[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 50 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GYPSY GALLARDO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2026

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History 
Month to honor a captivating storyteller, entrepreneur and economic 
changemaker, Gypsy Gallardo. Ms. Gallardo devoted herself to leadership 
and advocacy for equitable economic, social, and political empowerment 
to benefit all Americans particularly Tampa Bay Area neighbors.
  Gallardo persevered through family substance abuse that tragically 
claimed the life of her mother. Following her mother's passing, 
Gallardo moved in with her grandparents in South Florida, eventually 
settling with her dad in St. Petersburg, and attending Gibbs High 
School. Feeling like a fish out of water, Gallardo left St. Petersburg 
right before graduation to live in Ohio, ultimately to end up in 
Kentucky at 19, homeless, alone and pregnant.
  Through resilience and determination, Gallardo forged a new path 
forward. At night, she worked at the Kentucky State University 
Admissions Office while taking classes. Gallardo graduated from 
Kentucky State University, earning a bachelor's degree in English and 
Philosophy. Continuing her education, Gallardo completed a master's 
degree in public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of 
Government.
  In 1997, Gallardo once again returned to St. Petersburg, bringing her 
experience to the table as an asset. Her commitment to advancing Black 
communities has remained unwavering through her professional work and 
community leadership. In 2005, Gallardo founded The Power Broker 
Magazine, a publication that highlights opportunities and challenges in 
underserved communities. Gallardo's outlet provides a space for 
economic opportunity accessible to all, with a strong pulse on 
community activity. Power Broker Magazine is a force, reaching 
approximately 10,000 African American readers each month.
  Beyond her magazine, Gallardo is a household name in St. Petersburg 
and across the Tampa Bay area. She has been an integral part of the 
revitalization of St. Petersburg's Black businesses and culture in the 
Deuces and throughout the city. In 2021, Gallardo led the City of St. 
Petersburg and a University of South Florida research team in a study 
of the relationship between racism and infrastructure inequities. As a 
staunch advocate for affordable housing and the preservation of Black 
culture and opportunity in St. Petersburg, Gallardo has worked to 
ensure our neighbors' pocketbooks are protected and that Black 
contractors are prioritized in projects such as Midtown's Tangerine 
Plaza, Sankofa, the Historic Gas Plant District, and the Deuces.
  Gallardo's work reaches every corner of Tampa Bay communities. She 
serves as the CEO of Urban Market Analytics, chairs the NAACP Statewide 
Economic Development Committee, co-chairs the PACT countywide violence 
and education advocacy organization, and regularly organizes networking 
events for Black business owners and leaders. She has also led 
extensive voter registration and mobilization efforts within the 
African American community, using her platform to amplify voices both 
locally and across the region.
  With a public servant's heart and a deep passion for progress, 
Gallardo credits her achievements and effective advocacy to her lived 
experiences. Through poverty and wealth, success and hardships, she 
never lost sight of the importance of a united community and collective 
humanity. Gallardo believes the Tampa Bay area is on a path to becoming 
a nationally influential African American region and reminds us to 
always work together, no matter where we come from or what we look 
like. Gallardo is a mother of four, including two nephews she helped 
raise, and remains deeply rooted in family and commnunity.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my St. Petersburg neighbors, I thank Gypsy 
Gallardo for her selfless work in our communities. Gallardo is a living 
testament to what you can do for your country and your neighbors. 
Through her leadership, perseverance, and commitment to justice and 
opportunity, Gypsy Gallardo is a powerful shining light every day in 
the Tampa Bay area.

                          ____________________