Leadership Roles
Minority Leader (2016-2018)
Biographical Information
City of Residence: Tampa
Occupation: Optician/Healthcare Executive
Spouse: Dr. Stephen "Steve" Rifkin
Child(ren): Ana Cruz, Raymond "Nick" Cruz, Stephen Rifkin, Laura McCauley
Grandchild(ren): Madison McCauley, Peter McCauley, Teresa McCauley
Education: Hillsborough Community College, Opticianry Dispensing, 1977
Born: July 7, 1956, Tampa, FL
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Recreational Interest: gourmet cooking, tarpon fishing, watercolor, writing
Legislative Service
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives on February 23, 2010, reelected subsequently
Democratic Deputy Whip, 2010-2012
Affiliations
FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni
Hillsborough Community College Alumni Foundation
NAACP
National Association of Latino Elected Officials
Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce
West Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Women In Government
Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus, past Chair
Paint Your Heart Out Tampa, past board member
United Way Campaign CIGNA Healthcare, past Corporate Chair
Highlights
Aetna Healthcare, National Financial Account Manager
CIGNA Healthcare for Seniors Group Sales, Regional Director
CIGNA Healthcare Optical Operations, Director
Fourth Generation Tampa/Ybor City Resident
Pearle Vision Center, owner
American Cancer Society, Freshmen Legislator of the Year Award, 2010
Community Health Charities of Florida, House Member of the Year Award, 2010
Italian Club Ladies Auxiliary, Italian American Woman of Excellence, 2010