[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JEANNETTE VARELA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 31, 2009

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Jeannette Varela, a successful entrepreneur with a commitment to 
her community.
  Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Jeannette was the second of eight 
children. At the age of eighteen, Jeannette left her home country with 
just thirty dollars and a limited grasp of English. She came to the 
United States seeking a new life in the ``land of opportunity.'' 
Jeannette found work in various jobs to make ends meet, eventually 
working in the heavy equipment industry in Miami, Florida.
  She has a heart for helping others, has been recognized for her 
philanthropic endeavors and is a respected community leader.
  As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in 
honoring Jeannette Varela.

                          ____________________