[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 124 (Monday, July 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING PEMBA SHERPA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pemba 
Sherpa, a leader and community-rooted entrepreneur who has been named 
California's 4th Congressional District 2025 American Dream Award 
Recipient for Sonoma County. This award recognizes the achievements of 
immigrants in our district who have made remarkable contributions to 
our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional 
Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Mr. Sherpa was born and raised in Namche, Nepal, a small village in 
the Himalayas. Mr. Sherpa came to the United States in 1997 with a 
dream of pursuing a college education. In 2002, he received his 
bachelor's degree in business administration from Manchester College in 
Indiana. Mr. Sherpa then moved to the town of Sonoma where he and his 
business partner opened the first location of the Taste of the 
Himalayas in 2003. In 2009, while pursuing his master's degree, Mr. 
Sherpa enrolled in the International Culinary Center in Campell. Today, 
Sonoma County knows Pemba for his tireless work ethic, entrepreneurship 
and leadership. He is the owner of Farmhouse Sonoma and multiple 
locations of Taste of the Himalayas. Mr. Sherpa is also president of 
the Himalayan Sherpa Club and a member of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of 
Commerce. Mr. Sherpa's most important role is that of a proud husband 
to his wife, Tenzin, and father to their children, Osel and Rigsel.
  Mr. Sherpa has created more than jobs, cultivating a welcoming space 
for different cultures to blend. Mr. Sherpa prioritizes local sourcing, 
sustainable practices and uses his businesses to support community 
events. Mr. Sherpa has organized and contributed to numerous 
fundraisers benefiting wildfire relief, local families in crisis and 
public-school initiatives. Whether feeding first responders or helping 
a neighbor in need, he consistently shows up to provide generosity and 
care for our community.
  As president of the Himalayan Sherpa Club, Mr. Sherpa leads efforts 
to preserve Himalayan heritage. He has played a key role in organizing 
cultural festivals, fundraising dinners and community aid drives, 
particularly during natural disasters and local emergencies. His 
involvement spans civic, cultural and philanthropic engagement always 
with a commitment to support others in Sonoma County, the place he now 
calls home.
  His journey is a testament to the American promise of opportunity and 
his strength of character. Admired for his generosity, resilience and 
innovation, Mr. Sherpa embodies all pillars of what it means to not 
only achieve the American Dream, but also share it with others.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor Pemba Sherpa for 
his innovation, leadership and dedication to California's 4th 
Congressional District.

                          ____________________