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Six female community leaders were honored by the Kissimmee City Commission Tuesday as part of a city Women’s History Month celebration. PHOTO/CITY OF KISSIMMEE
The Kissimmee City Commission honored six women in the community at Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, noting their, “Dedication, willingness and ambition to better serve the area.”
“All of these women have professional careers, but also go above and beyond within their community on a personal level and this is why we want to acknowledge them,” Mayor Olga Gonzalez said.
Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews read a proclamation in honor of Women’s History Month, while recognizing Ivette Rodriguez, founder and director of Operations for Beyond Pregnancy Care, a non-profit that has providing services to the community since 2017.
“Let’s take a moment and recognize the hard work and sacrifice of our local women and women everywhere who are leading the charge,” Matthews said.
Beyond Pregnancy Care is Beyond Pregnancy Care is a crisis pregnancy center that focuses on empowering families that face unexpected family crisis and unplanned pregnancies, helping all parents in the community with free pregnancy and childbirth services. It’s work very near and dear to the heart of Rodriguez, a teen mom herself.
Among the commissioners’ nominees, this year’s honorees include Sylvette Santos, nominated by Mayor Olga Gonzalez. Santos is a local realtor involved in a number of local organizations, like Mujeres Profesionales de Orlando, a collection of area Hispanic business professionals. While managing and selling properties, she helps find homes for those in need, often even giving away furniture to immigrant families.
Mayra La Paz, nominated by Commissioner Olga Castaño, is a mentor and 30-year digital media executive within the Spanish-speaking media. She is the CEO of the digital and printed magazine Portada Latina.
Reenie McHarg, nominated by Commissioner Angela Eady, is a member of Florida Rising, the NAACP and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, using those platforms to stand up for women’s rights. She believes the best way to advocate for those who are vulnerable is to be able to learn all that you can about the community’s needs.
Andrea Ruiz, nominated by Commissioner Carlos Alvarez III, is the Director for The Salvation Army Osceola Emergency Service Center, where she provides resources and services to individuals and families in times of crisis. Specializing in case management, Ruiz uses that experience to meet the needs of community members without discrimination.
Lisandra Roman, nominated by Commissioner Janette Martinez, is the owner of El Jibarito restaurant on South John Young Parkway.
Roman, who faced many obstacles growing up, is known around the community as one who feeds those who don’t have anything to eat, or perhaps covers a homeless family’s hotel stay. It’s all part of her drive to assist those around her.
“All of these women have achieved extraordinary things within Kissimmee, they are the epitome of community. Not only are they inspiring us but also propelling our city forward,” Mayor Gonzalez added.
