Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1610-E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO PAULA PENEBAKER
______
HON. GWEN MOORE
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the career and
ongoing legacy of Milwaukee's own Paula Penebaker. Ms. Penebaker, the
President & CEO of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of
Southeast Wisconsin, is retiring on December 31, 2019.
Paula enjoyed a successful career in the for-profit sector in the
Management Systems Division at The Procter & Gamble Company and later
with First Wisconsin Bank in Training & Development, departing as the
Vice President & Diversity Manager, prior to joining YWCA. She decided
to take her talents to the non-profit sector and joined YWCA as the
Chief Human Resources and Facilities Officer in 1999. Five years later,
she was appointed Executive Director and later designated the President
& CEO of the agency.
As the head of this prestigious organization, Paula was dedicated to
eliminating racism and improving the lives of all women. Under her
leadership, the YWCA strategically promoted and advanced racial
justice, economic empowerment, and health and safety for women and
girls of color. The programs offered included High School Equivalency
Diploma and GED Preparation & Testing, Employment Readiness, Personal
Financial Management, as well as resources and programs that created
lasting and meaningful change to their clients.
Even while performing her duties as President & CEO of the YWCA
Southeast Wisconsin, Paula found time to serve on the board of
directors for the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and Milwaukee World
Festival, Inc., and as a member of the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the Milwaukee Chapter of The Links
Incorporated. She was also a trustee for the Public Policy Forum and
Milwaukee County Federated Library System. Furthermore, her devotion
and commitment to service has been recognized with awards from the
Milwaukee Business Journal, Community Brainstorming Conference, North
Central Service Club, the Medical College of Wisconsin, BizTimes,
Professional Dimensions and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.
Paula is a pioneer who has spent her life carrying a torch of justice
to ignite and empower generations of women to fight back. She changed
her career trajectory because she wanted to ensure that each day she
was using all her might to fight and eliminate injustices toward women
and people of color in this country, not for personal recognition.
Madam Speaker, Paula Penebaker has made the 4th Congressional
District, Wisconsin and the nation a better place. She is a staunch
defender and advocate for justice, and I applaud her contributions. As
she embarks upon a new chapter of her life, I know that her fight and
quest for justice will not end.
[[Page E1611]]
____________________
