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| Commission Honors Outstanding Women - FIAC Board Secretary, Jane Herron, Among The Honored | June 6, 2008 |
| Tallahassee, FL (June 4, 2008) — The Florida Commission on the Status of Women will honor Rosie Andre, Micheline Louis Charles, Jane J. Herron, Tania Lopez, Sandra Merritt, and Venghan (Winnie) Tang with a FCSW Florida Achievement Award for their work in improving the lives of women and families in their communities. They will receive recognition in a special afternoon ceremony during the second quarterly meeting of the Commission on Saturday, June 7, 2008, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Law Offices of Gunster Yoakley, PA in West Palm Beach, Florida. In addition to the Achievement Award from the Commission, each will receive a congratulatory letter from Governor Charlie Crist. “The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is dedicated to empowering women in achieving their fullest potential, and to recognizing women’s accomplishments,” said Claudia Kirk Barto, Commission Chair. “We are proud to honor these outstanding women for their tremendous achievements and dedicated service.” The Commission will meet to conduct business on Saturday, June 7, 2008, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Law Offices of Gunster Yoakley, 777 South Flagler Drive, Suite 500 East, West Palm Beach, FL. The meeting is open to the public and all interested parties are encouraged to attend. The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is a nonpartisan board, statutorily created in 1991 consisting of 22 appointed members, administratively housed in the Office of the Attorney General, Bill McCollum. The Commission is dedicated to empowering women in achieving their fullest potential, to eliminating barriers to that achievement, and to recognizing women’s accomplishments. Additional information on the Commission is available from its web site at http://www.fcsw.net. -End- FCSW FLORIDA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BIOGRAPHIES Rosie Andre is a compassionate leader and mentor who seldom hesitates to lend a helping hand. She serves on many committees and has sponsored clubs to create awareness on tolerance and acceptance of other ethnicities. While volunteering countless hours to the well-being of many in Homestead and Florida City, Ms. Andre has motivated parents and youth to change negative views about both life and education. For example, one of her students has recently received a full scholarship to the University of Miami. Ms. Andre is respected by many in her community for transcending her call of duty to helping others. Micheline Louis Charles is an Officer of the SEIU Healthcare Florida and is the highest ranking Haitian labor leader in Florida and the Southeast. A longtime activist for the immigrant workers in Florida, she is the President of Unite for Dignity for Immigrant Workers Rights, Inc., (UFD). Their mission is to help develop the leadership ability of immigrant workers so they have the tools and the confidence to lead the various struggles in their communities. She has raised five children who are now successful professionals working in the United States, and is also a proud grandmother of six. Ms. Charles was awarded an honorary degree from Miami Dade College at the end of April. Jane J. Herron is a tireless and energetic volunteer for Boystown of Florida, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC), and the United Way of Miami-Dade. Because of Ms. Herron’s dedication, the immigrant children sheltered at Boystown have a greatly enhanced educational atmosphere and creative outlets for their emotions, alleviating the depression of being held in a foreign country. Ms. Herron has truly been an inspiration and leader for all citizens of the state of Florida. Tania Lopez serves at the South Florida Care Resource Network as a speaker on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. Ms. Lopez has impacted the lives of many in the homeless shelter and has deeply changed many perspectives of active relations with other persons. She not only teaches others, but she shares from her personal experience with her husband and the affect on others around him. Ms. Lopez is a living testament and a priceless investment in the lives of others. Sandra Merritt is a devoted leader who has dedicated countless hours to serving her community. With joint voluntary efforts of various organizations throughout the years, she has unselfishly given of her time to all underprivileged guests, regardless of culture or race. In a variety of ways, Ms. Merritt is a treasure and true steward of the gift of charity while carrying out her mission in life – the empowerment of men and women, families, and those who are less fortunate by dispensing food, and providing shelter and clothing. Venghan (Winnie) Tang is a community advocate and helps many to become citizens through ongoing Citizenship drives in the Asian community. Throughout the years, she has organized job fairs and workshops in various areas such as legal, welfare, health, education, and civil rights. Working closely and effectively with minority community and mainstream media, she also works tirelessly to organize programs which include the annual Chinese New Year Festivals, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration, Miss Florida Asia. “Ms. Tang continues to be a potent force for good” and continues to make a significant contributions to her local community. | |