Commending Ivelisse Diaz
Floor Speech
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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Latina, a music prodigy, a cultural worker, a mother, and a constituent: La Bombera de Corazon, Ivelisse Diaz.
Born and raised in Humboldt Park to a Puerto Rican family, Ivelisse found her calling in life at the age of 5 when she started studying the traditional Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba.
Over her 24-year career, audiences in Seattle, California, Detroit, Puerto Rico, New York, Mexico, and Ghana have been moved, enthralled, and educated by Ivelisse's artistry and passion.
A trailblazer in so many ways, she is the recipient of the prestigious 2019 3Arts Award for her contribution to the arts.
La Bombera has gone on to ensure the preservation of Bomba by founding La Escuelita Bombera de Corazon, where she shares her knowledge of the history, the culture, and music of Afro-Indigenous culture.
On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my honor to commend Ivelisse Diaz for her work preserving culture and passing the torch to the next generation of Bomberas.
Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate Ivelisse. Commending Diana Martinez
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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Diana Martinez, a powerful Latina voice for our art, culture, and community in Illinois' Third District.
The proud daughter of a Salvadoran immigrant single mother, Diana demonstrated an early passion for creativity and the arts.
A Glen Ellyn native, she started her young career by participating in the Park District's theater programs and then nurtured her love for theater at Glenbard West High School and the University of Illinois.
In her current leadership role directing the McAninch Arts Center, Diana curates culturally impactful art experiences in DuPage County, including bringing major exhibits to our region featuring renowned paintings from legends like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.
As an active and engaged neighbor, Diana seeks to protect and preserve her community's cultural and historic character through her work with Protect Glen Ellyn and Save Main.
For her dedication to art as a powerful means of building community, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my great honor to commend Diana Martinez for her dedication to service and leadership. Congratulations to Diana. Commending Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Hernandez
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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of a Latina trailblazer and champion for working-class individuals across my home State of Illinois, the one, the only, State representative Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Hernandez.
Representative Hernandez is the highest ranking and longest serving Latina in the Illinois State Assembly, and she was recently elected the chair of the Illinois Democratic Party where she continues to ensure that Latinas are represented and recognized across our State.
As the current deputy majority leader in the General Assembly, she has been an advocate for quality higher education accessibility, a leader for reproductive rights and liberties, a champion for climate justice and natural disaster relief, and a defender for healthcare for all.
Whether organizing food drives to support local families or spearheading grant workshops to help small businesses thrive, Representative Lisa Hernandez is an inspiration for all Latinas in Illinois.
On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my greatest honor to commend ``my friend,'' ``mi amiga,'' my colleague for her commitment to public service and tireless work to make Illinois a safe and welcoming State for women, migrants, and everyone who desires to call it home.
It is my honor to congratulate Elizabeth ``Lisa'' Hernandez with this commendation.
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