[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING GLORIA PADILLA IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I 
rise today to recognize Gloria Padilla, whose dedication to the people 
of Immokalee and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) has 
had a major impact in our community.
   RCMA was established in 1965 and provides childcare and education 
services for low income and rural families. It has grown from two 
centers to seventy-one and is active in twenty-one counties in Florida. 
A lifelong resident of Immokalee, Mrs. Padilla has been a proven leader 
in our community. She joined the RCMA after graduating high school, 
becoming the youngest area coordinator in agency history. Gloria is 
currently tasked with overseeing seven childcare centers and twenty-
four childcare homes, collectively serving 483 children.
   When Hurricane Irma struck in September, she offered the RCMA 
Immokalee Community School as a shelter for thousands of families 
displaced by the storm. Additionally, she helped organize with my 
office the opening of Horizon Village as temporary living spaces for 
constituents who lost their homes as a result of Irma. I find myself 
fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such a 
dedicated individual who cares so deeply about her community.
   In addition to her impressive work at the RCMA, Gloria serves on the 
board of the One by One Leadership Foundation and assists the community 
through outreach programs with her church. Through her professional and 
social capacity, Gloria's dedication to the people of Immokalee has 
improved the lives of many.
   Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to know Mrs. Padilla and I greatly 
admire her service to Immokalee. Gloria is an exemplary citizen who has 
chosen to use her many talents in service of those around her. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

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