Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Nykowanna Harris Sloan. With nearly three decades of dedicated service in education, Dr. Nykowanna Harris Sloan is a steadfast advocate for equity, empowerment, and excellence. Her professional journey reflects an enduring commitment to student achievement, youth development, and dismantling systemic barriers that disproportionately affect underserved and historically marginalized Central Florida communities. A recognized champion of restorative practices and culturally responsive education, Dr. Sloan's leadership has transformed school cultures and expanded opportunities for countless students. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Sloan is a devoted servant leader with decades of consistent community engagement focused on uplifting and empowering the African American community. She holds active leadership roles in numerous civic and service organizations and has received multiple awards and accolades. Her memberships range from her beloved Orange County, Florida, Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, to several national and local organizations. In each capacity, she serves not merely as a member but as a strategist, organizer, and advocate for meaningful progress. As a licensed and ordained minister with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Sloan is deeply committed to spiritual growth and holistic development. Her ministry bridges faith and lived experience, offering guidance marked by humility, conviction, and grace. Through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, she has led many toward healing, purpose, and renewed faith. At the heart of Dr. Sloan's life is her family. A devoted mother and grandmother, she views her children and grandchildren as both her greatest joy and her sacred responsibility in building a better tomorrow. Guided by a generational vision, she leads with love, intention, and unwavering purpose. Across education, ministry, and civic leadership, Dr. Sloan remains anchored in the belief that service is not merely an act, but a calling--one she continues to fulfill with integrity, influence, and lasting impact.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Ladara Royal, a proven, zealous leader and an accomplished urban educator, facilitator, and clinician. He is committed to driving transformative, innovative change that advances educators and students of color through equitable public- school policies and practices. Royal's work centers on urban education, educator activism, and expanding opportunities for underserved and under-resourced students. His impact is evidenced by a consistent record of increasing the number of students from these communities who matriculate into the Nation's most competitive colleges and universities. A dedicated advocate for educational equity, Royal has demonstrated his leadership and community commitment by speaking before the Florida State Senate and House of Representatives on multiple occasions to champion improvements in public education. Royal also serves as secretary of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association--the official educators' union representing teachers across Orange County, Florida--and as chairman of the OCCTA Fund for Children and Public Education. In these roles, he works tirelessly to support and help advance the appointment of public officials who are committed to strengthening and protecting public education. His expertise and advocacy have been recognized across numerous media platforms, including local news and radio, Bloomberg, CNN, ABC World News, TIME, and the Guardian. He has served as a guest panelist for the Florida State NAACP Freedom to Read Town Hall and the Transformative Justice Coalition, and as a featured panelist at the 52nd Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference for the session entitled ``The Courage to Teach.'' This event was presented in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association. In 2025, Royal was also honored as a recipient of the FOX 35 Care Force recognition, celebrating his exceptional work as a high school, college, and career specialist, as well as the profound impact he continues to make on the lives of his students.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Craig Moore. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Kissimmee, providing executive leadership for one of Osceola County's largest and most vital health care campuses serving residents across Florida's 9th Congressional District. Guided by AdventHealth's faith-based mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ, Moore is committed to ensuring access to compassionate, high-quality, whole-person care for the communities he serves. Moore brings more than 30 years of experience within AdventHealth, a nonprofit health care system dedicated to caring for the whole person-- body, mind, and spirit. He began his career with the organization while still in high school and has since served in a wide range of clinical and operational leadership roles across acute care, home health, outpatient, and hospital operations. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Chief Operating Officer at AdventHealth Kissimmee, guiding the campus through a period of growth and transformation. Under Moore's leadership, the campus undertook a multiyear expansion totaling more than $100 million in investment to enhance access and readiness for patients across Osceola County. In addition, these efforts expanded specialty services, enhanced facilities, and added off-site emergency care, while also creating new jobs for local residents. Together, these initiatives contributed to improving patient safety, quality outcomes, and a stronger care experience for families across the county. Beyond the hospital campus, Moore is actively engaged in the Osceola County community. He serves on the board of the Osceola Council on Aging, supporting programs that promote independence, dignity, and access to services for older adults. He is known for a listening-first leadership approach guided by the principle, ``Seek first to understand, then to be understood,'' emphasizing collaboration with caregivers, physicians, and community partners. Moore holds bachelor's and master's degrees in physical therapy from Andrews University and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Chundra L. Evens, a distinguished educational leader, pastor, and community advocate whose career reflects a deep commitment to excellence, service, and transformative leadership. After serving five years as the principal of Osceola County School for the Arts, she made history in March 2020 as the first African American appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent in the High School Division of the School District of Osceola County in Kissimmee, Florida. A highly credentialed educator, Dr. Evens is certified in K-12 and holds specialized certifications in Exceptional Student Education, ESOL, Reading, Educational Leadership, and School Principal. Her professional journey is enriched by earlier experience in correctional probation and the performing arts. She attended Florida A&M University as a member of the Marching 100 and later earned a bachelor's in political science from the University of Central Florida. She completed both her master's and Doctor of Education in educational leadership at National Louis University. Dr. Evens has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the Harvard University Extension School Strategic Leadership Program and the National Institute for School Leadership Executive Development Program. Her honors include the Florida Department of Education Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award; Secondary Literacy Administrator of the Year; Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year at both St. Cloud Middle and Zenith High; New Beginnings Education Center Teacher of the Year and SAC Distinguished Service Award; Council for Exceptional Children Middle School Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Rookie Teacher of the Year; and the district's Distinguished Minority Runner-Up Educator of the Year. She was also the first principal in the district to achieve Best and Brightest recognition and was named the 2019 Principal of the Year by Osceola Visionaries, Inc. Guided by her faith and inspired by Nelson Mandela's belief in education as a powerful tool for change, Dr. Evens actively serves her community as a Girl Scouts troop leader, volunteer with Give Kids the World, member of Tau Beta Sigma, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A lifelong servant-leader within the church, she was ordained in December 2023 and now serves as senior co-pastor of Trinity Church Sebring Campus alongside her husband of nearly 30 years, Pastor Roderick L. Evens.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Denielle Barnhardt, a pastor, educator, and arts advocate whose work has significantly impacted families and students throughout Osceola County and Florida's 9th Congressional District. She is the co-founder and senior pastor of The Way Worship Church, where she leads alongside her husband, Jaquan, with a family-centered pastoral model that views the family as the prototype for the church and community life. Together, they are raising four beautiful children. In 2013, Barnhardt founded Mrs. B's Music and Performing Arts Training, and since 2017, she has worked intentionally to expand access to high-quality arts education across Osceola and Orange Counties. Through seasons of growth and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, she used the arts to keep families connected, students engaged, and communities resilient. Her efforts have led to the establishment of musical theater programs in schools and community settings, as well as strategic partnerships that connect children to quality arts programs and educational pathways through preparation and mentorship. Barnhardt has also served as a startup consultant, strategist, and curriculum developer for multiple private and micro-schools in Osceola County, helping to launch and strengthen innovative educational models rooted in excellence and community need. She currently serves as a PAX coordinator, facilitating and overseeing cultural exchange initiatives that promote global understanding among students in the United States and abroad. She recently launched The Hall Institute, a Bible college focused on theological education and leadership formation. With a background in the arts, Barnhardt received arts education from primary school through high school and has performed on world-renowned stages, including Radio City Music Hall, Broadway, and other major venues. Combined with her foundation in general education and a Master of Divinity in Church History, she bridges creative formation, historical theology, and pastoral leadership with rare interdisciplinary depth. She will soon step into the Navy Reserve Chaplaincy, expanding her service to support service members and their families, and continuing her commitment to faith, education, and community leadership in Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bianca Belabre, a marketer, strategist, and community advocate whose work advances creativity, education, and economic opportunity in Osceola County. Raised in a Haitian household and influenced by her parents, Gilna Charles and Jean Robert Belabre, Ms. Belabre grew up shaped by immigrants' pursuit of the American dream, instilling values of resilience and education. From Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Belabre relocated to Osceola County at the age of 13. She attended the Osceola School for the Arts as a vocalist, where she developed an appreciation for creativity and storytelling. Ms. Belabre is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science as a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient, followed by a Master of Public Health. She serves on the board of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce, chairs the Poinciana Area Council, and is on the board of the Black Empowerment Community Council. Through these roles, she supports community events and business education, and helps fund scholarships for students in Poinciana, awarding $6,000 in 2025. She also delivers educational presentations for local business groups and nonprofit organizations. In 2019, Ms. Belabre launched A Creative Station, a marketing agency specializing in digital marketing, strategic planning, and content creation. She supports business owners through training and marketing management. She was contracted by the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County to launch the Early LearnHub brand and lead the design of an immersive educational mural at the Hart Memorial Library in Kissimmee. Ms. Belabre is also the co-founder of The Boss Collective and The Modern Boss Podcast, supporting more than 100 women entrepreneurs in the surrounding area. Her leadership has been recognized with the Vanguard Award from the Black Empowerment Community Council and the Tomorrow's Leaders Today Award from the Osceola Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Arlene Blake, PMP, a community visionary, workforce development advocate, and champion for women's economic advancement in Central Florida. She is the founder of Women on the Rise International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building economic mobility for women through financial literacy, career development, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness. Over the past decade, she has transformed Women on the Rise into a career and leadership hub serving hundreds of women across the region. Arlene's work focuses on addressing barriers that prevent women from thriving, including childcare, technology gaps, lack of mentorship, and limited access to culturally aligned support networks. In 2024, she secured the organization's largest program investment to date, expanding a career development initiative that has helped women increase earnings, secure higher-paying jobs, launch small businesses, and gain the financial confidence needed to build long-term stability for themselves and their families. Her contributions to the community have been recognized widely. Arlene has been featured in the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council's Legacy of Excellence Exhibit as a Phenomenal Black Woman in Central Florida, named a Rising Star by the Citrus Club, and honored with the Noble Knight Award from the University of Central Florida College of Community and Innovation. She has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as both a Woman Who Means Business and one of the Most Influential People in Orlando, and was named Woman of the Year by Orange Appeal Magazine. Beyond her nonprofit leadership, Arlene is the founder of Just Start It, LLC, where she supports organizations and professionals in improving systems, strengthening performance, and expanding community impact. She remains committed to advancing women's economic well-being, strengthening families, and ensuring Central Florida remains a region where women can rise, lead, and build lasting legacies.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. SOTO. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition today to H.R. 498, the so-called Do No Harm in Medicaid Act, and I urge my colleagues to support my motion to recommit. H.R. 498 is an unnecessary ban on Medicaid funding. Instead, we see what Republicans are doing: a $1-trillion cut to Medicaid in the big, ugly law that is going to mean a 15 percent cut next year in Florida that they are going to have to work on and trying to insert themselves into deeply personal medical decisions. Mr. Speaker, there was a Christmas miracle this week. We saw four Republicans join us in a discharge petition to get at what the American people really want to vote on. They want us to vote on extending the enhanced premium tax credits for the ACA to stop a huge healthcare hike for 20 million Americans. That is what people want us to be talking about here today, before their premiums double, triple, and even quadruple. They don't want us to be delving into these culture war issues when we have real work to do to fund Medicaid and to extend the ACA tax credits. Affordability is the biggest thing in the Nation right now. My district has the second most ObamaCare of any district. In my district, 275,000 people will see their healthcare double or triple, so this should be the priority right now. Mr. Speaker, all America wants for Christmas is a 3-year ACA tax credit extension, and I am hoping we can get it together. I have given us an opportunity. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would include a clean 3-year extension of the enhanced premium tax credits, just in time for Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jeffrey Booher is a certified firefighter/ lieutenant and paramedic with the City of Kissimmee Fire Department, where he has served with distinction for over 20 years. A native of Central Florida, Jeffrey was inspired to enter the fire service following the events of September 11, 2001. Leaving behind a successful career in construction management, he committed himself to public service and began training at the Central Florida Fire Academy. Throughout his tenure, Jeffrey has held numerous roles, including firefighter/EMT, firefighter/paramedic, and driver/operator. He currently serves as a company officer, leading his crew with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and mentorship. Jeffrey holds a bachelor's degree in fire administration from Waldorf University, graduating with honors. He has also completed specialized training at the Emergency Services Leadership Institute and the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a focus on incident command. Jeffrey's technical credentials include technician-level certifications in Rope Rescue, Vehicle Machinery Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and Trench Rescue. His dedication has earned him multiple honors, including 2017 KFD Officer of the Year, Citywide Employee of the Month in 2015 and 2024, and City of Kissimmee Employee of the Year in 2024. In 2019, he was awarded the Honeywell DuPont Scholarship to attend FDIC International. Beyond his operational duties, Jeffrey has contributed significantly to department initiatives, serving on committees for firefighter safety, apparatus and station design, and the hiring and training of new firefighters. He also serves as a trustee and co-chairman of the Firefighter Pension Board. His role as assistant accreditation manager helped lead to the fire department's first international accreditation. With unwavering dedication, technical expertise, and a heart for service, Lieutenant Jeffrey Booher continues to embody the values of leadership, integrity, and commitment that define the fire service.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, as a dedicated Osceola County Fire Rescue Lieutenant with 32 years of service, Lieutenant Humberto Vergara has built a career centered on ensuring the well-being, preparedness, and safety of firefighters and the communities they serve. With a passion for leadership, health, and physical fitness, Lieutenant Vergara leads by example, fostering a culture of resilience and excellence within not only Osceola County Fire Rescue, but across the entire state of Florida. Specializing in health and safety initiatives, Lieutenant Vergara is the health and safety chairman at Osceola County Fire Rescue and has successfully developed and implemented programs aimed at reducing workplace injuries, enhancing physical readiness, promoting mental wellness, and preventing cancer. His hands-on approach to fitness training and safety education has equipped firefighters with the tools and confidence needed to perform their duties effectively under the most challenging conditions. Lieutenant Vergara was a founding member of the Florida Firefighter Fitness Collaborative, established in 2011. Their mission was to offer ``Wellness Mutual Aid'' to other fire departments across the state that pursued the implementation and/or maintenance of their wellness/fitness programs, such as the IAFF Wellness Fitness Initiative. Lieutenant Vergara currently serves on the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative, which focuses on areas of firefighter cancer prevention, health and fitness, mental wellness, and firefighter safety. Through the FFSHC, Bert chairs the health and safety section for the state of Florida. Bert also serves as a member of the First Responder Center of Excellence, Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee. He also serves as an advisor on the IAFF Wellness Fitness Initiative Taskforce. Lieutenant Vergara continuously seeks opportunities for professional development to stay at the forefront of emerging health and safety practices. He remains committed to mentoring firefighters, cultivating teamwork, and creating sustainable strategies to improve overall firefighter performance. Lieutenant Vergara was recently the recipient of the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Firefighter Cancer Initiative, Commitment Award for his contributions to improve the health and wellness of Florida's firefighters.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer in Altamonte Springs, while off-duty and spending time with his family, Firefighter and Paramedic Christopher Fearon witnessed a five-year-old boy slip under the water and begin to drown. Within seconds, he pulled the child out, cleared his airway, and helped him take a lifesaving breath. The boy was purple in the face and struggling to breathe, but thanks to Chris's training, instinct, and calm under pressure, he survived and recovered. Chris embodies: Skill and decisiveness under pressure--drawing on years of fire-rescue and paramedic training; Service beyond duty--never hesitating to act, even off the clock; Humility and compassion--later reflecting, ``All I wanted to do since I was little was help people . . . and I love it.'' This act of quick thinking heroism, covered by local news, not only saved a life but also drew attention to the importance of water safety in Central Florida. The boy has since received a scholarship to learn to swim, creating a ripple effect of safety and prevention beyond the incident itself.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ronald Huguenin has dedicated more than two decades to public safety and service in Central Florida. Beginning his career in 2001, he served with the Daytona Beach Fire Department from 2002 to 2007, where he was a member of the Motor Medics, the Technical Rescue Team, and served as a fire explorer advisor, mentoring young adults interested in careers in the fire service. In 2007, he joined the Orlando Fire Department, where he currently serves as a lieutenant paramedic within the Special Operations Command, assigned to Engine 2/ B, known as the ``Pride of Parramore.'' Lieutenant Huguenin is a state-certified firefighter and nationally registered paramedic, with specialized certifications as a hazmat technician and Scott Air-Pak technician. His career reflects a strong commitment to technical excellence, operational readiness, and leadership in complex emergency situations that demand precision and teamwork. Beyond emergency response, Lieutenant Huguenin has played an active role in strengthening community ties and developing the next generation of firefighters. He participated in the ``Books and Badges'' program, which promotes literacy and mentorship in local schools, and contributed to strategic planning efforts that brought together a diverse group of individuals to help shape the long-term vision of the Orlando Fire Department. He currently serves as the lead instructor for the B-shift Field Training Officer program, ensuring probationary firefighters develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to complete their first year successfully. Additionally, as treasurer for the Orlando Professional Firefighters Union, he has helped organize initiatives that provide food and support for families and individuals in need across the Central Florida community. Lieutenant Huguenin's dedication to his profession, his department, and the community he serves exemplifies the courage, service, and selflessness that define the firefighting profession.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, firefighter Troy Parker was born and raised in Osceola County, Florida, and is a 2016 graduate of Harmony High School. At the age of 21, while returning home from his sales job, he came upon a serious motor vehicle accident. In that moment, he felt a profound calling to serve and protect others, a calling that led him to pursue a career in the fire service. Through two years of rigorous training and determination, he achieved his goal of joining Osceola County Fire Rescue. Since that time, Firefighter Parker has earned multiple accreditations, enabling him to serve on the department's Special Operations and Hazardous Materials teams. He is an active member of the Benevolent and participates in numerous community and fire service outreach initiatives. Currently enrolled in paramedic school, he continues to advance his skills and his ability to deliver lifesaving care. On March 3, 2025, while off duty, Firefighter Parker encountered a vehicle accident in which an occupant was trapped inside a car rapidly submerging into a retention pond. Without hesitation, he entered the water, striking the window with his bare hand until he could reach the driver. As the vehicle overturned and sank, pulling them both underwater, Firefighter Parker displayed exceptional courage and determination. With remarkable strength and selflessness, he freed the trapped occupant, swam them to shore, and remained by their side until Engine 52 arrived to provide further care. His decisive actions embodied the highest traditions of valor and service. Firefighter Parker intends to dedicate his life to a full career of service within the fire service. His professionalism, heroism, and unwavering commitment to his community bring great pride to himself and to Osceola County Fire Rescue.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Tim Jones was born in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970's, and from a young age knew he wanted to be a firefighter. Growing up, he admired the courage and sacrifice of firefighters, and as a child, he often told friends and family that one day he would drive fire trucks. September 11, 2001, profoundly shaped Tim's path, reaffirming his commitment and lifelong calling to public service. Two years later, on September 11, 2003, he officially began his career with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department. From that day forward, he has dedicated his life to protecting others, serving his community, and honoring the legacy of sacrifice and courage that inspired him. Driving and operating fire engines quickly became his passion, while training and teaching emerged as his gift. Tim has trained hundreds of new recruits as a recruit training officer and guided experienced firefighters, engineers, and lieutenants through advanced instruction on the fire ground. He has helped design and administer the department's driver-operator promotional exam and has been a consistent leader in professional development. Beyond technical training, Tim has invested deeply in the health and well-being of his fellow firefighters. As a certified peer fitness trainer, he has supported personnel in maintaining physical readiness. As a founding member of the Peer Support Team and Dog Therapy Program, he has championed mental health resources for firefighters and their families. His leadership, loyalty, and compassion have made him a cornerstone of the department and community. His fellow firefighters know they can count on him at any hour, on or off duty, and his community knows him as a trusted friend. It is not uncommon for neighbors, residents, or even strangers to stop him to thank him for the many ways he has touched their lives--whether through saving a loved one, offering comfort during hardship, or simply showing up when he was needed most and simply being a steady and trusted presence. Tim lives by the words of Muhammad Ali: ``Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.'' His career exemplifies that service, sacrifice, and commitment.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Chuck Weagraff is a 21-year veteran of the fire service and the proud third generation of his family to wear the badge. His career has spanned multiple departments and communities, including Honolulu, the cities of Ocoee and Oviedo, and now serving with distinction at the Reedy Creek Fire Department. At every step, Chuck has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, dedication, and passion for the calling of a firefighter. Within the department, Chuck has distinguished himself as both a leader and a teacher. He serves as an instructor on the Special Operations Team, preparing members for the most complex and dangerous challenges of the profession. As a paramedic preceptor, he has mentored countless new medics, imparting not only technical skill but also the calm confidence and compassion that define the best in emergency medicine. In addition, as a certified department fire instructor, he dedicates himself to developing the next generation of firefighters. His impact as a mentor and instructor is felt throughout our organization and beyond. Chuck is known among his peers as steady under pressure, generous with his time and knowledge, and always putting the needs of others first. His quiet but steady leadership inspires those around him to be better, both on and off the job. Outside the firehouse, Chuck is a devoted family man to his wife and two children. The same dedication that defines him as a firefighter is equally present in the way he supports and cares for his family. For his decades of service, professionalism, leadership, and devotion to both his department and his loved ones, Chuck Weagraff exemplifies the very best of the fire service.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Mayra La Paz is a renowned international journalist of Dominican origin, whose professional career has left a profound mark on the world of communications. Born with an innate passion for storytelling, she began her career in her native Dominican Republic, where she quickly established herself as one of the most respected and admired voices in the media. Her direct and empathetic style, combined with a commitment to truth, led her to excel on national television, covering topics of social, cultural, and political significance, earning the respect of both the public and her colleagues. Motivated by the desire to broaden her horizons, she immigrated to New York City, where she continued her rise in Hispanic media as a reporter, host, and producer, achieving a genuine connection with the Latino community. In the United States, her voice became a bridge between immigrants and opportunities, denouncing injustices, extolling achievements, and promoting education and culture as tools for transformation. Her talent, charisma, and journalistic ethics have allowed her to excel on networks and programs with high audiences, such as Telemundo, Telemicro Internacional, Supercanal Caribe, and Channel 35 in New York, establishing herself as an opinion leader committed to the progress of her people. She is included among the 100 most influential Dominicans abroad. For her successful journalistic work, she has been recognized by government agencies in her country, New York, Puerto Rico, and now in Florida, as well as by private institutions. She holds a master's degree in corporate communication from the Isabella II University in Barcelona, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences, studies in community management in social media, and coaching studies from the John Maxuel School, among other courses related to effective communication. She is the eldest of seven siblings and has created a stable family with engineer Juan Carlos Rosario, with whom she has four children: Carlos, Joel, Junior, and Karla, as well as a granddaughter: Aria Rose. Today, based in Central Florida, Mayra La Paz continues her legacy as the founder and director of Portada Latina magazine, a media outlet that showcases and celebrates the talent, entrepreneurship, and economic contributions of Hispanics in the United States. Her magazine celebrates its 10th year of consistent reporting in the Hispanic market in 2025. In addition to her work as a communicator, she mentors women in professional reinvention, creates the effective communication method ``Que Comunicas?'' (What Do You Communicate?), and promotes empowerment, networking, and digital education events. With more than three decades dedicated to journalism, Mayra is a symbol of resilience, excellence, and love for her community.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dilia Castillo was born in Manhattan, New York, to parents from the Dominican Republic. In 1989, she moved to Florida, where she began her career as a freelance photographer, focusing on community events, newspapers, and magazines. Due to her passionate dedication to community engagement, she is affectionatly know as ``The People's Photographer,'' or ``La Fotografa del Pueblo,'' in Central Florida. Dilia's work and warm personality have earned her affection and recognition within the Central Florida community. Her creative approach to photography has been acknowledged through several awards, including the 2013 APEIH Certificate of Appreciation, 2015 Revista Mujer Award, 2016 Latina Role Models Certificate of Recognition, 2016 Kissimmee Family Mission Inc. Certificate of Recognition, 2016 HAPBWA Award, 2018 Portada Latina Magazine Award, 2019 Premios Boriken Award--Excellence in Artistic Creativity Award at the Puerto Rico Parade in Osceola, 2020 Access Community Center Recognition for Meals on Wheels, 2023 Leadership Awards at the Cuban Sandwich Festival, 2023 Premios Boriken Event Recognition, and El Premio Coqui de Oro Event Recognition. As a professional photographer, Dilia has contributed to numerous publications, including Caribbean American Passport Magazine, Portada Latina, Yes Business Magazine, the Osceola Star, El Nuevo Amanecer, Enlace Magazine, Karas Magazine, Politica--Politico Magazine, Revista Mujer, El Periodico El Sol de la Florida, and the HAPBWA Foundation. Dilia Castillo's contributions and impact on her community continue to be celebrated.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Phillip Arroyo is a distinguished attorney, advocate, and proud Puerto Rican whose life reflects a lifelong dedication to justice. Born in 1982 on a United States military base in Germany to a Puerto Rican father who served in the Armed Forces, he was raised with the values of resilience, service, and courage. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Arroyo served as special assistant to the Puerto Rico Secretary of State, Kenneth McClintock, and in the Puerto Rico Senate. He later addressed the international community, twice testifying before the United Nations in New York City on the island's unequal political status within the United States. In 2012, he was selected from thousands of applicants nationwide to serve as a White House intern under President Barack Obama's administration, where he worked in the office of then-Vice President Joe Biden, analyzing domestic policy. Following his graduation from Florida A&M University College of Law, Mr. Arroyo chose to serve as a public defender, representing the poor and ensuring the constitutional rights of the most vulnerable were protected. In 2022, he transitioned into private practice, co-founding the Arroyo Law Firm in Orlando, Florida, with his wife and law partner, Josephine Arroyo. Under their leadership, the firm has become one of Central Florida's most respected criminal defense and immigration practices, recognized for zealous advocacy, service to underserved communities, and its particular commitment to assisting the Hispanic community. In addition, Mr. Arroyo is a frequent commentator in both national and local media on issues of criminal justice, immigration, and civil rights. While many in the legal community have remained silent, he has consistently spoken up in defense of our Constitution and immigrant communities during these dark times. His journey--from Puerto Rico to the United Nations, to the White House, and now to the courtroom--stands as a testament to perseverance, courage, and the enduring power of advocacy in the pursuit of justice for all.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Pedro Turushina is the president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, where he leads the strategic direction of one of the top two chambers in the region. In this role, he develops proactive programs that strengthen membership engagement, foster collaboration, and create meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders across government, private, and nonprofit sectors. His leadership positions the chamber as a catalyst for business ownership, economic advancement, and community empowerment. A proud Colombian native who has called Orlando home since 2001, Pedro has dedicated his career to driving economic growth in Central Florida. Before leading the chamber, he was the founder and creative director of a marketing agency, supporting entrepreneurs and organizations in building their brands and strategies. Today, his vision extends beyond organizational leadership--he actively cultivates alliances that directly impact the region's economy, including partnerships with the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud, both part of Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Thanks to his efforts, both municipalities are now valued trustees of the chamber, underscoring the trust and collaboration he has fostered in the community. Under his leadership, the chamber co-hosted a Small Business Town Hall with Orange County and SkyBuilders USA, creating a platform for local entrepreneurs to share needs, connect with peers, and shape the future of Orange County's Small Business Enterprise Program. Pedro's authenticity and entrepreneurial background have made him a trusted advocate for small businesses, particularly in Osceola County, where the chamber has expanded its presence to better serve the Hispanic community. His commitment to empowerment and opportunity has earned him national and regional recognition, including being named a Top Latino Leader by the Council for Latino Workplace Equity. He has also been recognized as Orlando Business Journal's 40 Under 40, and recipient of the Citrus Club Hispanic Heritage Award as Future Leadership Trailblazer Man of the Year.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero is a pastor, educator, and nonprofit leader whose work has transformed Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-lead pastor of The Gathering Place Church in Orlando, she has built a thriving, multicultural congregation committed to restoring lives, families, the city, and the world. She is co-leading the creation of a Dream Center Campus in Central Florida, designed to provide comprehensive services for families in need. Dr. Salguero is the creator of the Oikonomia Initiative, a groundbreaking program that equips pastors and nonprofit leaders with financial literacy, debt-relief resources, and leadership excellence funds. Through this initiative, Central Florida pastors and leaders have been empowered to pay down personal debt, stabilize their finances, and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities. She also founded the Avance Initiative, which brings together Latino leaders and entrepreneurs for capacity development, strengthening their organizational infrastructures and expanding their community impact. As executive director of the Carrion Hispanic Leadership Center at Southeastern University, Dr. Salguero has helped expand access to affordable, high-quality education for over 200 Latino students. She also serves as co-founder and vice president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), headquartered in the district, where she mobilizes a national network of over 3,000 leaders around issues such as poverty alleviation, immigration, and educational equity. With a pastoral heart and prophetic vision, Dr. Salguero has secured multi-million-dollar philanthropic investments, built bridges across sectors, and brought national visibility to Florida's Ninth District as a model for church-based and nonprofit-led community transformation.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Arnaldo Oliveras is the founder and president of 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, a technology-forward brokerage and consultancy headquartered in Orlando. Licensed in Florida and equipped with an MBA in global management, he has devoted more than two decades to catalyzing job growth and revitalizing commercial corridors across the State--most notably within Florida's Ninth Congressional District, which includes Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Lake Nona, and south Orlando. Through 180 Commercial Real Estate Advisors, Mr. Oliveras has directed over $600 million in retail and mixed-use transactions, ushering both national brands and emerging concepts into Central Florida while pioneering lease structures that maximize landlord value and tenant viability. His firm's concierge platform--integrating tenant and landlord representation, market analytics, project coordination, and post-occupancy advisory--has become a blueprint for sustainable development along the Osceola Parkway and U.S. 192 corridors, generating hundreds of local jobs and broadening consumer amenities for district residents. Mindful that thriving main streets anchor healthy economies, he also advises small retailers and family-owned enterprises on fair-lease negotiations and expansion strategies, ensuring small businesses share in the region's growth. A passionate civic leader, Mr. Oliveras serves as the 2026 chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, championing entrepreneurship programs that directly benefit the Ninth District's vibrant business community. Oliveras also sits on the Executive Board at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the board of Opera Orlando and as vice-chair for the Rollins Museum of Art board, leveraging arts advocacy to boost cultural tourism and business revenue throughout Central Florida. Renowned for disciplined optimism and a consultative style, Mr. Oliveras continues to align private-sector innovation with public priorities, advancing a more prosperous and resilient Central Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Cristina Mercado Acevedo is an interdisciplinary-trained professional with a master's in healthcare administration and over 20 years of community service involvement. She serves as the chief for the Orlando VA Healthcare System's Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office, where she is responsible for volunteer services, philanthropic engagement, and partnership solutions with community stakeholders. The service's motto, ``What's Your Why?'' resonates heavily with her, and she uses it as a framework in building the program. Ms. Mercado Acevedo began her VA career at the Orlando VA in 2012 as a Pathways intern. In 2014, she became the program support assistant for the Public Affairs Office, handling internal and external communications. She managed the social media accounts and worked to increase awareness and develop connections with veterans and the community. Ms. Mercado Acevedo served on the outreach committee that planned the VA's annual ``Welcome Home'' events. These family-friendly events provided access to emergent resources, employment opportunities, and information on both VA and community programs. During this time, she earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and graduated from the VISN 8 Stepping with PRIDE Leadership Development Program. Ms. Mercado Acevedo used these experiences to create one of the most robust CDCE programs in the Nation, not only offering veterans immediate assistance with emergent care items and transportation, but also sponsoring innovative projects aimed at improving veteran healthcare and experiences. Notable efforts include the partnership developed to combat food insecurity, which established the monthly Veterans Food Distribution event that serves around 300 veterans. Ms. Mercado Acevedo continues to work to motivate the community to assist the VA in its mission to serve America's heroes. Her ``why'' is not only to help those who may not otherwise receive the help they need, but also to inspire others to do the same.