valley community. Through her leadership, 
advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and empowerment, she 
has left an indelible impact on those around her. It is fitting and 
proper that I honor her here today.

                          ____________________