[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H1165-H1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ORDINARY WOMEN, EXTRAORDINARY LIVES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Women's 
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 Nation's history.
  In celebration of this year's Women's 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 America's girls and 
women full of hope and opportunity.
  Today I salute the work of two extraordinary women and two 
exceptional young girls from Florida's 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 Bonilla 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 Alex's Lemonade Stand, an idea started by a 
young girl named Alexandria ``Alex'' Scott who was diagnosed with an 
aggressive childhood 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 inspire 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 Miami-Dade 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.

[[Page H1166]]

  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 doesn't 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 Nation's 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 didn't just break down walls in a male-dominated 
profession. She shattered and crumbled stereotypes in all professions 
and particularly those in law enforcement.
  Finally, I want to recognize Cindy Arenberg-Seltzer, president and 
chief executive officer of the Children's Services Council of Broward 
County. 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 family 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 board's chief executive officer and has led the effort to expand 
available funding to improve the lives of Broward's 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 theme of this year's Women's History Month was 
designed to celebrate and encourage.

                              {time}  1930

  On behalf of the people of Florida's 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.

                          ____________________