HONORING MINERVA SOLLA

HONORING MINERVA SOLLA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 61 (Thursday, April 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 61 (Thursday, April 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E300] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MINERVA SOLLA ______ HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, April 2, 2026 Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Minerva Solla, a tireless advocate for working people, whose commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights has spanned more than five decades. I recognize her in honor of Women's History Month. From her earliest days as a community organizer in New York City, Minerva has dedicated her life to empowering workers and strengthening communities. Her journey into labor activism began at the early age of 15 years old while working part-time at Bell Telephone, where a strike by the Communications Workers of America opened her eyes to the transformative power of organized labor. In 1972, while working at Roosevelt Hospital, Minerva helped lead a historic 47-day strike that resulted in union representation through 1199SEIU. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the labor movement. She went on to serve in numerous organizing roles within 1199, helping to build it into one of the most influential unions in the Nation while organizing workers across New York City and the Hudson Valley. Since knowing her, Minerva has been a proud champion of social justice and Puerto Rican cultural heritage. She founded the 1199 Latinos Unidos Committee, uplifting Latino voices within the labor movement and beyond. Her leadership extended into cultural advocacy across New York State, as well as humanitarian efforts, including coordinating medical missions in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Even in retirement, Minerva never wavered. Through her work with the New York State Nurses Association, she has led political action campaigns and played a key role in advancing landmark legislation, including Paid Family Leave and the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. Today, Minerva continues to serve her community with distinction as Chairperson of the Red Carpet for Social Justice Women's Coalition, Executive Vice President of the Westchester Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (AFL-CIO), and Vice President of the Retiree Division of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Her presence remains a powerful force in community organizing, labor advocacy, and social justice movements. Her unwavering dedication continues to inspire generations of leaders and advocates. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Minerva Solla for her remarkable contributions and lifelong commitment to workers' rights, cultural pride, and community empowerment. Her legacy stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for us all. ____________________