[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10695]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PAT PADILLA

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 2014

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, 
Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Pat Padilla. 
After conversations with a gay colleague some years ago, Pat realized 
how unaware she was concerning the struggles and inequality faced by 
the LGBT community and their loved ones. Shortly afterwards, she 
discovered the local Orlando/Central Florida chapter of Parents, 
Families and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG), which has led her on 
an extraordinary journey of grassroots advocacy and activism. Working 
with the LGBT community and allies over the years has, in turn, 
enriched her life in so many ways.
  As a straight ally, she served as president of PFLAG Orlando/Central 
Florida chapter for 11 years. She also served as a member the Equality 
Florida Board of Directors for 8 years. Equality Florida is the largest 
civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for 
Florida's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
  Since 2001, she has been a member of Orlando Anti-Discrimination 
Organization (OADO). OADO has been responsible for passing various LGBT 
inclusive Human Rights Ordinances (HRO) and Domestic Partnership 
Registries (DPR) in both Orlando and Orange County, Florida.
  In 2009, Pat received the Orlando Metropolitan Business Organization 
`Debbie Simmons Community Service Award'. Pat is passionate about 
increasing awareness and understanding of LGBT individuals, especially 
youth and ``transgender'' individuals. This passion led to her 
involvement with Zebra Coalition and Orlando Youth Alliance. Over time, 
she has compiled a wealth of information including individuals, 
organizations, and resources for LGBT persons needing assistance. This 
information has become a vital asset for various organizations.
  Pat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration 
from the University of Central Florida. For the past 15 years, Pat has 
worked for Symantec Corporation in both sales and support services 
roles. She leads the global LGBTA Employee Resource Group, SymPRIDE. In 
2007, she initiated a change to the Symantec diversity policy to 
include ``transgender''. Along with SymPRIDE, she is also a member of 
SWAN (Symantec Women's Action Network) and HOLA (Hispanic Outreach and 
Leadership Affinity).
  Pat lived in Venezuela for 10 years, where she had the gratifying 
experience of working with Mother Teresa and as a translator for the 
Missionaries of Charity.
  I am happy to honor Pat Padilla, during LGBT Pride Month, for her 
compassion for and service to the LGBT community in Central Florida.

                          ____________________