[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10273]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CARMELA SANDOVAL AND MARIA SANCHEZ, RECIPIENTS OF THE AMERICAN 
                              DREAM AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
sisters, Ms. Carmela Sandoval and Ms. Maria Sanchez, whom I have 
selected to receive the American Dream Award for California's 5th 
Congressional District. This award recognizes the achievements of 
immigrants in my district who have made remarkable contributions to our 
communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, 
Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community Service. Ms. Sandoval and 
Ms. Sanchez are very deserving of this award and recognition.
  Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Sanchez are daughters of Mexican immigrants to 
the United States. Together they own and manage Bere's Bridal and 
Christening Wear in Vallejo, California. They are both successful and 
inspiring community leaders.
  Prior to moving to Vallejo, Ms. Sandoval and Ms. Sanchez grew up and 
attended school in Los Angeles. Though she loved school, Maria had to 
withdraw to begin working to support her family. Their diligence, 
perseverance and sacrifice for their family at such a young age 
embodies the ideals of the American dream and foreshadows their future 
roles as dedicated community leaders in Vallejo, California.
  Carmela and Maria volunteer regularly for Vallejo Together, a 
nonprofit in our community that provides resources to homeless 
individuals. They also volunteer for Centro Latino, an organization 
that advocates for Latino youth in Vallejo. Every year, the sisters 
organize a holiday ``posada'' for underserved children, which includes 
a gift drive and a hot meal for all the youth in attendance. While 
Carmela and Maria are ambitious leaders, they remain humble and willing 
to lend a helping hand. Both sisters take pride in being loving 
parents, and, for Maria, being a grandparent as well.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Ms. Carmela Sandoval and Ms. Maria Sanchez 
for their achievements and for enriching our community. It is fitting 
and proper that we honor them here today with the American Dream Award.

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