[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2165] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DIANE MEDINA'S ``COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD'' ______ HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, October 14, 1998 Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a leading Hispanic in the entertainment industry, Diane Medina, the Director of Diversity Programs for the Walt Disney Company. Next month, Diane will be honored by the Latino Entertainment Media Institute's Community Excellence Award. The Latino Entertainment Media Institute is a non-profit organization which follows and speaks to the issue of Hispanics in the entertainment industry. Their theme this year is: ``Investing in our Image.'' Diane Medina is uniquely qualified for this award. Her entire life she has worked to bring Hispanics into the entertainment industry across a wide swath of opportunities that currently exist. She was born and raised in Southern California, where she has worked in the industry for over 25 years. She worked at ABC in Human Resources and diversity, moving to the Walt Disney Company after they bought ABC. Walt Disney knew a good thing when they saw it. Diane has immersed herself in the non-profits associated with the industry which advocate a larger inclusion of Hispanics in Hollywood. She sits on boards for the following non-profits dealing with issues pertaining to Hispanics in the entertainment industry: the Imagen Foundation, Nosotros, Latino Entrtainment Media Institute, National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, Hispanic Academy of Media Arts and Sciences, the National Council of La Raza (host of the Alma Awards), and many others. Just last month during Hispanic Heritage Month events, Diane and I discussed the direction of one of the non profits with whom we both have worked, and, as always, I was impressed with her passion and her commitment to the prospect of including Hispanics in the entertainment industry at all levels, from on-camera talent, to behind-the-camera talent, to the business suites of the studios. Diane and I share a common philosophy about how to accomplish our goal of getting more Hispanics in the entertainment industry. We both believe that if you appeal to the better angels of those you are trying to convince, you get more done. My grandfather used to tell me that you get more flies with honey than with vinegar. Diane knows, from her position inside the industry, that if the Hispanic presence is to change, so, too, must the voices doing the presentation. We are both persuaded that the very best way to increase that presence is to approach both the industry and the community with reasoned voices. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Diane for her role in increasing the number of Hispanics throughout the industry, and for being a role model for those who aspire to be part of the entertainment industry. ____________________