Honoring Michele Macauda For Her Service to the Community

HONORING MICHELE MACAUDA FOR HER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 08, 2004)

Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, each year, the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League presents the prestigious Torch of Liberty Award to a leader in the community, in recognition of their commitment and dedication to strengthening diversity. It is with great pleasure that I stand today and join the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League as they honor Michele Macauda with the 2004 Greater New Haven Torch of Liberty Award.

Appointed as the President and CEO of SBC Connecticut, Ms. Macauda is the first woman to serve as the company's top executive. As a business leader in New Haven, she has worked diligently to ensure that the company continues in its commitment to the cities and towns which it serves. That commitment is more than simply delivering a service-it is about contributing to the health, vitality, and progress of the Greater New Haven area. A member of the Governor's Council on Economic Competitiveness and Technology in Connecticut, the executive committee of the Connecticut Science Center for Science and Exploration, as well as the Regional Leadership Council in New Haven; Ms. Macauda is actively involved in promoting the revitalization of both the region and the state.

Just this past year, I was honored to serve with Michele as co-chair of a very special event sponsored by Y-ME of Connecticut-the first annual "Woman of Today" Award. Y-ME is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women with breast cancer. Through the support of local leaders like Michele, Y-ME has become an invaluable resource to our community. In addition to her work with Y-ME, she is also actively involved in fundraising efforts for victims of domestic violence and volunteers her time with the Connecticut Special Olympics.

Through her professional and volunteer activities, Ms. Macauda has demonstrated her dedication to enriching our communities and the lives of Connecticut residents. I am honored to rise today to join family, friends, colleagues, and the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League in extending my sincere congratulations to Michele Macauda as she receives the 2004 Torch of Liberty Award.