[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 60 (Friday, March 31, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN THE COMPANY OF WOMEN--CELEBRATION OF DADE COUNTY'S EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN

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                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 1995
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, It is my great pleasure to join 
with the citizens of Dade County in recognizing the achievements of 12 
outstanding women who are among Dade County's exceptional leaders.
  This year's celebration on Friday, March 31, is dedicated to County 
Commissioner Katy Sorenson, one of Dade County's truly outstanding 
woman leaders. Although she has been on the Commission for less than a 
year, Commissioner Sorenson has taken tough stands against 
discrimination and sexual harassment. Her government and community work 
has had a big impact on Dade County.
  This year's honorees include:
  Josefina Carbonell--a pioneer of community social services, and one 
of the founders of the Little Havana Activities & Nutrition Center 
serving over 32,000 elderly citizens.
  Cynthia W. Curry--a dedicated professional and a skilled 
administrator, she served as Dade County's first women assistant county 
manager.
  Ruth Owens Kruse--a tireless advocate of children, particularly 
emotionally disturbed children, since 1945, her special contributions 
were recognized by the establishment of the Ruth Owens Kruse Education 
Center by the Dade County Public Schools.
  Alina E. Becker--a volunteer who has tirelessly served the people of 
Dade County through her work for non-profit organizations such as the 
YWCA, the United Way, and the Family Health Center.
  Angela R. Bellamy--a respected administrator who has dedicated her 
career to public service, she was the first African-American woman to 
become assistant city manager for the City of Miami.
  Annie Betancourt--a Florida State Representative who brings a wealth 
of administrative and community experience to the job from her work at 
Jackson Memorial Hospital, Metro-Dade and Miami-Dade Community College.
  Cheryl Little--a gifted attorney who is a truly dedicated and 
respected advocate and spokesperson for Haitian refugees, she devotes 
special attention to the needs of immigrant children and family 
reunification.
  Consuelo Otero--dedicated to community service, she helped found the 
Cuban Women's Club and serves today as the community involvement 
specialist at Shenandoah Elementary School.
  Suzette Pope--a now-retired Dade County Public School employee, she 
has worked hard to improve educational opportunities, particularly for 
women.
  Frankie Shannon Rolle--a dedicated teacher and counselor for the Dade 
County Schools and a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. 
Now retire, she is active in many community organizations.
  Marian Harris Shannon--a teacher, counselor and volunteer who has 
helped develop dozens of young writers and who, while in high school, 
helped establish a library for the African-American community.
  Dorothy Thomson--as the first woman mayor of Coral Gables, and as 
vice mayor, she has worked hard for community improvements like the 
renovation of the Biltmore Hotel and was instrumental in founding Coral 
Gables Crime Watch.
  Mr. Speaker, these remarkable women have opened doors and created new 
paths for women in our community. Their efforts have immeasurably 
improved Dade County and their example has had a huge impact on 
countless lives. I know that my colleagues join me in honoring them 
today.


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