[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 68 (Monday, April 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING DANIELLE ROBERTS
______
HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 21, 2025
Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and
celebrate Danielle Roberts, a cause-driven leader whose unwavering
passion and commitment to community have made a profound impact
throughout Western New York.
In her role as Vice President of Community Impact, Ms. Roberts
oversees YMCA Buffalo Niagara's association-wide fundraising and
outreach initiatives and leads major community programs, including the
iconic YMCA Turkey Trot--the oldest consecutively run footrace in the
world. She also played a key leadership role in the YMCA's Capital
Campaign to construct a new 65,000-square-foot state-of-the-art
facility that will expand access to health and wellness resources for
everyone in Western New York to enjoy.
A staunch advocate for equity, Ms. Roberts has worked to close racial
disparities in swim instruction and water safety, particularly among
African-American teens, who face significantly higher risks of drowning
due to a lack of access. Under her guidance, the William-Emslie YMCA
and its partners are building pathways for competitive swimming and
promoting safety education in historically underserved communities.
Beyond her YMCA work, Ms. Roberts serves as a national trainer for
YUSA, specializing in diversity and cultural lens training. Her
extensive background includes experience in banking, treasury
management, education, public speaking, grant writing, and the
performing arts. She is also the Executive Director of Entertaining
Angels Productions, a faith-based arts organization, and a classically
trained dancer. Earlier in her career, she proudly performed as a
professional NFL cheerleader with the Buffalo Bills as a Buffalo Jill.
Mr. Speaker, Danielle Robert's extraordinary service and leadership
to the people of Western New York continues to inspire us all to live
by the values of citizenship, community service, and integrity, and to
make a meaningful impact wherever we can. Her example serves as a
beacon of what it means to be a good neighbor in the ``City of Good
Neighbors'' and a leader who embodies the very best of what we can
achieve for the greater good, and we are all the better for it.
____________________