[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING BRENDA SANTANA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                       FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Brenda Santana was born and raised in San 
Juan, Puerto Rico, and relocated to Florida as an adult. She learned 
English as a second language while in school. Brenda loves helping 
people learn and understand the Spanish language. Her dedication won 
her several poetry awards. At school, she could be found tutoring her 
fellow students on Spanish grammar and sentence composition. Today, 
Brenda lends her skills to the Orange County Library System as a 
technology trainer. Her students ached to learn Spanish and Brenda 
instituted Spanish language classes at the Southeast Branch in 2017. 
During the pandemic, Brenda offered a new way to learn with virtual 
learning. Students of all ages attend her classes. Brenda's pioneering 
spirit expanded all over the county as she trained other OCLS staff to 
offer more online classes.
  In 2022, the Southeast Branch saw an average of 36 students per 
class, the highest attendance record in OCLS history. Brenda's 
commitment to the community has been evident in her response to 
customer feedback as she prioritizes their needs.
  As a technology trainer, Brenda has an open-door policy in between 
classes to assist students with tech-related questions. Brenda focuses 
on her students by hosting life skill tech classes, such as assistive 
technology like using the GPS feature on their phones. In these 
workshops, students are provided a hands-on experience using the tools 
and devices to boost their quality of life. In January alone, the 
overall attendance for her computer classes was 377.
  Brenda Santana has received positive praise and feedback from her 
students regarding the way she responds to their suggestions and 
feedback. She continues to evaluate the needs of the community and 
provide options that inspire and change lives.

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