Date: 2006-03-28
Speaker: WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (democrat)
Chamber: H

Madam Speaker. in recognition of Womens History Month of 2006. we recognize and celebrate the contributions of great American heroines who have built a legacy for women leadership over the 230 years of our Nations history. In celebration of this years Womens History Month theme. "Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams." I call upon each of us to dedicate ourselves to making the future for all of Americas girls and women full of hope and opportunity. Today I salute the work of two extraordinary women and two exceptional young girls from Floridas 20th Congressional district. But first I would like to commend Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. President of the Republic of Liberia. who addressed the Congress just last week. She represents the aspirations and expectations of women in Liberia. Africa and women all over the world. Now I would like to recognize two young women from the 20th District of Florida. Taryn Daley of Davie and Katie BQnilla of Weston. who started 10 lemonade stands to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Taryn. 12. and Katie. 11.. were inspired by their mitzvah project. which is a .part of their bat mitzvah requirements of public service and a national program known as Alexs Lemonade Stand. an idea started by a young girl named Alexandria "Alex" Scott who was diagnosed with an aggressive child. hood cancer. In less than 2 weeks. Madam Speaker. Taryn and Katie found more than 30 volunteers. enlisted a group of sponsors. and raised $3.000 to fight childhood cancer. These two young ladies are proof that this generation of young women are dream builders. Their courage and compassion gives us all hope for a brighter future. They will inspirde more young women to make the world a better place. Next I would like to recognize the City of North Miami Beach police chief and president of the MiamiDade Association of Chiefs of Police. Linda Loizzo. Linda is a true trailblazer. She has served the North Miami Beach Police Department for 32 years in a number of capacities: deputy chief. assistant chief of operations. major in charge of administrative services. commander in charge of the investigative division. and supervisor of several special support services units. Linda was the first woman promoted to the rank of sergeant. the first woman promoted to the rank of lieutenant and major. and the first woman promoted to the rank of chief of police from the North Miami Beach Police Department. Her work doesnt stop there. Linda is also the regional director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and she serves on numerous organizational boards. Without question. Linda represents the best of our Nations first responders. The National Association of Women in Law Enforcement estimates there are more than 16.000 police departments in this country. which is just slightly -more than 200 female police chiefs. Chief Loizzo didnt just break down walls in a maledominated profession. She shattered and crumbled stereotypes in all professions and particularly those in law enforcement. Finally. I want to recognize Cindy ArenbergSeltzer. president and chief. executive officer of the Childrens Services Council of Broward Couhty. Across the country there are millions of children that long for stability and hope in their lives. In Broward County. the needs of this vulnerable population are vast. In 1999 there was a critical need for programs to make essential services available to children who face abuse. neglect. or abandonment. Cindy was a powerful voice in leading the charge for a Broward County ballot initiative to designate faimily program funding. The -initiative passed overwhelmingly with 70 percent of Broward voters approving. Since that time. Cindy has been instrumental in helping to ensure that each child will live in a safe and loving environment and has the resources needed to grow up healthy and strong. Today. Cindy serves as the boards chief executive officer and has led the effort to expand available funding to improve the lives of Browards children. Madam Speaker. in a world where the magnitude of problems that face our children can be daunting. Cindy identified and fixed a problem with the system and continues to deftly refine and steer the program. Her leadership and passion for children has made a difference in the lives of many south Florida families and provided thousands of children with a future filled with unlimited possibilities. These women and young girls are doing what may seem like .ordinary work. but they are leading extraordinary lives. Their work and service - showcase what the th~me of this years Wdmens History Month was designed to celebrate and encourage. On behalf of the people of Floridas 20th Congressional District. I am proud to recognize their uncommon character and motivation in performing the work that successful communities and generations are built upon. and I am delighted to recognize them in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD with this honor.