[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   REPRESENTATIVE CARRIE MEEK HONORS DADE COUNTY'S OUTSTANDING WOMEN

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as Women's History Month comes to 
a close, it is my great pleasure to join with the Dade County Board of 
Commissioners in recognizing the achievements of 13 talented women who 
are among Dade's most outstanding leaders.
  On Friday, March 25, 1994, the county will host the sixth annual in 
the Company of Women Awards Program at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in 
Miami.
  A special award will be dedicated to U.S. Attorney General Janet 
Reno, Dade County's first woman State's attorney and our Nation's first 
woman Attorney General.
  Three remarkable women will be recognized as pioneers who have led 
the way and opened new paths for women. This year's pioneers are:
  Ann-Marie Adker, the unofficial ``Mayor of Overtown,'' a tireless 
worker for civil rights issues, a spokesperson for the poorest people 
in our community, and a passionate supporter of community development 
in her beloved Overtown.
  Judge Mattie Bell Davis, senior judge of the Dade County Court and 
the first woman elected a Dade County court judge. Judge Davis is 
universally respected as a person of integrity who is committed to 
equality and professionalism.
  Mercy Diaz-Miranda, an executive for the Miami Herald and a committed 
volunteer whose activities on behalf of Jackson Memorial Hospital, 
Cuban Women's Club, United Way, and many other organizations have made 
a huge impact on our community.
  This year's honorees are:
  Bonnie Askowitz, artist, businesswoman, teacher, and activitist;
  Dade County Commissioner Betty Ferguson, public servant, educator, 
and community leader;
  Bea Hines, journalist, ground-breaking reporter for the Miami Herald 
and very active in community service organizations;
  Barbara Lbarra, Citibank executive, trustee of Miami-Dade Community 
College and former president of YWCA of Greater Miami;
  Bonnie Rippingille, attorney, chairperson of the Women's Park 
Founders' Committee and the Coral Gables Senior Citizens Advisory Board 
who has also picked up a hammer in her work for Habitat for Humanity;
  Marie Rodriguez, who directs a work force of almost 6,000 women as a 
regional director for Avon who has used her talents to improve 
opportunities for women in her corporate structure and in our 
community;
  Kathleen Ruggiero, North Miami Police Department's Officer of the 
Year who was among the first women troopers in the Florida Highway 
Patrol and whose work helping people in need--particularly children--is 
universally admired;
  Miriam Singer, executive director of the Metro-Dade Department of 
Justice Assistance who is active in YWCA of Greater Miami, Coalition of 
Hispanic American Women, and the League of Women Voters, among many 
organizations; and
  Frederica Wilson, Dade County school board member, educator, 
principal, and Head Start coordinator who is personally involved in 
helping at-risk youth through violence prevention and role models 
programs.
  Mr. Speaker, this event is a celebration of unity in diversity and 
provides an opportunity for women in Dade County from all generations, 
racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic levels and occupations to get 
together, exchange ideas, and share their vision and experience.
  I am happy to join with our entire community in recognizing this 
year's honorees.

                          ____________________