Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a captivating storyteller, entrepreneur and economic changemaker, Gypsy Gallardo. Ms. Gallardo devoted herself to leadership and advocacy for equitable economic, social, and political empowerment to benefit all Americans particularly Tampa Bay Area neighbors.

Gallardo persevered through family substance abuse that tragically claimed the life of her mother. Following her mother's passing, Gallardo moved in with her grandparents in South Florida, eventually settling with her dad in St. Petersburg, and attending Gibbs High School. Feeling like a fish out of water, Gallardo left St. Petersburg right before graduation to live in Ohio, ultimately to end up in Kentucky at 19, homeless, alone and pregnant.

Through resilience and determination, Gallardo forged a new path forward. At night, she worked at the Kentucky State University Admissions Office while taking classes. Gallardo graduated from Kentucky State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. Continuing her education, Gallardo completed a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

In 1997, Gallardo once again returned to St. Petersburg, bringing her experience to the table as an asset. Her commitment to advancing Black communities has remained unwavering through her professional work and community leadership. In 2005, Gallardo founded The Power Broker Magazine, a publication that highlights opportunities and challenges in underserved communities. Gallardo’s outlet provides a space for economic opportunity accessible to all, with a strong pulse on community activity. Power Broker Magazine is a force, reaching approximately 10,000 African American readers each month.

Beyond her magazine, Gallardo is a household name in St. Petersburg and across the Tampa Bay area. She has been an integral part of the revitalization of St. Petersburg’s Black businesses and culture in the Deuces and throughout the city. In 2021, Gallardo led the City of St. Petersburg and a University of South Florida research team in a study of the relationship between racism and infrastructure inequities. As a staunch advocate for affordable housing and the preservation of Black culture and opportunity in St. Petersburg, Gallardo has worked to ensure our neighbors' pocketbooks are protected and that Black contractors are prioritized in projects such as Midtown's Tangerine Plaza, Sankofa, the Historic Gas Plant District, and the Deuces.

Gallardo’s work reaches every corner of Tampa Bay communities. She serves as the CEO of Urban Market Analytics, chairs the NAACP Statewide Economic Development Committee, co-chairs the PACT countywide violence and education advocacy organization, and regularly organizes networking events for Black business owners and leaders. She has also led extensive voter registration and mobilization efforts within the African American community, using her platform to amplify voices both locally and across the region.

With a public servant’s heart and a deep passion for progress, Gallardo credits her achievements and effective advocacy to her lived experiences. Through poverty and wealth, success and hardships, she never lost sight of the importance of a united community and collective humanity. Gallardo believes the Tampa Bay area is on a path to becoming a nationally influential African American region and reminds us to always work together, no matter where we come from or what we look like. Gallardo is a mother of four, including two nephews she helped raise, and remains deeply rooted in family and community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my St. Petersburg neighbors, I thank Gypsy Gallardo for her selfless work in our communities. Gallardo is a living testament to what you can do for your country and your neighbors. Through her leadership, perseverance, and commitment to justice and opportunity, Gypsy Gallardo is a powerful shining light every day in the Tampa Bay area.