IN HONOR OF CRISTINA VILLAREAL

On 2024-09-18, Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3) delivered a floor speech titled "IN HONOR OF CRISTINA VILLAREAL" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered abortion, the economy.

IN HONOR OF CRISTINA VILLAREAL

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)] [House] [Pages H5327-H5328] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] IN HONOR OF CRISTINA VILLAREAL The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes. Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich contributions to our Nation, I rise to recognize my constituent, Cristina Villareal, for her dedication and advocacy to champion Latinas in our Nation. Cristina's career, from her roles in the city of Chicago to Cook County, reflects a deep commitment to social justice and equity. As chief officer of external affairs at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Cristina has tirelessly worked to ensure that Illinois remains an abortion haven for the Midwest, defending the right of every woman to bodily autonomy and to access the reproductive care they need and deserve when they need it. Cristina has also served as the president of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women, amplifying the voices of Latinas and ensuring they exercise their right to vote. Her work is inspired by the world she wants to build for her two daughters, Catalina, who is watching now, and Camila. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Cristina Villareal for her unwavering dedication to justice, to equity for Latinas and all women, and her invaluable service to her community and to our State as a ``powerful Latina,'' ``poderosa Latina.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate Cristina. In Recognition of Rogelio ``Roy'' Soria Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich contributions to this Nation, I am proud today to recognize Rogelio ``Roy'' Soria of the Transportation Workers Union of America Local 556 for his tireless advocacy for worker rights. As a shop steward, executive board member for his local, and recording secretary of the Chicago metro chapter of the Labor Council for Latin-American Advancement, Roy has dedicated himself to building a multiracial unity as we fight for fair wages, for dignity, and for justice. Because of Roy's leadership, we passed the 2022 Illinois Workers' Rights Amendment, enshrining the right of employees to organize and bargain collectively in Illinois, and expanded the Illinois Sick Leave Act to 30,000 aviation workers in Illinois. On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Rogelio ``Roy'' Soria for his unwavering commitment to worker solidarity and the power of collective action. Mr. Speaker, ``congratulations,'' ``felicidades'' to Roy, and I thank him for his incredible leadership. {time} 1045 Honoring Hugo Manzo Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich contributions to our Nation, I rise to honor Hugo Manzo, a champion for Latino representation in the trades, for his unwavering commitment to organized labor and Latino empowerment. Initiated into the Painters Local Union 33 in 1993 as a drywall finisher, Hugo was the very first Mexican American hired by Painters District Council 14. In 2014, Hugo became the first Mexican elected business representative for Painters District Council 14, overseeing the work of Will and Grundy Counties. He later served as the director of organizing, driving efforts to unionize nonunion sites and industries, providing workers with the option to, for the very first time, collectively negotiate wages, hours, working conditions, and their own welfare. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend Hugo Manzo and join workers throughout Illinois to thank him for his leadership. Honoring Stephanie Chavez Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of our Latino communities' rich contributions to this entire Nation, I rise to honor my constituent, Stephanie Chavez, a proud first-generation Mexican American from Glendale Heights, Illinois. The daughter of Maria and Tomas Chavez, Stephanie has spent her life pursuing a career as a secondary social studies teacher. She believes that education is a tool for collective liberation and has committed to teaching the next generation about the history and policies of our Nation and to teach our young people to be proud of our roots, many of those immigrant roots, and [[Page H5328]] how to engage and shape a brighter, more equitable future. Her dedication and hard work have led to her being awarded the 2024 Outstanding Graduate by the College of DuPage Foundation. I had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the incredible leadership and positive example that Stephanie sets for her children at Glen Ellyn Children's Resource Center in my district. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I commend and thank Stephanie for her passion and dedication. She is an inspiration to all of us, especially young Latinas dreaming of a future of liberation like I do. ____________________