IL HR0947

Congratulates Sylvia Puente on her retirement as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum after 16 years of service.

Recognizes her educational achievements including a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduate studies at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and a master's degree from the University of Chicago.

Acknowledges her advocacy work on education, housing, and immigration reform, including her role in securing over $25 million for early childhood education centers and her instrumental work on the Work Permits for All resolution affecting more than 40,000 undocumented immigrants in Illinois.

Highlights her leadership in establishing the Multicultural Leadership Academy with nearly 300 Black and Latino leaders and her role in creating the Welcome to Illinois Coalition to address the humanitarian crisis in the state.

Recognizes her reputation as a bridge builder and trailblazer, including being named one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S. by Hispanic Business Magazine.