October 2, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 172 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session
CONGRESSIONAL COMMENDATION HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 172
(Extensions of Remarks - October 02, 2020)
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[Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E922-E923] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRESSIONAL COMMENDATION HONORING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. LUCY McBATH of georgia in the house of representatives Friday, October 2, 2020 Mrs. McBATH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Every year from September 15 to October 15, the history and culture of Americans who are from or have ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America is recognized and celebrated. This observation was first established as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to a full month in 1988. This thirty-day period encapsulates many celebrations of independence for Latin American countries. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18. Our great nation would not be the same without the profound influence of Hispanic Americans across the country. Men and women from numerous countries have come to the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their families. In turn, their contributions have brought new ideas, new cuisines, new cultures to us all, and their presence here has created a more prosperous nation for all Americans. Guided by the promise of freedom and the chance to participate in the unique American experiment in democracy, some of these individuals arrived with nothing but the clothes on their back and the hope of a better tomorrow. Hispanic Americans have had influence on practically every part of American history, from politics to sports to sciences. Every day I am proud of their countless contributions to our country's story, and I would like to take this month to honor the crucial role that Hispanic Americans play in our society, and in Georgia's Sixth Congressional District in particular. The Hispanic community in Georgia is vibrant and continues to grow significantly. I am proud to stand up and fight for the men and women who have contributed so much to our communities each day. Hispanic Americans help contribute to what makes this nation remarkable, and I am honored to lift up the voices of those who have selflessly dedicated their lives to building up themselves, their community, and this country. During these unprecedented times, we must work harder than ever to respect and encourage the diversity of our nation. I am routinely impressed by spirit of service and leadership displayed by Hispanic Americans in my district who work hard to give back to their own communities. Their work should be recognized every day, but particularly during Hispanic Heritage month. Therefore, I am honored to highlight three professionals who deserve special recognition: Gilda ``Gigi'' Pedraza, Santiago Marquez, and Vanessa Kosky. Gilda ``Gigi'' Pedraza and her team at the Latino Community Fund-- Georgia (LCF Georgia) as they advocate for the Latino community, work to increase civic participation, provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable communities and build grassroots organizations. Gigi has over 20 years of experience working for both nonprofit and for-profit spaces as a social entrepreneur. In 2018, she was the recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership award and was recognized as a Woman of Inspiration by the Atlanta Dream. In the same year, she was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia. Gigi has participated on numerous boards including the Center for Pan-Asian Community Services and the Feminist Health Center. She is also a member of the ARC Global Voices Panel. Additionally, Gigi was the Georgia Awardee of the TUMI USA Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes Peruvian immigrants for their civic contributions. Gigi's roots are from Lima, Peru and she currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Santiago Marquez is the CEO of the Latin American Association (LAA). Marquez has held many impressive positions, including the Director of Employment and Housing for the Latin American Association, which was the first housing department to focus on Hispanics in Atlanta. He was also the Director of Latino Outreach at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He began working with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and has since served as President and CEO. In 2014, Santiago received an award from the National Diversity Council. He has served on multiple boards across Atlanta, including the Aurora Theatre and the WellStar Atlanta Community Board. He is also an alumnus of Leadership Atlanta and the Buckhead Business Leadership Class. Santiago was born in Cuba but now lives in Atlanta with his wife and two daughters. Vanessa Kosky was just recently appointed to be an associate judge of the city of Doraville, and she will be the city's first Latina judge. A graduate of John Marshall Law School, she was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in October of 2007. She is also a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the American Immigration Lawyer Association. Vanessa has worked as the owner of her general practice law firm for criminal defense, family law, and immigration defense since 2009. She was a recognized mentor in the Georgia State Bar's Transition into the Practice of Law Program for many years and has been recognized for her work by the Atlanta Legal Aid Society and the Gwinnett Pro Bono Project. During her many years practicing the law, she has also participated in several teaching engagements in both English and Spanish language courses. Vanessa lives in Tucker and continues to represent and speak up for people in her community every day. It is my distinct honor and privilege to recognize three of the many Hispanic Americans who work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of others in Georgia's Sixth Congressional District. As we continue to celebrate the observation of Hispanic Heritage Month, may we recommit to the spirit of service demonstrated by these individuals and the many others whose stories have yet to be told. On behalf of myself, the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia, and the United States House of Representatives, I am proud to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage [[Page E923]] Month. In telling the stories of community members like Gigi, Santiago, and Vanessa, we celebrate the power of our Hispanic community in Georgia. As a representative of our state, I will continue to champion their values of strength, service, and patriotism every day. ____________________