Mr. Speaker. today. I rise to give special recognition to a resident of my district. Marta Montes. a native of Esperanza Las Villa. Cuba. is the first Cubanborn naturalized American woman to hold municipal office. Marta is a woman who is unafraid to speak out to correct injustices. Her sense of responsibility and civic mindedness led her to be elected to the City Council of Hialeah Gardens. Fla. by people who recognize her leadership qualities. Traditionally. Hispanic women have encountered cultural barriers that discouraged them from participating in political matters. Now. Hispanic women. such as Marta Montes. are emerging with a new force to influence their community.
Identified stereotypes
Hispanic women traditionally face cultural barriers to political participation.