[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 141 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LYDIA MEDRANO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2014

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
Hispanic Heritage Month and to honor an extraordinary leader and 
champion of human rights, Dr. Lydia Medrano. Her remarkable career in 
public service has had a tremendous impact on the Tampa Bay community.
   Dr. Medrano's career has been devoted to healthcare and human 
rights. Dr. Medrano came to Florida from Puerto Rico. She received her 
doctorate degree in Sociology and Certificate in Latin American Studies 
from the University of Florida. Her devotion to her community led her 
to serve as associate director for the international division of 
Planned Parenthood of America in the Latin American Regional Office. 
Later she worked as a researcher and evaluator at the Children's Board 
of Hillsborough County, an independent taxing authority that funds 
dozens of specialized programs geared towards improving the health and 
well-being of Tampa Bay's children and families. Dr. Medrano joined the 
Children's Board almost from its inception and, during her tenure, she 
helped ensure an accessible community system of care and successful 
outcomes through her array of responsibilities, including evaluation, 
contract management, research ethics and community engagement 
activities. After 22 years, she retired this year.
   In addition to dedicating her career to healthier children and 
families, her passion for healthcare and human rights has driven her to 
lead and support numerous local initiatives. She was cochair of the H. 
Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute's Hispanic Advisory 
Council and the USF ACSSP (Hispanic Health) Research Project. She is 
also a past member of the Board of the Hispanic Professional Women 
Association and a member of the Hillsborough County Commission on the 
Status of Women. Dr. Medrano's outstanding contributions to the 
community has led to her being recognized with numerous awards 
including the 2009 Human Rights Award by the Tampa Hillsborough Human 
Rights Council and the 2004 Hispanic Woman of the Year by the Tampa-
Hillsborough Hispanic Heritage.
   Dr. Medrano has retired but she has not stopped working for our 
Hispanic community and civil rights. She continues to serve as Florida 
State Director for the League of United Latin American Citizens 
(LULAC), the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based 
organization that empowers our Hispanic Americans. LULAC was a strong 
partner in helping Spanish-speaking residents learn about their options 
under the Affordable Care Act Education and enroll in the marketplace. 
Moreover, LULAC is educating communities in our state and across the 
country about the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Dr. 
Medrano serves on my roundtable for comprehensive immigration reform 
and has been an invaluable partner in fighting for this crucial cause--
we will not give up. Twenty councils across Florida trust and depend on 
Dr. Medrano's leadership to build strong Latino communities through 
advocacy and education. Her enthusiasm is truly an inspiration.
   Dr. Medrano's tireless and selfless advocacy efforts have helped to 
create a better Tampa Bay community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. 
Medrano for her outstanding service as a researcher, mentor and 
community leader.

                          ____________________