U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the following statement after the passing of Delia Sanchez, an advocate and an educator:

“Delia Sanchez was one of the most impactful citizens to ever call Tampa home.  She was a champion for children and pioneer of early childhood education, profoundly changing the trajectory of so many young lives in our community and around the country,” U.S. Rep. Castor said.  “Starting in the 1960s, she worked with Congressman Sam Gibbons in Tampa to bring the first Head Start initiative to Hillsborough County, one of the longest running anti-poverty initiatives to give children a better start at life.  The success of Head Start in Tampa helped to spread it across the country.  Head Start improves the lives of families and more than 20 million children across the country.

“Delia also was a vocal advocate and mainstay for Hillsborough County Public Schools and students for decades,” U.S. Rep. Castor continued.  “Every step of her career, beginning from her time as a child welfare worker for the Florida State Welfare Board to the Administrative Supervisor for Head Start for nine years, Delia dedicated herself to advocating for and improving the education of our children.”

Delia Sanchez served as a school social worker and a case work consultant.  As Ms. Sanchez neared the end of her career, she continued her life’s mission to advocate and educate by counseling troubled children.  In 2008, U.S. Rep. Castor honored Ms. Sanchez during Women’s History Month by submitting a statement in the Congressional Record about her life and legacy.

“It has been strong and passionate individuals like Delia who helped lift our diverse city – she made a mark in our history and her hard work has paid dividends for our community and so many others,” U.S. Rep. Castor went on to state.  “She impacted the lives of so many, including her wonderful son – Frank Sanchez – whom she loved more than anything in the world.  We send our loving thoughts of Delia and our prayers to Frank and the entire family.”

###