Tampa Hispanic advocate honored by FBI

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller hands the 2009 Director's Community Leadership Award to Matilda Martinez Garcia of Tampa, who was nominated by the Tampa field office, during a ceremony held at FBI Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

By TBO.com
Published: March 23, 2010

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TAMPA --

A third-generation Tampa resident with a long history of advocating for Hispanic and human rights has received the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award.

Matilda Martinez Garcia received the award in Washington last week from FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III. Each FBI field office nominates a candidate to be recognized for outstanding contributions to their communities.

Garcia, who can trace her family's heritage to the founding of the city, worked for the Social Security Administration for more than 40 years.

She served on the Tampa Bay Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Committee, the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs and the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Council. She is a lifetime member and past state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens.