[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 142 (Friday, September 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DENA GROSS LEAVENGOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2019

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of Dena Gross Leavengood, a tireless advocate for Florida, our 
Tampa Bay community and indeed our planet. Her determined advocacy has 
left a profound impact on our community and almost impossible shoes to 
fill.
  A Florida native, Dena graduated with a bachelor's degree in Zoology 
from the University of Florida and received her master's degree right 
here at the University of South Florida. Dena was a driving force 
behind The Florida Aquarium because, even then, she realized its key 
role in fighting climate change and saving our planet. Dena served the 
Aquarium in key positions, including director of educational outreach 
and community liaison.
  There are so many areas where Dena was indispensable. I remember her 
perhaps most fondly when in my time as a County Commissioner, she 
worked with me to fight for health care for working families in her 
role as the founder of the Hillsborough Health Care Coalition. Dena was 
legendary in leadership roles for women with the League of Women Voters 
and Athena, to name a few. Tomorrow Matters and the Sierra Club were 
among so many other places where Dena left her inimitable and indelible 
stamp. As a Hillsborough County Commissioner, Member of Congress and as 
her friend, I witnessed Dena's tenacity and steadfast commitment on 
behalf of her neighbors, friends, Tampa Bay families and people she 
would never know, except in her heart.
  Dena's decades of activism and professional accomplishments earned 
her the love of our community and numerous accolades, including the 
2010 Education Award from the Health Council of Pinellas County, the 
2003 Human Rights Award from the Tampa Human Rights Council. She also 
received national recognition as community liaison with The Florida 
Aquarium.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful and saddened Tampa Bay 
community, we promise to reflect on Dena's life of service to improve 
the lives of our neighbors, our community and our country, and have it 
serve as a beacon and inspiration as we undertake the hard work of 
going forward without her--as Dena would certainly insist on us doing. 
Dena earned a special place in my heart and of the entire Tampa Bay 
community. Dena would be sorely missed in all times but especially in 
these challenging times--we will strive to remember our indefatigable, 
Happy Warrior, Dena, if ever we get discouraged.

                          ____________________