Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, during this Hispanic Heritage Month, it is an honor to recognize My Voice Counts Charities Foundation, Inc., a non- profit organization deeply committed to the social integration of Venezuelan immigrants into the American system. Since its inception, they have tirelessly worked to support the Venezuelan community throughout Central Florida through a range of activities that promote solidarity, mutual support, and empowerment. They have organized job training workshops, English language programs, legal assistance, and healthcare services, facilitating the adaptation and well-being of hundreds of Venezuelan families across the United States. They have proactively addressed the challenges faced by our community. A prime example is their collaboration with our office to introduce the Venezuelan Adjustment Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would provide legal pathways and safeguard the lights of Venezuelans who have migrated to the U.S. in search of a better future. This effort underscores their commitment to justice and their ability to positively influence public policy that directly impacts their community. Thanks to the dedication of their team and the invaluable support of volunteers and collaborators, My Voice Counts has successfully established a robust network of support that not only assists immigrants in integrating but also enriches the diversity and social fabric of local communities.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to recognize and celebrate the centennial anniversary of the City of Belle Isle in Central Florida. Once a Native American oasis, Belle Isle was founded by Central Floridians in 1924 to resist Orange County's attempts to drain Lake Conway and its chain of lakes, which span approximately 1,800 acres. Belle Isle's first citizens and interim Mayor C.H. Hoffner unanimously voted on the city's name, which resembles the French phrase for ``beautiful island.'' Today, it reflects the city's peaceful, lakefront living that provides an escape from the nearby metros. In 1928, Belle Isle was annexed back into Orange County, and records of the City of Belle Isle ceased to exist. However, residents once again rallied against another attempt by the County to use the lakes for drainage in 1954, and the local government was reinstated. The State of Florida later recognized the City of Belle Isle's charter in 1972. The city's government ran continuously until the early 2000s when a council-manager form of government was adopted to better serve Belle Isle residents. Since that time, the city has flourished. Annexations, the establishment of a Belle Isle Police Department, and an agreement to open Cornerstone Charter Academy mark Belle Isle's largest achievements in recent years. In celebration of Belle Isle's centennial, the city will be hosting a Tree Recognition Ceremony to honor two of its beautiful trees. One tree will be recognized as a centennial tree, symbolizing 100 years of Belle Isle history. A second plaque will acknowledge a newly planted tree that will stand for the next 100 years. We wish good fortune to the City of Belle Isle and its residents and hope for another 100 years of history.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr Speaker, we recognize and honor Gatorland, the ``Alligator Capital of the World,'' which opened in Orlando 75 years ago in 1949 as one of Florida's very first attractions. We also pay tribute to the continued dedication of the founding Godwin family and all the staff and employees who have made the award-winning, 125-acre theme park what it is today. Not only is this a significant milestone for Gatorland but a significant milestone for Florida tourism, as generations of travelers from across the state, the country, and the world continue to visit a truly special place that has distinguished itself as a unique, genuine Real Florida attraction. Only at Gatorland can you encounter iconic experiences such as the Historic Gator Jaw Entrance, Gator Jumparoo Show, Adventure Hour Giant Alligator Feeding, Screamin' Gator Zipline zooming over hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, Stompin' Gator Off- Road Adventure, White Gator Marsh with the rarest alligators in the world, Alligator Breeding Marsh with Observation tower, Capybara Encounter on Flamingo Island and much, much more. A beacon of education and conservation, Gatorland has evolved as a worldwide leader in alligator safety, research, rescue, and protection. The park's conservation program-- Gatorland Global, is a testament to this daily mission. In fact, Gatorland has rescued hundreds of alligators over the years who were injured and at risk of not surviving, as well as those who were becoming a nuisance due to people illegally feeding them. Just in the last year, the park rescued an American Alligator that was found missing her entire top jaw. This alligator, now named Jawlene, is thriving in her new home in ``Alligator Paradise'' at Gatorland and has since become a viral sensation and she is much beloved by the local community. In addition, the park welcomed the birth of Mystic, an extremely rare white leucistic alligator, along with her natural-color brother, Mayhem. The park continues to rescue alligators and educate people on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to our ecosystems, to respect their power and beauty, and how to safely live with them in Florida and in communities around the world.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Chair, I appreciate consideration of my amendment No. 153 to provide an $10.8 million increase within the RDT&E-Defense Wide Account for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program's (IBAS) advanced packaging infrastructure enablement of standardized assembly design kits program. This program will support innovative semiconductor manufacturing processes critical to national security. Semiconductors support nearly all Department of Defense (DoD) activities. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge semiconductors, however, is a challenge. The IBAS Program ensures that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security Innovation Base. Its mission includes strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading-edge products and capabilities. One of the next-generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS is focusing on is advanced packaging. Advanced packaging is an innovative semiconductor manufacturing process that fully integrates all component chips into a single, highly functional chip. Currently, 98 percent of advanced packaging integrated processes are done in Asia, where foreign entities can insert malicious processes in a way that is not easily identifiable. IBAS is working to provide secure, credible, and reliable domestic advanced packaged semiconductor manufacturing capability. The design, fabrication, and packaging of leading-edge advanced package chips are becoming substantially more complex. To manage this complexity and ensure compatibility across different systems, standardized assembly design kits are essential. These kits provide a set of design rules and guidelines that streamline the manufacturing process. By establishing a uniform framework, standardized kits enable faster development and deployment of advanced packaging technologies, which is critical for meeting the DoD's high-performance and security standards. My amendment will allow the Department of Defense to leverage existing public-private partnerships to quickly expand domestic U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturing development platforms for critical advanced semiconductor system integration, including through the enablement of standardized design kits. U.S. global leadership in semiconductors depends on U.S. owned firms operating at the leading edge of advanced packaging technologies. The next generation of electronic devices will require significantly greater functional density, in other words, packing chips together even more tightly than current technology allows. This requires technical leadership in semiconductor advanced packaging processes, including the enablement of standardized assembly kits. I believe Congress should continue to allocate the necessary resources to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work being done in NeoCity, my district's semiconductor technology hub, to advance domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology. This development is vital to strengthening our defense supply chain. I look forward to working with my colleagues to support this critical goal.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, entrepreneur and hair care specialist, Nadine Taylor has been a pillar in the Kissimmee community for more than 26 years. Originally from Manchester, Jamaica, Nadine moved from Boston to Kissimmee to pursue her dreams of owning her own hair care facility ``A person's hair is a vital part of their personality,'' she says. ``I love taking care of the needs of all of my clients.'' Nadine specializes in a variety of hair textures, is a master colorist, and delights in creating hairstyles for her vast clientel. Nadine is gifted in making each client feel beautiful. Her philosophy is: When a person looks good, they feel good and can produce good things. Nadine is a wife, mother, and grandmother, and makes everyone feel as if they are family no matter where they come from.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Nattacha Wyllie, also known as ``Fanm Lakay,'' meaning ``Traditional Woman,'' is a mother of three, a sister, a friend, a humanitarian activist, and a social-cultural-art ambassador/ activist. She is the founder/CEO of Haitian American Art Network, Inc., a not-for-profit community-based organization started in Brooklyn, New York, in 1998 with the mission to erase stereotypes and embrace diversity through ART. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida, serving a diverse community, with its main office in Orlando. Miss Wyllie strongly believes in the traditional ways but is a bit modernized. She currently serves on the Orange County Advisory Arts & Cultural Affairs and chairs the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. Her past commitments were to the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Unitary Status Board, Orange County Disability Advisory Board, and Seminole County School Board SAC president. Ms. Wyllie's educational background is in human services, early childhood education, and radio-television production. Ms. Wyllie hosted a TV talk show that she started on the radio in Brooklyn. When she moved to Florida, she signed up with Spectrum TV, formerly known as Brighthouse. Then, she landed on Tele Anacaona Television Broadcasting Studios, where she spent 12 years hosting a talk show, producing and organizing cultural events informing, educating, and feeding the community through a collaboration with Second Harvest and Farmshare. Haitian American Art Network, Inc., is ``A Cultural Mix; A Diverse Bunch'' ``Erasing stereotypes, and embracing diversity through Art.'' From 2009 to 2024, Ms. Wyllie has produced the ``I AM'' movement, a women empowerment event of women celebrating women, honoring, recognizing, and celebrating women's achievements in different categories. Over 100 women in leadership have been honored and celebrated from the Sanford and Orlando areas, including international women from Haiti, Jamaica, Paris, and French Guyanne. Her calling started while working as a community health educator for a community-based organization that targeted the Caribbean community, specifically the Haitian community. She found her true purpose after her first trip to Haiti in February 2000 for a Haitian carnival. There, she discovered the desire to assist the less fortunate and fell in love with her Haitian culture all over again. Her motto is, ``While going up the ladder, I will pick up one person at a time.''

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Rosemarie G. Roth is the mother of Richard John, Rachel Melissa, and Rebecca Anne and the grandmother of three. She volunteers at OurLegacy with Advent Health, which is dedicated to raising awareness about organ donation within Caribbean and Latino communities. She was the president of the Organ Donation Foundation in 1991 when the organ donor designation was placed on Florida driver's licenses. In June of 1994, along with her grandmother, Lydell C. Dawkins, she founded Alpha Point, Inc., as a Christian Center. It now functions as a resource connector, where she and other community advocates offer resources to the community. They distribute free groceries and hot meals, and develop relationships with local churches, schools, and small businesses to organize outreach events to keep the community engaged. She offers free pre-marital counseling for the state of Florida and officiates weddings and funerals at no cost. Additionally, she serves as an end-of-life doula, providing meals, housing referrals, and supplies to patients with unfavorable prognoses. Her wealth of information has allowed her to author 17 non-fiction books. She writes with passion about cultural and life experiences for the Caribbean American Passport News Magazine monthly. Her legacy will be her love for people and the joy it brings her to bring hope through information. Her presence is welcomed by Chambers Park in the City of Kissimmee, where she coordinates a sewing class and a book club, thus fostering a nurturing and educational environment for children. Her community involvement includes being the former president of Jamaican Cultural Connection, Inc., secretary of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., co-host of ``Life: Raw & Real'' on CRRFM Radio Network, outreach director for the Global Jamaica Diaspora, covering 13 southern states, and president of Citrus Ridge Merchant Association, Inc. Pastor Rosemarie G. Roth's commitment to serving her community exemplifies the true spirit of being a community builder through advocacy.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Olive Gray's dedication to serving her community stems from her upbringing in Jamaica, where she learned the importance of sharing from her mother. This passion for helping others became her legacy when she began running food pantries in Central Florida over 30 years ago. Today, Gray leads one of the largest food pantries out of Apopka, Florida, serving 1,500-1,800 families every two weeks in Orange County. Her leadership at the Mt. Olive SDA Worship and Education Center food pantry is bolstered by the co-leadership of her husband, Elder Lenworth Gray. Their tireless work has been recognized by the Second Harvest Food Bank's 2017 Feed Award and featured in the DailyMail and local news stations such as WESH 2. Gray's commitment goes beyond her role at the pantry. A Jamaican immigrant, she embodies the spirit of the Caribbean community. After immigrating to the United States in the late 1980s, she balanced entrepreneurship with social work, supporting people with special needs. Since moving to Florida in the mid-1990s, she has consistently dedicated herself to serving her community through her church. Motivated by her desire to see people happy and well-fed, particularly children, Gray has always volunteered her time in food service, she has never received a salary. She firmly believes that no one should go hungry, and as long as she has the ability to share, she will-following the example of her mother, who did the very same for her Jamaican community.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Alexis Wallace is a bridge builder. Throughout his ministry, he has been dedicated to developing uncommon and challenging relationships in a wide variety of areas. He is the founder and president of the Jewish Christian Network, which has members from every continent. Pastor Alexis is also the president and founder of Hagiazo Healing Outreach, a ministry with the unique mission of bridging the gap between faith and science to address sickness from a spiritual perspective. Pastor Alexis is the founder of Global Evangelistic Center, co- pastoring this church in Kissimmee, Florida, with his wife, Evelina. The couple has two children a daughter, Alexia, who is a federal attorney, and a son, Sydney, a recent radiography graduate and practitioner. Global Evangelistic Center was at ground zero in Abaco, Bahamas, with a medical mission shortly after Hurricane Dorian devastated the island. GEC coordinated the mission with a team of doctors and much-needed medical supplies that impacted the lives of many. Pastor Alexis attended Oral Roberts University. He has been a publisher of newspapers and magazines, as well as the executive producer of international Christian TV programs that focused on Israel and the Caribbean and reached millions.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Armando ``Curtis'' Hierro is a 36-year-old Cuban-American. He is the national field director for the Communications Workers of America with years of experience organizing for workers and human rights in Florida. Curtis has a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Central Florida and a certificate in leadership, organizing, and action from the Harvard Kennedy School. Organizing is a deeply held passion for Curtis. Curtis was born in Miami, Florida, into a single-mother household where his family faced immense economic challenges, poverty, and homelessness. Through a strong work ethic, a belief in the power of community, and a commitment to education passed on by his mother and grandmother, he was able to be the first person in his family to attend and graduate college. While at the University of Central Florida, Curtis organized students to stand up for campus custodial staff in contract fights and support immigrant workers from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. From 2012 to 2016, Curtis was a founding member and the first field director for the organization Dream Defenders--a community organization in Florida led by young people of color building power and organizing local and statewide campaigns to address issues of poverty, for-profit prisons, and accountable policing. Moving on to the Central Florida AFL-CIO as organizing director, Curtis led the AFL-CIO's efforts to directly support the contract fight for fair wages by Disney workers represented by Unite Here and helped organize workers forming their union for the first time with the Communications Workers of America. Additionally, Curtis co-led the fight to make Orlando the first city in the southeast United States to adopt a Trust Act to safeguard immigrant communities in 2018. Curtis now focuses his efforts on supporting CWA members in Florida and across the country in developing their leadership and taking action to build worker power.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ismael Rivera is a senior organizer for the International Amalgamated Transit Union. He assists transit workers in learning the importance of joining a union among all the great benefits the union brings. He organizes the unorganized workers throughout Central Florida who are looking for a voice. Ismael served as vice president of ATU Local 1596 in Orlando and then was later voted in to become the first Latino president of the local. In 2013, Ismael established the ATU Latino Caucus, where he organized Latino workers in the workplace to be a voice for the Latino community at large as well as in the workplace. Ismael served as the southeast representative for the ATU International Latino Caucus from 2013 to 2016 and then became the ATU International Latino Caucus president from 2016 to 2024. Ismael was a bus operator for 27 years from 1997 to 2004. He started his career in transit as a bus operator in New York City. Ismael than moved to Central Florida in January 2004 and continued his career as a bus operator with the Central Florida Regional Transit Authority for the past 20 years. In 2017, after Hurricane Maria hit the Island of Puerto Rico, Ismael shipped a 53-foot container filled with food, water, and necessities for the people on the southern part of the island--a small town in the mountains called Tibes. This was made possible with the assistance of ATU International who paid for the shipping of the container. Ismael served on the Central Labor Council in Central Florida from 2013 to 2024. Ismael represents ATU on the national board for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. On this board, he engages with members dealing with immigration issues in the workplace and abroad. Ismael and his wife, Maira, have been married for 36 years and have three children, Jose, Christina, and Daniel, as well as 12 precious grandchildren.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Cheryl Reid-Payne was born on the beautiful island of Barbados, immigrated to London, England, and eventually moved to New York. There, she pursued a career in the medical field and obtained her certification as a nursing assistant. After over 20 years of living in New York, she moved to Central Florida in 2002 and continued her passion for helping people by working at several nursing facilities. Cheryl, a champion of serving the community, also sought opportunities to do so by becoming a member of the CFAFCC, NAFCC, NAACP, and the Caribbean and Floridian Association, known as CAFA. She has been an active member of CAFA for the past 23 years serving in many capacities, such as chaplin, corresponding secretary, and co-chair of the Service Activities/Education Committee, for which she is currently the sole chairperson. In this capacity, Cheryl enjoys planning, shopping, and delivering Christmas giveaways to residents at Central Florida nursing facilities. During Thanksgiving, she also hands out turkeys at several locations in Kissimmee to families in need. At CAFA's biggest annual community event, Caribbean Fusion, held in Kissimmee, you can find her by the medical tent taking blood pressure as she is also on CAFA's Medical Committee as a nursing assistant. Additionally, Cheryl and her team fundraise for and provide college scholarships at CAFA's yearly scholarship awards ceremony to Osceola County high school students with impeccable GPA scores. Students also receive special gift bags, which Cheryl shops for and donates to the students with great pleasure. Keeping in line with her passion and love for children, Cheryl officially opened Cheryl's Daycare, which was opened in the Poinciana area for 18 years. Beyond Cheryl's social and professional endeavors, she finds comfort in serving as an usher at her local church in Poinciana. It has been and remains her honor to serve the community and she looks forward to continuing to do so with passion and care, with a goal of becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she is happy being a wife and mother of four children and five grandchildren.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Lenna Donna Cadogan hails from Guyana, South America. Lenna received an academic scholarship from the government of Guyana to attend the Dental Auxiliary School in Jamaica, where she pursued advanced studies and graduated as a dental nurse. In 1980, she migrated to the United States and resided in Brooklyn, New York. She continued her studies at New York City Technical College, where she graduated as a dental hygienist. In 1988, she relocated with her family to Orlando, Florida, and was employed as a dental hygienist. She is currently retired after 30 years of service. Lenna has been married to her husband, Noel, for over 46 years and has two amazing children and four grandchildren, as well as a son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Lenna has been a member of the Caribbean and Floridian Association, Inc., since its inception 34 years ago. She has been a member of the Medical Committee serving the community in health fairs, and the Education Committee, which provides scholarships yearly to graduating students in Central Florida. She is currently the chairperson of the Fundraising and Entertainment Committee, a position she has held for many years. She is instrumental in coordinating one of the largest festivals, the Caribbean Fusion Festival, which is held annually in Kissimmee and attended by over 7,000 people who contribute greatly to the economy of the City of Kissimmee. She also organizes yearly bus rides to Fort DeSota Park, as well as the annual holiday party at Christmas for family, friends, and members of the community. Lenna is a woman of faith and is an active member of Solid Rock Community Church in Kissimmee. She is also the leader of the Greeters Ministry.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Maira Rivera is a certified educator employed as the dean of an elementary school in Orange County Public Schools. She is in the 30th year of her educational career, which began in New York working with students with special needs for 10 years. She then moved to Orlando in 2004, where she has taught kindergarten, was an exceptional student education staffing specialist, and a district program specialist. Maira earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Early Childhood Education, and Master of Education in Educational Leadership. In 2006, Maira was the recipient of the Lehman Urban Teacher Education Award in recognition of her achievement as an outstanding educator and alumna of Lehman College who exemplifies the ideals of their education programs in promoting justice, equity, and caring in urban education. That same year, Maira was also named as an Orange County Public School's Teacher of the Year. In addition to her passion for helping students achieve academic and social-emotional success, she is also a member of many organizations that focus on helping the community with issues surrounding immigration, voter registration, affordable housing, fair wages, and better working conditions. Maira is on the executive board of the Florida AFL-CIO and the AFL-CIO Central Florida Labor Council. She is the treasurer of the Central Florida Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. Maira serves on the governance board of the Florida Education Association and is the vice president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association. She is a fierce advocate for all OCPS staff, students, and families. Maira was also a member of Vamos4PR and helped establish the Language Line Phone Interpreting Services, which provides translation in over 240 languages for the diverse families of OCPS to be able to actively participate in their child's education. Maira's most treasured accomplishment is being married to her forever love, Ismael, for 36 years. Together, they have three amazing children, Jose, Christina, and Daniel. They also have 12 precious grandchildren and enjoy spoiling them every chance they get.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2024 we lost my father, Lou Soto. He was an amazing dad, loving husband, and joyful grandfather. He was a Navy veteran, computer programmer, as well as a football, baseball and basketball fan. He had a calm, loving, and amiable demeaner, one that inspired peace in others. He had many friends, loved to dance, grill, host BBQs and listen to music. His story embodied the American Dream. Born in Manati, Puerto Rico, he traveled to the mainland at nine years old. He then served in the Navy as a young man during the Vietnam era. He and my mother, Jean, bought their first home thanks to a VA Loan and attended college thanks to the GI Bill, where he took night classes to finish his degree while working in the day and raising his young family. He worked in computers and information technology for many years. He now leaves behind his wife Jean, son Lou, grandchildren LJ, Mateo, and Sabrina, and myself as well as many other family members. The imprint he has left on our lives, we will carry with us forever. He was a Catholic and man of faith. Our family will miss him dearly, knowing he now joins the angels, and is finally at peace.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, it was 8 years ago today, June 12, that a gunman came into the Pulse nightclub, and we suffered one of the largest mass shootings in America's history. Eight years ago today, we lost 49 angels, 53 others were injured, and our happy little town of Orlando, Florida, was shattered. We thank the first responders who came to their rescue, our law enforcement, our firefighters, our EMTs, the nurses and doctors who did everything they could to make sure so many others were able to survive. This tragedy was not how we responded to be defined as, but more by responding with love over hate. The term ``Orlando Strong'' became a moniker that most of us used throughout this region. We had folks by the hundreds coming into blood banks to help donate, folks helping at our LGBTQ center, folks helping the families, many of which were of Hispanic descent because it was Latin night. Of course, we came together as a body here to pass the National Pulse Memorial. I ask that we join for a moment of silence for 49 seconds in honor of those we lost.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ya Lan Chien, a Taiwanese American who holds a Ph.D. from National Taiwan University, is a prominent figure in Florida's Taiwanese community. As the president of the Taiwanese American Association of Greater Orlando, she is deeply committed to fostering unity, community bonds, and cultural understanding. Dr. Chien is also known for her altruism, serving as an executive member of the Florida Taiwanese Emergency Assistance Association for seven years. Additionally, she holds executive positions in the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Orlando. Since relocating to the U.S., Dr. Chien has been a tireless advocate for cultural exchange and environmental stewardship. In 2019, she led Team Taiwan's adoption of South Econ Community Park, a project that not only enhances local green spaces but also serves as a gathering point for community engagement and cultural activities. Through her leadership, the park has become a symbol of the Taiwanese community's dedication to environmental and social well-being in Florida's Ninth Congressional District. Dr. Chien's efforts extend beyond environmental initiatives. She is also passionate about integrating Taiwanese cultural values into the broader American fabric. By organizing cultural events and educational programs, she strives to bridge the gap between Taiwanese traditions and American society, enriching the multicultural landscape of Central Florida and enhancing Taiwanese-American visibility and integration. Balancing her influential public endeavors with her roles as a devoted mother to two daughters and partner to her supportive husband, Dr. Chien embodies the resilience, generosity, and communal spirit of the Taiwanese American community. Her enduring dedication makes her a commendable honoree during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, underscoring her significant impact on community cohesion and cultural understanding.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Prayong Deeying was born in Surin, Thailand. He received a full scholarship, ``Krome Pra-ya Dhumrong,'' from the Thai Royal Family to study fine arts at Silpa Korn University in Bangkok, Thailand. After receiving his BFA in sculpting, he was employed by the United States Army as an art instructor and did freelance work as well. Prayong is recognized as an accomplished artist in Thailand. He was honored by having four life-sized sculptures placed on permanent exhibition in the Ancient City Park in Bang Poo. Prayong moved to the U.S. in 1974 and received a master's in painting from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After graduating, he taught art for 10 years at St. Mary's High School in Natchitoches. He received numerous juried art show awards. In 1985, he was one of 17 artists selected for Louisiana Limited Edition 1, a publication from a non-profit organization supporting the arts in Louisiana. In 1987, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he worked as a preparatory artist and senior preparatory artist at Walt Disney World. As a cast member, he was an active VoluntEAR. Once in Florida, he became close to the Thai community through his association with Wat Florida Dhammaram in Kissimmee. He has honored his parents' tradition of community service, as his parents and aunt and uncle donated the land to build the primary school and a Temple in their hometown of Surin by assisting in organizing ceremonies, fundraising, and supporting his fellow congregates. In 1994, Phra Tepvaraporn, the founder of Wat Florida Dhammaram, and Phra Wijitdhammapani, the abbott of the Temple, honored him by requesting he act as president of the congregation, a role he continues to fill today. From 2000 to 2003, he voluntarily sculpted, cast, and installed two 16-foot Giant Guards to grace the exterior of the Temple, sharing traditional Thai art with the community. In 2014, he was recruited by the Asian-American Heritage Council to represent the Central Florida Thai community. He served a term as chair of that organization and continues to support the council by assuring Thai representation continues. Since retiring from this role in 2007, he has continued his support of the Temple and the Asian-American community, as well as participating in several ``Walks for Peace''--an event organized by Buddhist monks across the U.S. in which groups walk from Key West, Florida to Niagara Falls, New York. Prayong lives in Ocoee, Florida, surrounded by friends and family, including his daughter Gibb, his son Michael, his granddaughters Faith, Grace, and Ellie, and his wife Cindy.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Magnolia Anual Forde was born on December 28, 1964, in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, and is the daughter of Remy and Thelma Anual. She graduated from West Negros College with a Bachelor of Arts in English. On August 25, 1988, at the age of 23, Magnolia immigrated to the United States with the help of an American veteran couple from Florida whom she was a caretaker for. They sent her to nursing school and helped with her room and board. During her free time, she used to volunteer in the school's cafeteria during lunchtime. She also was a volunteer server for the South Venice Firefighter Spaghetti Dinner, which raised funds for the local fire department. In 1990, Magnolia met her husband and has been married to him for 33 years and counting. She is a member of the Central Florida Filipino Helping Hands Association, a community organization that helps Filipino families in the Central Florida area get back on their feet when facing hardship. In her free time, Magnolia volunteers at the Osceola Council on Aging. She also volunteers at Commissioner Viviana Janer's food distribution events throughout the year. Currently, she is working at the VA Hospital in Lake Nona as a mid-institute instrument tech, preparing veterans for cardiovascular evaluation. In her role, Magnolia has received numerous outstanding performance evaluations and accolades for her care of veterans. She is very proud to serve those who served and advocates for timely care. Magnolia remains a proud resident of Osceola County and overall enjoys her time assisting her community and partaking in various festivals and activities around the area.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, originating from a proud Taiwanese heritage, Matthew's academic Journey culminated in the attainment of a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey. Although he was brought up in the United States, Matthew possesses a remarkable fluency in Mandarin Chinese, a skill that has proven invaluable in his dedication to aiding the AAPI community. Matthew's professional trajectory commenced in the medical field, where he first served as an emergency medical technician before advancing to the role of paramedic at Atlantic Health Systems. During his 14-year tenure in emergency medicine, he spearheaded the establishment of the Disaster Response Team and lent his expertise to several disaster deployments in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Notably, his compassionate care extended to the pediatric emergency room, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of sex crimes and human trafficking on individuals, igniting within him a resolute determination to transition into law enforcement. In 2020, Matthew embarked on a new chapter as he joined the esteemed ranks of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, assuming the role of deputy sheriff in an area marked by heightened incidences of violent crimes. His exemplary service led to a subsequent promotion to detective within the Orange County Sex Crimes Unit in 2023, where he tirelessly works to prevent such heinous acts and ensure justice for victims. In 2022, under the leadership of Sheriff John Mina, Matthew played an instrumental role in the inception of the OCSO Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Liaison Group. Accepting a pivotal role as liaison, Matthew dedicated himself to bridging the gap between the AAPI community and law enforcement. In Orange County, Florida, where the AAPI community comprises approximately 7 percent of the population, Matthew's contributions have been profound. His adeptness in Mandarin Chinese has facilitated communication in numerous investigations involving the AAPI community, including offenses of violent crimes, sex crimes, human trafficking, economic crimes, and property crimes. Matthew has also assisted outside agencies such as the Army Criminal Investigative Division, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with investigations pertaining to the AAPI community. Through his efforts, Matthew ensures that victim's voices are heard and their stories are duly recognized. Matthew Chiang embodies the spirit of excellence and unwavering dedication to public service. His profound impact on the law enforcement, medical, and AAPI communities exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and compassion.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Hunter Honghyun Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1971. He was the youngest of four children. From his early childhood, he was adventurous in spirit and fearless when facing new challenges. After completing his military duties in Korea, he embarked on a journey to America that changed the course of his life. Rather than a big city, Hunter chose to begin a new chapter of his life in a small town called Vincennes, Indiana. In Vincennes, Hunter quickly adapted to the new environment and culture by making lasting friendships with fellow students and professors. He served as the first Asian American Student Association president and advocated for equity and diversity. Hunter continued his studies at the University of Florida and became a lifelong Gator fan. In his professional life, Hunter founded Florida International College in 2008 in Orlando, Florida, with the vision to provide new opportunities and open doors for students. In 2016, Florida International College established a new campus in Kissimmee, and Hunter became an active member of the Osceola County professional community. Hunter found a unique balance in Osceola County, where the preservation of history and heritage coexist with the drive toward the future and technological advancement. Hunter began promoting economic growth and development in the community by advocating and establishing relationships with international companies, universities, and research institutions to expand their operations to the County. Through his efforts, Osceola County is forging strategic partnerships for global innovation and ecosystem building. His strength in building relationships, both personal and business, expands across borders and cultures, bringing prosperity to all. Hunter is a loving husband of Jessica and a proud father of their five children--Gianna, Elianna, Noah, Rheanna, and Sianna.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, through her love for dance and education, Ms. Mai-Huong Nguyen proudly dedicates herself to representing Vietnamese culture and fostering cultural education and community outreach in the international settings of Central Florida and beyond. She holds active roles in shaping the community with Asia Trend, Avalon Park Group, FusionFest Orlando, and her own Kissimmee- and Orlando-based nonprofit organization, Thuyen May Productions. In 1975, Ms. Mai and her family escaped Vietnam before the fall of Saigon. Only ten years old at the time, she was a Vietnam War refugee who learned the necessity of community and belonging. Her passion for cultural outreach sparked during her college years at N.C. State University and stayed with her when she moved to Central Florida in 1996. No matter where she went, dance, music, and choreography were her instruments for expressing and representing Vietnamese culture in the diaspora. As a Florida resident, Ms. Mai helps create communities and plan cultural events as part of the Asia Trend board, FusionFest board of directors, FusionFest steering committee, and as the former 2017-19 AAHC vice chair. Formerly a schoolteacher, Ms. Mai focuses on connecting and building strong bonds with diverse Florida communities and younger generations alike. She continues more than 30 years of teaching experience through volunteer instruction of Vietnamese language at St. Philip Phan Van Minh Catholic Church, youth enrichment programs at Phap Vu, Phat An, and Phap Lac Buddhist Temples, and online private tutoring of core school subjects. Her outreach also includes monthly Asian-themed workshops at Avalon Park, as well as mixed-media dance tours brought to libraries, schools, and museums. Ms. Mai's foremost belief is that cultural education and sharing open doors to understanding, acceptance, and appreciation. Through dance and education, she continually seeks innovative ways to set the stage for diversity and inclusion for future generations to come.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Kannan Srinivasan is a former president of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida. He served in the chamber for six years as a board member and advisor. He is an accomplished leader, entrepreneur, and tech executive with over 30 years of information technology experience. He is a visionary community leader with years of experience in technology, sourcing, non-profit management, and strategic planning. His career is hallmarked by exceptional leadership, relationship building, and creative thinking. As the founder and CEO of Global KTech, he grew the company from scratch into one of the leading tech staffing companies in Central Florida. Kannan served on the board of Orlando Economic Partnership and on the leadership committee for the National Entrepreneur Center. He also served as president and board member of Tamil Sangam (MSCF) of Central Florida. In 2012, he cofounded the MSCF Charity, which has given more than 350 educational scholarships to underprivileged students in India and Central Florida. Kannan currently serves as a member of the Steering Committee of UCF's India Center and is a board member of Shakthi US, an organization that helps survivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse with a focus on Central Florida's South Asian community. He is a lifelong volunteer at the Hindu Society of Central Florida and a proud Rotarian. His leadership was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel, which named him Central Florida 100--one of the 100 most influential leaders in Central Florida. In 1991, Kannan immigrated to Central Florida from India. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Central Florida, where he received his master's in computer engineering. He lives with his wife, Dr. Anita Ekambaram, and their twin daughters.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Lin Lin was born in Northeast China and came to the United States in 2002. She is a certified public accountant with more than 18 years of experience in financial leadership. The last 14 years of her career have been with Orlando Health. During Lin's remarkable professional career, she has managed large-scale projects in healthcare and developed consistent processes in finance, operations, budgets, and forecasts. She is currently the senior director of finance at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Florida. Previously, she was a senior auditor at Vesel & Wiler, CPAs in Orlando, Florida. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in International Tourism Management at the University of North London, London, United Kingdom, Lin earned a Master of Science in Accounting at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, where she remains an active UCF Alumni member. Lin is fluent in English and Chinese. She is an active mentor of other financial health care professionals and has managed many interns and promoted their development in finance. Lin is a member of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) and the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HMFA). She is also a member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for Orlando, Florida. Lin is a community volunteer with the Adult Literacy League, helping Central Floridians to become thriving members of the community. Lin also gives her time to volunteer at Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, providing a range of accommodation facilities to more than 75,000 children and families suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jessica received her B.S. in psychology and business administration from the University of Florida. She met her husband, Hunter, at UF. She continued her studies and received her Juris Doctorate from Barry University School of Law. She believed that education had the power to transform lives and dedicated her early professional career to making education accessible. As the chief operating officer for NeoCity Links, Jessica helps develop strategic initiatives to promote economic growth. She coordinates business development efforts by working with public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has proven expertise in a wide range of areas and successfully developed new international partnerships for Osceola County. Jessica focuses her time outside of work on empowering women leaders through mentorship. She serves as the president of the PCUSA National Korean Presbyterian Women and actively strives to create opportunities for engagement and enablement for women to reach the highest level of leadership and potential. Jessica resides in Windermere, Florida, with her husband and loves snuggling with her five children, reading, cooking, and kickboxing.