[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E253-E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ZOE PRIETO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2025

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable 
woman whose lifelong dedication to service has profoundly impacted the 
lives of countless children and families in South Florida. Zoe Prieto, 
a devoted leader, mother, grandmother, and cancer survivor, has spent 
decades ensuring that children in need receive the resources, support, 
and opportunities they otherwise might not.
  For the past 13 years, Zoe has served as President of the Children in 
Action Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1996 to 
support underserved children in Miami-Dade County and beyond. From the 
moment she took on this role, she has remained relentless in her 
pursuit of guaranteeing that the Foundation live out its mission of 
``Making a Difference One Child at a Time''.
  Under Zoe's leadership, the Foundation has provided school supplies, 
holiday meals, Christmas gifts, and financial assistance for medical 
treatments to children and families who need them most. Operating 
entirely through volunteer efforts, the organization has grown to serve 
28 elementary schools across communities in South Florida, impacting 
the lives of countless families across Florida's 26th congressional 
district. Through every season of the year, Zoe and the Children in 
Action Foundation are present to serve our community. At the start of 
the school year, the Foundation personally delivers backpacks

[[Page E254]]

filled with school supplies to 350 students. At Thanksgiving, 200 
families receive baskets filled with turkeys and meal essentials. 
During the holiday season, over 400 children gather for a Christmas toy 
giveaway, where they are treated to a day of games and a special 
holiday meal. Every child receives a wrapped toy, and 100 bicycles are 
raffled to spread even more joy. No matter the time of year, and in 
instances where many families feel the strain the most, Zoe and the 
Foundation are there to stand in the breach.
  Looking to the future, Zoe and her team are working to expand their 
impact even further by launching summer and after-school programs that 
will provide children, including those with special needs, with 
opportunities to grow and develop strong values of good citizenship and 
volunteerism. Their undying drive to serve and to meet the members of 
our community where they are only serves to build on their growing 
legacy across South Florida.
  Beyond her leadership, Zoe's personal resilience serves as an 
inspiration to all who know her. A brave cancer survivor of 37 years, 
she has long embodied the spirit of hope and of perseverance and has 
pushed through adversity to share that with those around her. Through 
her efforts, she has given children joy when starting a new school year 
and given parents the relief of knowing their child can receive the 
medical care they need.
  Zoe Prieto is a shining example in our community of a servant leader. 
Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and 
families exemplifies the true spirit of Women's History Month. It is 
with great admiration and appreciation that I recognize and celebrate 
Zoe Prieto's contributions toward ``Making a Difference One Child at a 
Time''.

                          ____________________