Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the recognition of Dr. Carmen Berrios Delgado, a proud Puerto Rican, a brilliant educator, and now a Friends of Puerto Rico honoree.

For over a decade, Dr. Berrios Delgado has made a steadfast commitment to the betterment of her community, helping to educate, mentor, and invest in the students and young professionals of Puerto Rico.

A prolific academic, Dr. Berrios Delgado has aided many students and young professionals during her time as a faculty member at the University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla's business administration department, going above and beyond to ensure the success of Puerto Rico's best and brightest.

Dr. Berrios Delgado has sought out opportunities to provide financial assistance and investments to many students who have ideas that would expand and strengthen not only our economy, but our world. Her efforts ensure that the best of us do not go unheard and unrecognized based on their ability to pay their way.

Additionally, she has donated her time and expertise to strengthen the professional readiness of young people. She works to expose students to outside organizations and workshops that better prepare them for business-oriented careers. She has ardently pursued Puerto Rico's education, entrepreneurship, labor reforms, and economic growth, investing in the long-term goals of the island.

Dr. Berrios Delgado is recognized today as a tireless advocate for the improvement of student opportunities, and a tremendous force for good in her community.

I congratulate Dr. Berrios Delgado on this tremendous honor, and thank her for all she has done for both Puerto Rico and society at large.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate not only the recognition of Robert Salcedo as a Friends of Puerto Rico award recipient, but also his selfless and unrelenting work toward healthcare affordability.

Mr. Salcedo is the founder and CEO of OcyonBio, a pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization. In his over 25 years specializing in biotechnology, specifically in his time helping to lead Amgen, Mr. Salcedo has molded the strategic vision for projects that have brought tremendous business and manufacturing to Puerto Rico, on top of managing billion-dollar operations.

The focus of Mr. Salcedo's work is gene and cell therapy, an endeavor he carries out to make this lifesaving healthcare affordable and widely accessible. Mr. Salcedo is not only generous in his efforts, he is also hugely successful. Throughout his career, he pioneered a new model of biological engineering and manufacturing. He worked to secure massive biologic manufacturing increases and has forged powerful strategic partnerships to continue innovating and producing at the highest of standards.

Mr. Salcedo has made monumental strides toward shaping Puerto Rico into a land of opportunity and manufacturing for biotechnology and life sciences. He has invested over $100 million dollars into the infrastructure and energy sectors of the island. He has taken care in establishing OcyonBio's base right near the campus of the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez to not only provide jobs to current workers, but to create opportunities for the university's most talented students. His contributions have built and shaped the infrastructure, technology, and expertise of the island in a way that sets Puerto Ricans up for long-term success.

Under his tutelage, Mr. Salcedo's companies have built a foundation on which the industry of biologics in Puerto Rico can operate for decades to come. He lifts those who need an opportunity, and he invests his time and efforts into communities that can truly feel the impact. He is a shining example of what it means to be a good, effective, and upright leader. Mr. Salcedo is exactly what it means to be a friend to Puerto Rico.

I congratulate Robert Salcedo on this extraordinary honor and thank him for the leadership he has displayed and the work that he has done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the accomplishments of Albert J. Cordero and to recognize him as a Friends of Puerto Rico award recipient.

Mr. Cordero founded and serves as the managing director of ethree solutions, a Puerto Rican-based management consulting firm that operates across Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Over his 30 years of expertise, he has turned his organization into a regional powerhouse specializing operational excellence, digital transformation, technology, and artificial intelligence.

In the 13 years that ethree solutions has existed, Mr. Cordero has expanded the organization to serve over 90 clients and 150 projects across sectors. Perhaps what is most impactful about Mr. Cordero's work is that he has established a strong base in Puerto Rico, delivering digital and technological services across the entire region and, by extension, strengthening the entire communities. Mr. Cordero has further committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses navigate the ever-expanding Al landscape by bringing technological solutions to local professionals and businesses.

Mr. Cordero has notably and consistently recognized the exceptional talent, business, and economic opportunities present within Puerto Rico. He has demonstrated his commitment to the expansion of the island as a competitive hub for high-value services and technology, ensuring a productive and successful future.

Mr. Cordero is a fierce ally and advocate for Puerto Rico, speaking out frequently and ardently about the island's professional potential and helping champion the expansion of local business and development. He is not only expanding his business; he is ensuring that other businessowners in Puerto Rico have the tools and guidance needed for their own ventures to be successful.

Today, I congratulate Albert J. Cordero on his remarkable achievements and affirm that he is a true friend and ally to Puerto Rico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Dr. Naomi Tyler-Lloyd as she celebrates her 21st Pastoral Anniversary at Trinity Baptist Church in the Bronx.

For more than two decades, Pastor Naomi has faithfully led her congregation with compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to serving both God and her community.

Her journey to ministry reflects a lifelong dedication to education and service. Before answering God's call, she built a distinguished career as a counselor and educator, using her gifts to uplift others and strengthen families.

Since becoming Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in 2005, Reverend Dr. Tyler-Lloyd has guided her congregation with grace and vision while extending her ministry far beyond the walls of the church. Through her leadership in the Baptist World Alliance, she has helped strengthen communities of faith across the globe and has continued to teach and preach the Gospel both nationally and internationally.

Today, we celebrate not only 21 years of faithful pastoral leadership, but a lifetime devoted to faith, service, and the empowerment of others. On behalf of New York's 15th Congressional District, I congratulate Reverend Dr. Naomi Tyler-Lloyd on this remarkable milestone and thank her for her enduring contributions to the Bronx and beyond. May God continue to bless her ministry for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 60th birthday of Reverend Dr. Hiram Ratliff, an extraordinary pastor, leader, author, servant, and proud son of the Bronx.

For 30 years, Reverend Dr. Ratliff has answered the call to ministry, dedicating his life to serving God and uplifting others. For the past 15 years, he has served as the Senior Pastor of New Tabernacle Baptist Church in the Bronx, where his leadership has extended far beyond the walls of the church.

Under his ministry, New Tabernacle has provided health screenings, food and clothing giveaways, and programs for young people. Reverend Ratliff has also been a powerful advocate for social justice, partnering with community organizations to support working people, immigrants, children, and families in need.

His service extends throughout our community--from his work with young people and children with special needs to his leadership on educational and religious institutions. He is also an accomplished author whose writing reflects the struggles, hopes, and triumphs of his life and community.

Today, we celebrate not only Reverend Dr. Ratliff's 60th birthday, but also a life defined by faith, service, and purpose.

I wish him a happy 60th birthday, and I congratulate him on 30 years of ministry and 15 years of faithful leadership at New Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fifth anniversary of the Northeast Bronx YMCA, an institution that has become an important part of the fabric of the Northeast Bronx and a place where residents of all ages can come together, stay active, learn, and build community.

For decades, residents of the Northeast Bronx advocated for a dedicated community facility that would provide children, families, seniors, and young people with access to recreation, education, health, wellness, and enrichment opportunities. The opening of the Northeast Bronx YMCA in September 2021 represented the culmination of years of community advocacy and a shared commitment to investing in the future of the neighborhood.

Community leaders Alonzo de Castro and Shirley Fearon, along with many other residents and advocates, played an important role in keeping the vision for a Northeast Bronx YMCA alive. Through their work with the Northeast Bronx Community Coalition and their engagement with residents and public officials, they helped ensure that the community's desire for a high-quality recreational and community facility remained a priority.

The result is a remarkable resource at the heart of the Northeast Bronx. Located on East 229th Street, the Northeast Bronx YMCA provides residents with access to swimming pools, a full gymnasium, fitness and wellness facilities, childcare, youth programming, community spaces, and educational and recreational activities. These resources provide opportunities for children to learn and grow, families to spend time together, seniors to remain active and connected, and residents of all ages to improve their physical and mental well-being.

The importance of the YMCA became particularly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when its gymnasium served as a vaccination site and helped connect Bronx residents with critical public health resources. This demonstrated that the YMCA is more than a place for exercise--it is an institution capable of responding to the needs of the community in times of both celebration and crisis.

The Northeast Bronx YMCA also represents what can be accomplished when residents, community organizations, nonprofit institutions, and government work together toward a common goal. The approximately $60 million investment that helped make the facility possible reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that residents of the Northeast Bronx have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Five years after opening its doors, the Northeast Bronx YMCA has become a multigenerational gathering place and community hub. It provides a safe space for young people, opportunities for families, programs for seniors, and resources that promote health, education, and connection. Most importantly, it gives residents a place they can call their own.

As we celebrate this fifth anniversary, we recognize the many community members and leaders who helped make this vision possible, including Alonzo de Castro and Shirley Fearon, while celebrating the broader community that has embraced the YMCA and made it an integral part of life in the Northeast Bronx.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Northeast Bronx YMCA on five years of service to our community. May it continue to be a place of opportunity, wellness, fellowship, and hope for generations of Bronx residents to come.

I rise today to honor and celebrate 174 years of Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church--a remarkable institution that has stood as a beacon of faith, fellowship, service, and community in the Bronx for nearly two centuries.

The church's roots reach deep into the history of the Bronx. Its story includes a congregation that moved to the neighborhood in the late nineteenth century, and a community that grew and evolved alongside it. The church was later named in honor of Francis Crawford, a dedicated layman who moved into the neighborhood in 1877 and served as superintendent of the Sunday School and president of the Board of Trustees. Following a devastating fire, the Crawford family demonstrated extraordinary kindness when they gave generously to rebuild the church.

The church endured another devastating fire in the winter of 1974, when flames engulfed the front of the sanctuary and damaged the organ. Yet even in the face of destruction, the spirit of the congregation was not extinguished. The church rebuilt. It persevered. And it continued its mission.

That spirit of perseverance is captured beautifully in the words that stood on the only remaining Church wall: ``GOD IS LOVE.''

The church's history also reflects the changing face of the Bronx. As the surrounding community changed, so too did the congregation. The church experienced a significant

transition from a predominantly white congregation to a predominantly black congregation, growing under the leadership of successive pastors and generations of committed members.

During that transition, the women of Crawford Memorial played an especially important role in preserving and strengthening the life of the church. Women including Mrs. Manzelle Orange, Mrs. Gladys Brewster, Miss Harriet Brewster, Mrs. Marie Allen, Miss Ruth Womsley, and Ms. Roseann Chapman helped sustain cherished traditions and keep the doors of Crawford open. Through the Women's Auxiliary and other ministries, they organized events, supported the church's work, and helped ensure that Crawford remained a place where faith was lived through service.

The church's commitment to service has continued across generations. Crawford Memorial has nurtured young people through youth fellowship and dance ministries. It has supported seniors. It has maintained a vibrant music ministry, including choirs and the Faith-Hope Ensemble. Their work extends outside of the Church's walls through their Service Guild, dramatics stage, and space for community meetings. It has welcomed people of different cultures and educational backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to God's work.

Today, Crawford Memorial continues its journey under the leadership of its 50th pastor, Reverend Heidi N. Thomas.

Fifty pastors. Generations of families. Countless prayers. Countless acts of service. Countless lives touched. That is the legacy we celebrate today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Victor Bach, a pioneering housing advocate, researcher, educator, and tireless champion for New Yorkers who spent his life fighting for affordable housing, stronger public housing, and economic justice.

Victor Bach passed away on June 4, 2026, at the age of 93. Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Bach dedicated his professional life to public service and housing advocacy. He earned a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and served on the faculties of the University of Texas and The New School for Social Research before beginning his extraordinary tenure at the Community Service Society of New York.

Beginning in 1983, Mr. Bach spent approximately four decades directing housing research and advocacy at the Community Service Society, where he became one of New York City's most respected and influential voices on affordable housing. For 35 years, he served as a senior housing analyst and Director of Housing Policy at CSS, the Community Service Society of New York.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bach produced groundbreaking research on homelessness, housing affordability, rent burdens, and the challenges facing low-income New Yorkers. His work also documented the devastating consequences of government disinvestment in the New York City Housing Authority and helped bring greater attention to the urgent needs of public housing residents.

But Victor Bach's legacy cannot be measured solely by the reports he authored or the policies he influenced. He understood that housing policy must ultimately serve the people who call our communities home. He provided technical assistance to resident and community organizations and helped empower public housing residents to organize, advocate, and demand the resources necessary to preserve their homes and communities.

Mr. Bach was also a mentor to generations of housing researchers and advocates. His colleagues at the Community Service Society have recognized the profound influence he had on those who followed him, helping develop some of New York's leading housing policy experts. His commitment to mentoring others ensured that his work would continue long after his retirement.

For decades, Victor Bach reminded policymakers that affordable housing is not simply a matter of bricks and mortar. It is about dignity. It is about stability. It is about giving families the opportunity to remain in the communities they call home. And it is about recognizing that every New Yorker deserves a safe and affordable place to live.

This message carries particular significance in the Bronx and throughout New York City, where working families, seniors, and low- income residents continue to confront extraordinary housing costs and persistent threats of displacement. The fight for affordable housing that Victor Bach championed remains as urgent today as ever.

Victor Bach leaves behind a remarkable legacy of scholarship, advocacy, mentorship, and public service. His work strengthened the movement for affordable housing and gave a stronger voice to those too often left out of policy discussions.

On behalf of the people of the 15th Congressional District of New York, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Bach's children, grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues, and the many New Yorkers whose lives and communities were touched by his extraordinary work.

Victor Bach dedicated his life to the belief that housing is a fundamental pillar of a just society. We honor his memory by continuing the work to which he devoted his life: building a New York where every person, regardless of income, has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his life's work continue to inspire the fight for housing justice for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary constituent of New York's 15th Congressional District, Arthur Koven, as he celebrated his 100th birthday on August 18, 2026.

Born in Washington Heights in 1926, Arthur is the son of Joseph and Lillian Koven, hard-working immigrants from Lithuania. When Arthur was four years old, his family moved to Morris Avenue in the Bronx, where he grew up playing stickball and stoopball with neighborhood friends, and has lived in the borough since.

A gifted student, Arthur skipped two grade levels and graduated high school at just sixteen from D.W. Clinton High School, before going on to City College and NYU Graduate School. At eighteen years old, Arthur answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army in 1944 during the height of World War II. He was stationed in the Philippines and South Korea, where he served with distinction as a corporal in a tank unit, and he continued his service in the infantry until 1946. Like so many young men of his generation, Arthur left behind the comforts of home and the promise of his young adulthood to defend the freedoms we hold dear, and his willingness to serve stands as a lasting testament to the character, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the Greatest Generation. We owe him, and all who served alongside him, a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

In 1959, Arthur married his beloved wife, Joyce, and together they shared sixty-two wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2021. They raised two children, Jill and Barry, and welcomed four grandchildren into their family, all of whom remain devotedly involved in his life today. After a career at an import/export company, Arthur retired in his early seventies and became an active and beloved member of the Riverdale Y New Beginnings Senior Center, where he has built lasting friendships, become known for his karaoke talent, and is fondly recognized for his height, his easygoing charm, and his enthusiasm for a good conversation about politics over lunch.

As Arthur reaches one hundred years, we celebrate a century defined by service, family,

and love. On behalf of New York's 15th Congressional District, I extend my warmest congratulations to Arthur Koven on his 100th birthday, and I offer my deepest gratitude, and that of a grateful Nation, for his service in defense of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable Bronxite, educator, writer, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joann Smith.

Joann passed away on July 17, 2026, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, following a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy defined not by her illness, but by her bravery, her kindness, her creativity, and her love for others.

Born in the Bronx in 1956, Joann grew up on the Grand Concourse and was educated in the Bronx Catholic school system. She went on to earn degrees from Iona College, the College of New Rochelle, and Lehman College before pursuing her Master of Fine Arts at Sarah Lawrence College.

Joann spent fifteen years as an educator, teaching in both Catholic and New York City public schools. She later devoted her life to writing, teaching aspiring writers, and expanding access to education. She served as a professor, program director, creative director, editor, and mentor.

She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a published author, writing the historical novel When I Was Boudicca and, and in 2021, she published her acclaimed short story collection, A Heaven of the Choosing.

But Joann's greatest joy was her family. She and her husband, Robert Fanuzzi, celebrated thirty years of marriage this year. And in 2001, Joann and Robert traveled to China to adopt their daughter, Mia--a journey Joann considered the highlight of her life.

Joann also gave generously to others, volunteering with Girls Write Now to help young women prepare for college and find their voices.

The Bronx mourns with Robert, Mia, her siblings, nieces and nephews, and her many friends.

Joann's life was a testament to the power of courage, education, art, and love. Her stories will endure. Her students will carry her lessons forward. And all who knew her will carry her memory in their hearts.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Joann Smith.

May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Joseph's School for the Deaf in the Bronx, an institution rooted in faith, resilience, and excellence since 1869.

For over 150 years, this school has empowered deaf and hard-of- hearing students through a bilingual education in American Sign Language and English, fostering critical thinking, independence, and strong leadership qualities.

Under the leadership of Mark Patrick, the faculty ensures that every student receives the attention and resources they need to thrive academically and socially. As a neighbor in the Bronx, I have witnessed firsthand the vital role St. Joseph's plays--not just as a school, but as a community pillar whose mission enriches families and uplifts our borough.

Today, we celebrate St. Joseph's dedication to unlocking the potential of every child, building confident learners, and advancing inclusive education for generations. I thank the faculty, staff, families, and students for their tireless commitment and extraordinary spirit.

Please join me in recognizing St. Joseph's School for the Deaf for its service to our community and in supporting its future success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of faith, perseverance, and community in the Bronx, the Tabernacle Church of God Pillar and Ground of the Truth, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Founded on July 11, 1976, by Bishop E. Henri-Mundle and Evangelist Lurline Henri-Mundle, Tabernacle began humbly in a YMCA in White Plains. What followed was a journey defined not by ease, but by extraordinary faith. When the doors closed, the congregation pressed forward. When resources were scarce, they built anyway. When challenges came--and they came often--they stood firm, declaring that ``the God of heaven will prosper us.''

From storefront worship on White Plains Road to the construction of a permanent sanctuary built by the hands of Bishop Henri-

Mundle and his congregation, Tabernacle's story is one of divine provision and human determination. It is a story of pews won at auction that fit as if designed for them, of a sanctuary completed after nine years of labor, and of a ministry that expanded across continents--from the Bronx to Canada to Jamaica.

Today, under Bishop Henri-Mundle and Pastor Angela Henri-Mundle, Tabernacle remains a beacon of hope. Its beauty is not only in its chandeliers or its livestream cameras, but in the hearts of its people and the worship that fills its walls.

For fifty years, Tabernacle Church of God has fed the hungry, strengthened families, uplifted the brokenhearted, and built a legacy of faith that continues to bless our borough and beyond.

I congratulate the Tabernacle Church of God on fifty years of unwavering service. May the next fifty shine even brighter.

Mr. Speaker, today I was not present in the House Chamber due to my Congressional Primary being the same day. Had I been present, I would have voted unequivocally YEA on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. I'm thrilled to see the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act pass the House and head to the President's desk. This is the most significant step Congress has taken on housing affordability in decades, and it carries the fingerprints of my team's work, sitting at the table through round after round of negotiations to get this right. While I could not be on the floor for today's vote, I am proud of what we got done and the historic win for the American people.

I also want to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Ranking Member Maxine Waters, Chairman French Hill, Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, and Chairman Tim Scott. This legislation is the product of years of work, countless conversations, and a genuine commitment to finding bipartisan solutions to America's housing affordability crisis. Their leadership, persistence, and willingness to work across the aisle helped make this historic achievement possible. While members may have approached this challenge from different perspectives, they shared a common goal: expanding housing opportunities and making it easier for families across the country to find safe, affordable places to live.

Five provisions I authored or championed made it into the final package. We are cutting red tape so families can get bigger, more affordable apartments. We are protecting public housing residents from dangerous heat. We are helping families on Section 8 build savings and reach self-sufficiency. We are increasing oversight of failing public housing authorities. And we are giving HUD the tools to keep multifamily loan limits in step with the real cost of building housing. The housing crisis did not happen overnight, and it will not be solved overnight, but this bill is real, bipartisan progress, and the Bronx will benefit from it.

My provisions included in the final package are as follows:

Single Stair (Sec. 102): Directs HUD to issue best practices and technical guidance supporting greater use of single-stair buildings, allowing for more family-sized units and lower constructIon costs.

Temperature Sensors (Sec. 106): Establishes a HUD pilot grant program for public housing authorities and federally assisted housing owners to install temperature sensors, helping ensure compliance with heat and cold safety requirements.

Housing Affordability Act (Sec. 211): Authorizes HUD to increase multifamily loan limits to keep pace with housing market costs, restoring higher House-passed loan multipliers to support more affordable multifamily construction.

Helping More Families Save Act (Sec. 404): Creates a HUD pilot program letting up to 25 housing providers establish escrow savings accounts for as many as 5,000 families on Section 8 or public housing assistance, with funds accessible after self-sufficiency milestones or program participation.

CAT Act (Sec. 805): Requires struggling public housing authorities to provide annual status notices and assessments to HUD, disclose contract information publicly, and directs the HUD Inspector General to review housing conditions and the performance of receivers, monitors, and private partners.

YEA on Roll Call No. 223, and YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary public service of Cathy H'orry, a devoted Bronxite whose career has spanned more than four decades in service to the people of the Bronx.

Cathy built a life defined by dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public service. After graduating from Dodge Vocational High School and attending Virginia State University, she returned home to the Bronx, where she began a remarkable career in government. From 1984 to 1987, Cathy served as Assistant Administrator to the late Bronx Borough President Stanley Simon. She then went on to serve under four consecutive Borough Presidents: Fernando Ferrer, Adolfo Carrion, Jr., Ruben Diaz, Jr., and Vanessa L. Gibson. Across more than 40 years, Cathy has been a steady and trusted presence through generations of leadership, helping advance the interests of the Bronx and its residents.

Few public servants can claim the distinction of serving five consecutive Borough Presidents. Fewer still can do so with the grace, integrity, and excellence that have defined Cathy's career.

As she retires in June 2026, we thank Cathy H'orry for her decades of faithful service and for the lasting impact she has made on the Bronx. Her legacy is one of dedication to community and commitment to public good.

I wish her a joyful and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary woman whose life embodies perseverance, compassion, and public service: Dr. Maria Ozuna.

Dr. Ozuna is a proud Dominican-American healthcare professional, public health advocate, mentor, mother, aunt, sister, and role model who has dedicated her life to improving the well-being of others. A medical doctor in the Dominican Republic, she continued her pursuit of knowledge here in the United States and recently earned her Master's Degree in Public Health from George Washington University at the age of 60, proving that it is never too late to achieve new dreams.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ozuna has worked with some of New York City's leading hospitals and currently serves as a Safety Officer, protecting both patients and healthcare workers. Beyond her profession, she is deeply committed to community service, diabetes prevention, breast cancer awareness, HIV/AIDS advocacy, and educational opportunity.

Dr. Ozuna has also proudly served as an intern in my office, where she has supported community members and assisted with numerous community events throughout the Bronx. Her dedication to uplifting others, connecting families with resources, and serving her community reflects the very best of public service.

Her dedication to service is rooted in her Dominican heritage and inspired by her family legacy, including efforts connected to her father's middle school in the Dominican Republic, which expanded access to affordable education for local children.

As one of nine children, Dr. Ozuna carries forward the values of resilience, responsibility, and family. Our Bronx community is stronger because of her leadership, generosity, and example.

Today, we proudly celebrate Dr. Maria Ozuna and thank her for a lifetime of service and inspiration.