[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 27 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CARRIE MEEK HONORS MIAMI'S UNSUNG HEROINES

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 1994

  Mrs. MEEK. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to join with the city 
of Miami's Commission on the Status of Women in recognizing the 
achievements of 14 of our community's most talented and effective 
leaders.
  The Unsung Heroine's Award luncheon is an annual event to honor 
outstanding women who make major contributions to our community every 
day but seldom make the evening news.
  These women are inspiring for their commitment and remarkable for 
their accomplishments. They are dedicated women for whom hard work is 
business as usual and determination is a common attribute.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues the following 
list of this year's Unsung Heroine Award winners, as well as a brief 
description of their contributions to our community:

                      Unsung Heroines Awards 1994

       Bonnie Dubbin Askowitz--is a long time political activist 
     especially in the field of women's rights.
       Ernestine Smith Davis--has provided public assistance and 
     emergency housing to individuals and families. Counselled 
     adult and youth both individually and in groups of post-
     traumatic stress syndrome following Hurricane Andrew.
       Thelma Gibson--is active in ``A Woman's Place'' providing 
     shelter for homeless women. Champion provider of services for 
     children, youth, adults and the elderly through the Theodore 
     Gibson Memorial Fund.
       Lille Mae Henderson--works long and hard to provide 
     necessities for the homeless, courageously determined to lift 
     them from despair.
       Cheryl A. E. Little--is a leading human rights activist who 
     has provided free legal assistance to Haitian refugees.
       Haydee Marin--an attorney who has unselfishly dedicated her 
     life to advocate for those who suffer violations of their 
     civil and human rights.
       Lucille M. Pereira has been totally committed to the 
     advancement of girls and women both at the educational and 
     employment level. Extensive work on gender equity.
       Bonnie Rippingille--an attorney active in Women's Park 
     Committee. Has worked hard with disadvantaged juvenile 
     offenders. Defended the cause of women's rights.
       Kathleen Ruggiero--works in law enforcement and is also a 
     nurse. Extensive work with battered women and prostitutes 
     succeeding in turning them back into productive and self-
     sufficient individuals.
       Sharon Sbrissa--as a teacher has advocated for 
     disadvantaged children and their families for 24 years. Has 
     also broadened the opportunities for children with learning 
     disabilities.
       Lydia M. Sosa--a teacher who has impacted the community 
     with her work in education.
       Elba M. Stephens--has addressed the problem of autistic 
     children. Her impact is reflected in her fight to improve the 
     quality of life through education.
       Milagros Torres--has dedicated her time to work with the 
     youth at Aspira.
       Judith Turner--Girl Scout Leader who arranged for girls in 
     hurricane affected areas to attend local encampment, and 
     aided their families during their time of great need.

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