Recognizing Mr. Alex Villafuerte, Outstanding Volunteer in the 52nd Congressional District

Floor Speech

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Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alex Villafuerte, outstanding advocate and community member in the 52nd Congressional District.

Mr. Villafuerte is a committed volunteer, working tirelessly to uplift, empower, and serve our Asian and Pacific Islander (API), multicultural and other diverse communities. He is the co-chair and co- founder of the San Diego API Coalition, whose mission is to facilitate conversations with API communities and advocate for representation by amplifying and cultivating leadership. He helped organize a joint statement with more than 70 API-serving organizations denouncing the xenophobia, racism, and increasing acts of violence toward API communities.

Mr. Villafuerte was the Director of Marketing and Communications at San Diego Pride. He also helped to create the San Diego Queer APIMEDA Coalition, with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming space for meaningful discussion about the intersection of individuals who identify as Desi, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, Asian and LGBTQ+.

Mr. Villafuerte served as Director of Communication and Community Engagement for San Diego City Councilmember Kent Lee. He now serves as the Executive Director for the Pacific Arts Movement. He continues to work to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion for all in our region.

Mr. Villafuerte was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in May 2022, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. He is recognized for his work in uplifting and empowering our multicultural communities of the Congressional District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from San Diego State University.

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