[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 7, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARY ROSE WILCOX

  (Ms. ANSARI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ANSARI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor local Phoenix 
trailblazer and community leader, Mary Rose Wilcox.
  As the first Hispanic woman ever elected to the Phoenix City Council 
and Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Mary Rose spent her career in 
public service standing up for our vibrant immigrant and Latino 
communities and lifting up underserved neighborhoods like south 
Phoenix, the west valley, and Grant Park.
  Even in her retirement, she and her husband Earl continue to bring 
the community together, utilizing their restaurant, El Portal, as a 
gathering space for advocacy and organizing.
  She has been a huge inspiration to me in my career. More than 
anything, Mary Rose shows all of us what it means to be a fighter. 
Despite having faced discrimination, threats, and even violence, Mary 
Rose stands tall as an example of the resilient spirit of Phoenix.
  I was so glad to see Mary Rose recently honored with a ceremonial 
street sign at Second Avenue and Grant Street, now named Mary Rose 
Wilcox Way. This weekend, I was honored to attend the celebration for 
the new Mary Rose Wilcox Health Center in Grant Park.

  Mr. Speaker, I thank her for her service and kindness.

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