RECOGNIZING IRENE SANCHEZ DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

On 2026-10-09, Representative Joseph D. Morelle (D-NY-25) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING IRENE SANCHEZ DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH" in the House.

RECOGNIZING IRENE SANCHEZ DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1063] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING IRENE SANCHEZ DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. JOSEPH D. MORELLE of new york in the house of representatives Friday, October 9, 2026 Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month to recognize an extraordinary community leader from Rochester, New York: Irene Sanchez. As co-founder and Executive Director of Enlace, Irene has dedicated herself to advancing justice, dignity, and opportunities for farmworkers, migrant families, and newly arrived members of our community. For more than 15 years, Irene has worked to connect people with the tools they need to build stable, successful lives, from educational and legal support to workforce opportunities and mentorship. Her leadership is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. That commitment extends far beyond any single organization or program. Irene has built her career around empowering others, helping families navigate difficult circumstances, and ensuring people too often overlooked have an advocate standing beside them. At a time when immigrant and migrant families face profound uncertainty, leaders like Irene remind us what community truly means. Her compassion, persistence, and commitment to human dignity have strengthened Rochester and touched countless lives. It is my great privilege to recognize Irene Sanchez during Hispanic American Heritage Month. I thank her for her years of service and for her unwavering commitment to building a more welcoming and equitable Rochester. ____________________