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HONORING AIREEN SNYDER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Aireen Snyder, a community leader and President of the Filipino American Association of Iowa, as Iowan of the Week.
Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of our state, with people from all different backgrounds coming together to form an incredible community in Iowa. There is no better way to celebrate this diversity than with Filipino Heritage Month and Aireen Snyder, who has worked tirelessly to promote the values of community and diversity throughout our state.
Arriving in Iowa from the Philippines in 2008, Aireen quickly became involved with the thriving Filipino community. She has played an active role in the Filipino American Association, chairing several committees, editing the newsletter and now is President. Perhaps most impressive was her leadership in creating a Filipino Language class. With language being such a valuable aspect of culture, Aireen developed an entire curriculum and worked with Des Moines Area Community College to host a course that was very well attended.
Aireen holds a great amount of pride for the history and legacy of the Filipino American Association of Iowa. The association formed in 1975 with the goal of promoting and enhancing cultural and heritage awareness of the Philippines among Iowans. This important mission is carried out through a variety of events and initiatives. For example, as President, Aireen has overseen the humanitarian and charitable aid that the association offers to its community, including legal assistance and college scholarships. Most notably, the organization raised $14,000 following the ``super typhoon'' in the Philippines. The funds were used to support a variety of non-profit organizations in the country, including the Filipino Red Cross.
Community events are also an important aspect of the Filipino American Association of Iowa and Aireen's work as president. Events range from Christmas parties, parol lantern making, and most recently the Des Moines ``Celebrasian'' hosted by the Iowa Asian Alliance. The association proudly hosted three booths featuring Filipino food, clothing and traditions.
With nearly 5,000 Filipino Americans residing in Iowa, it is only fitting that we honor such an impactful leader and community builder, Aireen Snyder, for Filipino Heritage month. Her commitment to her culture and home country is a testament to the beautiful diversity in Iowa that makes our state stronger. I am humbled and inspired by Aireen's work for the Filipino community of Iowa. It is my honor to name her Iowan of the Week.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 193
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