[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO LISA KAWAMURA--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 19, 2025

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Lisa 
Kawamura of Arroyo Grande, California.
  For more than 25 years, Lisa has been a dedicated lecturer in the 
Department of Communication Studies at California Polytechnic State 
University, San Luis Obispo. She has taught hundreds of students in 
public speaking, performance studies, and forensics, leaving a lasting 
mark as a mentor and role model. Beyond the classroom, she has served 
as the longtime advisor to the Nikkei Student Union Club, ensuring that 
students have a supportive community and opportunities for leadership.
  Lisa's leadership extends well beyond the campus. As President of the 
Cal Poly Chapter of the California Faculty Association and as Chair of 
the statewide Committee on Contract Development and Bargaining 
Strategy, she has been a steadfast advocate for fair pay, equity, and 
improved working conditions for all California State University 
faculty. She also represents her peers on the CFA statewide Board of 
Directors, amplifying the voices of faculty throughout the CSU system. 
Her commitment to equity is evident in her leadership of CalFac's Anti-
Racism and Social Justice workshops, which she regularly co-leads 
across California. As a Japanese-American woman and longtime Central 
Coast resident, she brings both lived experience and deep empathy to 
her work, encouraging other women of color to speak up, advocate for 
themselves, and pursue leadership opportunities.
  Lisa's service to the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American 
community is equally significant. She is a member of the CFA APIDA 
Caucus and previously served as Chair, working to advance visibility 
and representation at Cal Poly and across the CSU system. She is also 
active with Tsuru for Solidarity, a social justice organization 
dedicated to supporting immigrant rights and providing healing spaces 
for those impacted by incarceration--both historically during World War 
II and in the present day.
  Lisa Kawamura is well known for her kindness, availability, and 
integrity. She is ``only a phone call away'' for her colleagues and 
students, and she consistently uplifts others by making sure their 
voices are heard. She has become a trusted mentor, dynamic public 
speaker, and respected leader in the Central Coast community.
  I am honored to recognize Lisa Kawamura for her lifelong commitment 
to education, equity, and justice. I ask all Members to join me today 
in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional 
District, Lisa Kawamura, for her outstanding service to her students, 
colleagues, and community.

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