Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-16

HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALIENTO

ImmigrationInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-09-16, Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALIENTO" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALIENTO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E944-E945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALIENTO ______ HON. YASSAMIN ANSARI of arizona in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Ms. ANSARI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of Aliento and to honor its visionary founder, Reyna Montoya. For a decade, Aliento has stood as a beacon of hope, healing, and empowerment for immigrant youth and families across Arizona. Founded in 2016 by Reyna Montoya, Aliento was built on the belief that every young person deserves not only opportunity but also a safe space to be seen, heard, and supported. Through its work, the organization has transformed countless lives, turning pain into purpose and fear into community. Aliento's mission extends beyond advocacy. It has created a holistic model of support that addresses mental health, leadership development, and civic engagement for undocumented and mixed-status families. Through programs centered on storytelling, healing circles, and youth leadership, Aliento has helped young people find their voice and step into their power as leaders in their communities. In doing so, the organization has helped redefine what it means to belong in our Nation. Over the past ten years, Aliento has also played a critical role in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive Arizona. From organizing community events and advocacy campaigns to uplifting the stories of immigrant families, the organization has built bridges of understanding and solidarity across diverse communities. Its impact is measured not only in the programs delivered, but in the resilience it has nurtured and the futures it has helped make possible. [[Page E945]] This milestone is a testament to Reyna Montoya's extraordinary leadership. Her courage, vision, and unwavering commitment have inspired a movement rooted in dignity, healing, and justice. Through Aliento, she has cultivated a generation of young leaders who are not only advocating for change, but embodying it. It is my honor to recognize Aliento on its 10th anniversary and commend Reyna Montoya for her profound contributions. May their work continue to uplift, empower, and inspire for many years to come. ____________________

View original source →

HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALIENTO Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E944-E945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALIENTO ______ HON. YASSAMIN ANSARI of arizona in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Ms. ANSARI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th anniversary of Aliento and to honor its visionary founder, Reyna Montoya. For a decade, Aliento has stood as a beacon of hope, healing, and empowerment for immigrant youth and families across Arizona. Founded in 2016 by Reyna Montoya, Aliento was built on the belief that every young person deserves not only opportunity but also a safe space to be seen, heard, and supported. Through its work, the organization has transformed countless lives, turning pain into purpose and fear into community. Aliento's mission extends beyond advocacy. It has created a holistic model of support that addresses mental health, leadership development, and civic engagement for undocumented and mixed-status families. Through programs centered on storytelling, healing circles, and youth leadership, Aliento has helped young people find their voice and step into their power as leaders in their communities. In doing so, the organization has helped redefine what it means to belong in our Nation. Over the past ten years, Aliento has also played a critical role in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive Arizona. From organizing community events and advocacy campaigns to uplifting the stories of immigrant families, the organization has built bridges of understanding and solidarity across diverse communities. Its impact is measured not only in the programs delivered, but in the resilience it has nurtured and the futures it has helped make possible. [[Page E945]] This milestone is a testament to Reyna Montoya's extraordinary leadership. Her courage, vision, and unwavering commitment have inspired a movement rooted in dignity, healing, and justice. Through Aliento, she has cultivated a generation of young leaders who are not only advocating for change, but embodying it. It is my honor to recognize Aliento on its 10th anniversary and commend Reyna Montoya for her profound contributions. May their work continue to uplift, empower, and inspire for many years to come. ____________________