[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 61 (Thursday, April 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MINERVA SOLLA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2026

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life 
and legacy of Minerva Solla, a tireless advocate for working people, 
whose commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights has spanned more 
than five decades. I recognize her in honor of Women's History Month.
  From her earliest days as a community organizer in New York City, 
Minerva has dedicated her life to empowering workers and strengthening 
communities. Her journey into labor activism began at the early age of 
15 years old while working part-time at Bell Telephone, where a strike 
by the Communications Workers of America opened her eyes to the 
transformative power of organized labor.
  In 1972, while working at Roosevelt Hospital, Minerva helped lead a 
historic 47-day strike that resulted in union representation through 
1199SEIU. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a lifelong 
commitment to the labor movement. She went on to serve in numerous 
organizing roles within 1199, helping to build it into one of the most 
influential unions in the Nation while organizing workers across New 
York City and the Hudson Valley.
  Since knowing her, Minerva has been a proud champion of social 
justice and Puerto Rican cultural heritage. She founded the 1199 
Latinos Unidos Committee, uplifting Latino voices within the labor 
movement and beyond. Her leadership extended into cultural advocacy 
across New York State, as well as humanitarian efforts, including 
coordinating medical missions in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
  Even in retirement, Minerva never wavered. Through her work with the 
New York State Nurses Association, she has led political action 
campaigns and played a key role in advancing landmark legislation, 
including Paid Family Leave and the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act.
  Today, Minerva continues to serve her community with distinction as 
Chairperson of the Red Carpet for Social Justice Women's Coalition, 
Executive Vice President of the Westchester Chapter of the Labor 
Council for Latin American Advancement (AFL-CIO), and Vice President of 
the Retiree Division of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Her 
presence remains a powerful force in community organizing, labor 
advocacy, and social justice movements. Her unwavering dedication 
continues to inspire generations of leaders and advocates.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Minerva Solla for her remarkable contributions and lifelong commitment 
to workers' rights, cultural pride, and community empowerment. Her 
legacy stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for us all.

                          ____________________