[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E987-E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING KIM CASTANEDA AS ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL 
                      DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kim Castaneda, 
recognized as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of 
the Year. Kim has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a lifelong 
dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities throughout 
Solano County. For more than twenty-five years, Ms. Castaneda has 
exemplified what it means to serve others. Through her work in the 
nonprofit sector, she has guided organizations through growth, crisis, 
and transformation, with a focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable 
are not left behind. As Vice President of Development and 
Communications at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Ms. 
Castaneda has raised millions of dollars to fight hunger and played an 
instrumental role in doubling private donations, ensuring that 
thousands of families have consistent access to nutritious food. Her 
leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially remarkable. At a 
time when food insecurity reached unprecedented levels, she rallied 
staff, volunteers, and community partners to secure critical resources 
and distribute millions of additional meals.
  Under her guidance, the Food Bank never turned anyone away and 
continues today to serve more than 65,000 households each month. She 
was also a founding board member of the Vacaville Recreation Foundation 
and helped establish the first Boys and Girls Club in Vacaville, 
expanding opportunities for local youth that endure to this day. She 
has also served on the Board of SafeQuest Solano, supporting survivors 
of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her commitment to equity and 
inclusion is reflected in her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, foster youth, 
and women's empowerment, and in her leadership roles with key 
organizations including the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the 
Solano Economic Development Council, and the Travis Credit Union 
Foundation. In each of these, she has championed small business 
development, workforce opportunities, and economic inclusion. Her work 
stands as a testament to

[[Page E988]]

the power of service-driven leadership, and the lasting impact one 
person can make. On behalf of the people of California's 8th 
Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Kim 
Castaneda for her invaluable contributions to our community.

                          ____________________