[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1763-E1764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING RITA DI MARTINO

                                 ______


                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 12, 1995
  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to salute today a very special 
and esteemed member of this Nation's Hispanic community, Rita Di 
Martino. True leaders are the pillars that hold our communities 
together. They are our source of hope and inspiration. The Nation's 
Hispanic community is blessed by the presence of many of these heroes, 
many recognized, many not. Among these leaders, the name Rita Di 
Martino stands out as a symbol of courage, commitment, and selfless 
devotion to improving the educational and economic opportunities for 
Hispanics. Through example she has instilled in her community the 
importance of active political and civic participation and 
responsibility. Most importantly, she has led by principles of 
excellence and sincerity of spirit.
  Di Martino's professional career has been impressive. A native New 
Yorker, she began her career in the mid-70s at the New York State 
Department of Commerce. In 1979, Di Martino joined AT&T as managing 
director for the Caribbean and Central America as well as in public 
affairs and public relations. Since 1989, she has held the position of 
director of Federal Government affairs, where she assists in 
establishing and developing AT&T's relations with the administration, 
Congress, and State governments. Throughout the years, she has become 
AT&T's most valuable advisor in issue dealing with Hispanic affairs and 
multicultural issues in general.

[[Page E 1764]]

  In addition to her responsibilities at AT&T, Di Martino is a member 
of the Council of Foreign Relations and the Conference Board; serves on 
the Executive Committee of the National Council of La Raza; is the 
Vice-Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; the National Hispanic 
Corporate Council; the Cuban American National Council; the National 
Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials; the U.S. Senate 
Republic Task Force; and is a Presidential Appointee to the USO World 
Board of Governors. In 1982, Di Martino was appointed by President 
Reagan as U.S. Ambassador to the UNICEF Executive Board. As head of the 
U.S. Delegation, she represented the interest of the U.S. and 
influenced policy regarding the relationship between the U.S. and 
UNICEF.
  Rita Di Martino has also been a pioneer of women's rights. She has 
been a first in many places where women, especially Hispanics, had not 
been able to conquer the barriers imposed by society. Recently, the 
Mexican American Women's National Association [MANA] established the 
Rita Di Martino Scholarship in Communication in recognition of her many 
accomplishments. The scholarship will be given to Hispanic women that 
excel in their professions and at the same time have a strong 
commitment for the betterment of their communities.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a remarkable woman and a 
true leader. Individuals like her serve as true role models for our 
future generations.


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