Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, the Consumer Safety Technology Act, H.R. 4814. It directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a pilot program to explore the use of artificial intelligence to track injury trends, identify hazards, monitor recalls, and identify products not meeting importation requirements. It also requires the Department of Commerce and other agencies to study blockchain technology in the context of consumer products and safety. It also directs the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission to report on their efforts to address unfair and deceptive trade practices related to digital tokens and to promote innovation. We heard in committee, Mr. Speaker, that the crooks are already using AI on the internet and that we need the cops on the beat to have artificial intelligence as well to keep our consumers safe. Let's think about it. The internet is nearly infinite, and so are the ways to push unsafe products and put consumers in harm's way. That is why the Federal Trade Commission testified before our committee that the use of artificial intelligence would help them protect consumers by tracking trends of injuries involving a myriad of consumer products. Thousands of injuries happen each day. It helps with identifying consumer product hazards, categorizing them, and monitoring the sale of recalled consumer products. Think of how much commerce happens every day in America. It helps to identify consumer products that do not meet the importation requirements. It also requires a report to Congress on how and to what extent artificial intelligence improved the agency's ability to advance its mission. The FTC also testified it would help them save money in that it would be a really economic and efficient way to deploy other members of the FTC to go after other areas. I do agree with the ranking member that that is no substitute for making sure they have the full funding that they need. In addition, the blockchain technology study directs the Department of Commerce to study the applications of blockchain and to address fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices. Blockchain can be used in so many different ways, whether it is through cryptocurrency, through storing data, through cybersecurity, or through communications. Of course, this should be done in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission, the FTC. Finally, we have commissioned the Federal Trade Commission to report to Congress on unfair and deceptive trade practices relating to tokens. We have also seen a need to protect consumers and promote innovation. We eventually need rules of the road, and this is helping get us there with blockchain. We need more certainty so we can have growth in both blockchain and cryptocurrency firms in the United States, giving them an understanding and certainty of the laws and their obligations, and also to protect consumers from scams like pump and dump, whitewashing, and other financial schemes. Mr. Speaker, for that and more, I am thrilled to be able to have this bill be heard on the floor, and I thank my colleagues, Representatives Burgess, Trahan, Guthrie, Castor, my fellow Floridian, Chairman Gus Bilirakis, and our Ranking Member Frank Pallone for including this on the agenda today.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Natalie Munoz-Sievert, MD, FACOG, joined Orlando Health Physician Associates in 2013. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Munoz-Sievert provides comprehensive healthcare for women throughout all stages of life. After earning her medical degree from the Florida State University School of Medicine, Dr. Munoz-Sievert completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Dr. Munoz-Sievert is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is a member of the American Medical Women's Association. Additionally, she is fluent in Spanish.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the authors of H. Res. 1102--Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 for funding Department of Defense programs that support secure domestic semiconductor advanced packaging manufacturing technology and capabilities. I also thank the staff who contributed to this effort. Specifically, I express gratitude to my colleagues for the following actions: Fully funding the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support's (IBAS) Reshore Ecosystem for Secure Heterogeneous Advanced Packaging Electronics (RESHAPE) program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account; Providing $10.25 million in additional funding for IBAS's 2.5D advanced packaging program within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide account; and Providing $2 million in additional funding for Aerospace Sensors' zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology within the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force account. Microelectronics support nearly all DoD activities. They enable critical capabilities such as the global positioning system, radar, command and control, and communication. Ensuring secure access to leading-edge microelectronics is a challenge, however. The pandemic highlighted challenges associated with the global supply chain, the changing global semiconductor industry, and the sophistication of U.S. adversaries who threaten to target military electronic components. Funding for the three projects highlighted above help address these challenges. IBAS is dedicated to ensuring that the DoD is positioned to effectively address industrial base issues and support the National Security Innovation Base. IBAS achieves this mission by strengthening and protecting the domestic semiconductor supply chain to provide access to leading-edge capabilities that accelerate innovation. One of the next generation semiconductor technologies that IBAS focuses on is Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Packing. These technologies provide secure, credible, and reliable domestic advanced microelectronics manufacturing capability. Full funding for the RESHAPE program, along with $10.25 in additional funding for IBAS's 2.5D advanced packaging program will support machine tooling and advanced packaging manufacturing capabilities and allow IBAS to support next generation domestic production lines. The $2 million in additional funding provided for Aerospace Sensors' zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology further helps address critical challenges associated with domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) is working on a new modeling and simulation research program (secure digital twin) to advance next generation semiconductor design and manufacturing. Funding for the zero-trust environment for semiconductor technology will provide capabilities that deliver solutions that protect against malicious function insertion, fraudulent products, theft of intellectual property, and reliability failures within DoD semiconductors. I believe Congress should continue to provide resources necessary to update our domestic microelectronics security framework. I am proud of the work undertaken in my district to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development and to ensure the security of this critical supply chain. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support this goal.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Kelly Flaherty Clark has lived in Central Florida for 35 years and is the corporate vice president of animal behavioral well-being and management for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks. She has a Master of Science in Biology from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from The Ohio State University. She completed Orlando Political Leadership Institute's curriculum and is a passionate advocate for civil liberties and equality. Thirty-six years ago, Kelly was one of few women in her field. As one of its first executives, she committed to elevating other women through service on executive boards and committees of zoological professional organizations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Animal Parks and Aquariums, and others. She dedicates herself to young women interested in behavioral or biological sciences, never turning down a visit to a science class or a conversation with an aspiring animal professional. Raised by a woman who, at 86, still cooks for the homeless community Kelly is drawn to public service and philanthropy. She ``rings the bell'' for the Salvation Army and attends every cause event she can schedule. In 2008, a gala introduced Kelly to Make-A-Wish, which is dedicated to granting the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses. She served on their board for 12 years and facilitated the chapter's significant growth in number of children served. Kelly has several professional and community accomplishments but is most proud to have raised two brilliant, successful, and, most importantly, tolerant young men. Casey, 28, and Spencer, 25. The two attended Central Florida's K-12 public schools and graduated from The Ohio State University and Emerson College, respectively. She has been married to her husband, Stewart, for 32 years and will serve her family, community, and profession for as long as she is able.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Debra Booth was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to Central Florida at age two. She began her career at AT&T, where she became involved with the Communications Workers of America union and quickly rose through the ranks to vice president of AT&T. Debra became involved with the Central Florida AFL-CIO, which represents labor unions in five counties with over 140,000 workers. The goals were to bring economic and social justice to the workers and community, resulting in a better quality of life for all. She ascended to the Office of President of the Central Florida AFL- CIO and became the first woman to hold that position, which she held for 12 years. Her main responsibility was to serve the unions and coordinate all the political activities for the Central Florida area. This allowed her to interact with elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels while working on legislation such as a living wage ordinance, anti-discrimination policies, immigration, affordable housing, and local hire policies with Orlando venues. Debra was then hired by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for a special organizing project to increase market share. The program was so successful in Florida that it now operates in almost every state. In 2009, she was appointed district director for Florida's Eighth Congressional District, representing Central Florida. In 2011, she opened a political consulting firm representing mostly elected officials in Central Florida. She assisted presidential campaigns with advance work and worked on numerous federal, state, and local campaigns resulting in Orange County becoming a Democratic county with a Democratic majority of elected officials. In 2017, she was appointed to serve as chief legislative aide to Senator Victor Torres and currently holds this position. Debra has served on numerous boards, including Harbor House Center for Domestic Violence and the executive committee for the Heart of Florida United Way.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Deborah Ann Ashley was born in Kissimmee, Florida. She attended public schools in Osceola County and graduated from Osceola High School. After graduation, she was employed by the Osceola County School District as a classroom teacher assistant and later worked in retail at Zayre department store. Deborah is currently employed with the City of Kissimmee Police Department, rising from clerk technician to administrative assistant III. Deborah served as president of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Unified Mission Ministry, is the director of the Mass Choir, and works with the youth department. She served as president of the Senior Women Ministry in Congress #2 and holds the honor of third vice president of the Senior Women Ministry in the First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association. Deborah loves singing and has a passion for service, mission outreach, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. She demonstrated her passion by implementing an Annual Free Market that provided necessities to those in need in the community. Deborah's passion for service flowed over to her job at the Kissimmee Police Department. She participated in the Relay for Life Breast Cancer Walk, was the organizer of the Christmas Angel Tree Projects, and the coordinator of the United Way Bowl-a-Thon for the City of Kissimmee. While employed with the police department, Deborah received recognitions for Secretary of the Year, Support Person of the Year, Administrative Secretary of the Year, and the Chief's Award. In Christian service, Deborah received a Certificate of Completion from the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Bible Academy and Recognition for Outstanding Service and Ministry Leadership Award. Deborah Ashley is the proud mother of three children, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of two. Deborah will retire on March 29, 2024, after 32 years and three months of dedicated service with the City of Kissimmee Police Department.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Anitza San Miguel's mission is to spark the resting potential within leaders. She guides them to flourish and project their distinctive brilliance, thereby revolutionizing their mindset to realize their ultimate aspirations. She is a loving wife and mother, a scientist, an innovative educator, an author, and a visionary leader. Dr. San Miguel holds a bachelor's in biology, a master's in biotechnology, and a doctorate in higher education administration. She has served as a dean of Science at Valencia College, Osceola Campus, since moving to Orlando, Florida, in 2016. She is dedicated to the academic and professional success of individuals at all levels. She has served as a science professor and dean at esteemed institutions in Virginia and Florida. She currently leads a team in Florida's Ninth District with distinction. Her expertise has been recognized at the National Institutes of Health and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Dr. San Miguel's entrepreneurial spirit led her to create ASM Mentors and the empowering podcast ``Sacudete y Toma Accion'' or ``Shake It Off and Take Action.'' She is the author of `Navegador,' a reflective journaling tool, as well as a collection of inspirational coffee table books, ``Reignite,'' ``Grow,'' and ``Shine.'' She has shared her guidance in the ``Today's Inspired Latina'' and ``Today's Inspired Leader'' book anthologies. Her eloquence and wisdom make her a coveted speaker, mentor, and coach. Dr. San Miguel's accomplishments are a testament to her optimism and tenacious spirit. Her dedication to shaping the academic and professional trajectories of emerging leaders encapsulates her passion and commitment to continual self-improvement and fostering limitless growth and excellence. Dr. San Miguel's pursuit of knowledge and development is persistent. Beyond the public eye, she savors moments with her family, explores new horizons, and engages in the reflective practice of journaling.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Amber Adams is the Osceola County regional president and senior vice president for SouthState Bank. She has worked in the banking industry for over 21 years and spent the last 12 years working in Osceola County, Florida. During her time in the Osceola County community, she has served as the chair of the Poinciana Area Council Board, chair of the Poinciana Medical Center Board of Trustees, advisory board member for the Poinciana YMCA, chair of finance for Community Vision, and is a graduate of Leadership Osceola. Amber currently serves in various organizations, including as a board member of the Osceola County Education Foundation and a champion trustee of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Adams is an active member of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recipient. She has chaired the annual Operation Outdoor Freedom charity sporting clay shoot for the Rotary for the past three years. This event has raised over $150,000 for Florida wounded veterans. It is the largest fundraiser for Operation Outdoor Freedom--an organization supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services through the Florida Forest Service. It provides recreational and rehabilitative activities to wounded veterans. Amber is proud to work for a company with strong core values that support her efforts to give back to her community. She is also thankful for her husband, Robert, and two daughters, Madison and Mckenzie, who have spent numerous hours volunteering for these great organizations alongside her. She is committed to continuing to do her part in making Central Florida and her local community a better place.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Mia Poinsette is an award-winning disruptive philanthropist and respected community leader. She is the founder and executive director of the Poinsette Foundation, a self-funded nonprofit that invests in ideas that empower underestimated women and children of color. Since launching in 2022, the foundation has helped thousands of Central Florida families through more than 80 community partners. In Osceola County, the foundation's contributions include sponsoring nearly 60 children at the Kissimmee and St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club during the holiday season. In addition, the ``The Poinsette Foundation Team Space'' in Osceola, Oak Ridge, and Ocoee High Schools collectively supports nearly 1,000 students enrolled in the Junior Achievement 3DE program. Mia demonstrates additional commitment to her community by serving as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Osceola County, Women United, the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Women's Executive Council, and Women on the Rise. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also appointed Mia to serve on the Mennello Museum of American Art's Board of Trustees. Mia graduated from multiple leadership programs, including the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute's 2022 leadership track, Leadership Orlando Class 103, and the 2023 ATHENA NextGen Cohort. She is currently enrolled in Leadership Osceola. Recognized for her impactful footprint in the community, Mia is the recipient of the Osceola Magic Change Maker award, Heart of Florida United Way's 2023 Change Maker: Women United Impact award, the Women's Executive Council's 2023 Women of Achievement: Central Florida Influencer award, Women on the Rise's 2023 Community Impact Leader award, and Women on the Rise's 2023 Inspirational Deeva award. Mia earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University and is pursuing a graduate degree in government at Harvard University. Happily married with two children, Mia is also a violinist and an avid traveler in her free time.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Sol Ortega was born in Peru and migrated to Kissimmee when she was seven years old. Her parents, Esther Rivasplata and David Ortega, created a life in Central Florida where they contributed to the growing tourism economy. Her family's immigration journey and sacrifices inspired Sol to pursue a career in public service to give back to the community she grew up in. While she was young, she participated in community service projects through the local YMCA, becoming a mentor for Bookmark Buddies through the Education Foundation of Osceola County, and, while in high school, volunteered in Teen Court, a program to divert less serious juvenile cases away from the more formal Juvenile Court. During her time at Professional and Technical High School, she enrolled in the dual enrollment program where she attended Valencia College. Thanks to this program, she was able to earn her associate degree and high school diploma at the same time. She then moved to Gainesville, Florida, to attain her bachelor's degree in political science and Latin American Studies--making her the first in her family to graduate from a four-year institution. During her time at the University of Florida, Sol advocated for immigrant issues and completed a fellowship in the Florida State Capitol. Sol then moved to Washington, D.C., to pursue an internship in Congress and worked in service of Florida's Ninth Congressional District, providing vital support for constituents, including during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Sol now works at the White House Office of Public Engagement, conducting outreach to the broader Latino community. Ms. Ortega's leadership has allowed her to represent Central Florida and Kissimmee proudly. She will continue to work towards creating spaces for her community to be heard and represented at all levels of government, with the goal of building a better community.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Sonya Stalnaker is a Union commercial painter by trade. She started in 2001 as an apprentice and completed the Painter's apprenticeship of the IUPAT in 2005. She has spent her last 23 years dedicated to her Union, her family, and doing what she loves: painting and helping others. She has served in the capacity of shop steward on the job and part- time instructor at the Painter's apprenticeship. Working hard and coming up in the ranks, she served as Financial Secretary in Local 1010 for the previous 5 years. She was the Commercial Paint Coordinator for the Florida Finishing Trades (Painter's apprenticeship) from 2021 to 2023. Last year, she ran for President and won the election becoming the first woman President for Local 1010. In 2018, she was elected President of Central Florida's Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. She strides every day to teach, educate, and do what needs to be done to help make a difference in her Union, home, and her community. She is a selfless type of person that does all she can to be better so that she can continue doing the work that needs to be done, helping those in need and fighting THE GOOD FIGHT.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Janelle Dunn is the chief executive officer of True Health, a non-profit federally qualified health center serving low-income and underserved populations within Orange and Seminole Counties. Mrs. Dunn obtained a master's degree in health administration from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Loyola University New Orleans. She is a certified medical practice executive through the Medical Group Management Association, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Leadership Seminole Class 32. and a proud wife and mother. Mrs. Dunn's tenure with True Health began in 2012 when she was a center manager. She has held the roles of director of operations and chief operations officer before being appointed CEO amid the global pandemic in 2020. Under Mrs. Dunn's leadership, True Health has grown from seven locations to nine, added two new pharmacies and an optometry and optical department, and acquired the Healthy Start program for Orange County to provide services for mothers and babies. Mrs. Dunn is an advocate for access to healthcare and believes in the innovation and implementation of creative solutions to existing challenges. As illustrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, True Health was the only FQHC in Central Florida to operate a monoclonal infusion center, which allowed patients to recover at home and avoid the hospital. Mrs. Dunn's transformative leadership has been celebrated with prestigious recognitions, including the 2021 CEO of the Year and 2020 Diversity in Business awards from the Orlando Business Journal. In 2023, True Health was honored as the Healthcare Business of the Year by the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce and recognized as one of the Top 100 Women-Led Organizations in Florida by The Women's Edge. In January 2024. True Health received the Humanitarian Award from the City of Sanford's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jessica Paul is a St. Cloud resident and local business owner, who advocates for the needs of all members of her community. As a lifelong resident of the Whitted Historic Community, the Paul roots run deep, in Osceola County. She is a phenomenal mother to her handsome son, Jase. Jessica works to unite voices big and small and has extensive experience connecting elected officials to pressing developmental issues facing the Whitted Historic Community, including environmental concerns that directly impact quality of life. Jessica serves on the Osceola County CDBG Citizens Advisory Task Force for District 5, ensuring every voice gets heard. She is also an active member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of Narcoossee. Personally, she takes an active volunteer role in coordinating local events for the Markus Paul Foundation, which honors her late cousin, a hometown hero and NFL legacy. Jessica is passionate about making a positive impact on her community through this foundation. Jessica and her twin sister were showcased as part of Spectrum News 13's Everyday Hero and a video spotlight series presented by Experience Kissimmee. The feature highlighted their positive reputation for being good neighbors and contributing to the well-being of their community. Jessica finds solace and joy by spending quality time with her supportive family. She attributes her unwavering dedication and drive to her parents, Larry and Karen Starke Paul, who taught her and her siblings the importance of hard work and compassion.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in 1993, the state of Florida commissioned Professors Maxine D. Jones, Larry E. Rivers, David R. Colburn, William R. Rogers, and Tom Dye to write and submit to the Florida Board of Regents a documented report of what occurred at the site of Rosewood in Levy County Florida during the first week of January, 1923. The findings of that report can be found at: http:// edocs.dlis.state.fl.us/fldocs/regents/rosewood.pdf.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ashley Dunbar is a passionate, experienced trial attorney and a New Jersey native. Ms. Dunbar received her bachelor's degree from Villanova University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. While in law school, Ashley competed on the Black Law Students Association International Negotiation Team and advanced to the Final Four as a first-year student. The following year, she was appointed to be the team coach. Ashley also competed on the University of Florida Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, served as the executive articles editor for the Journal of Law and Public Policy, presided as the vice president of the Black Law Students Association, and served as the community service chair for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and for the Caribbean Law Students Association. Ms. Dunbar began her legal career as a public defender, where she tried over 25 cases ranging from juvenile matters to felonies punishable by life. Additionally, Ms. Dunbar collaborated on several successful appeals and reached countless satisfactory settlements through effective negotiation and motion practice. Ms. Dunbar then gained substantial experience in civil litigation as an associate at McDonald Toole Wiggins and as in-house counsel for Progressive Insurance. In addition to her legal career, Ashley dedicates substantial time to helping the community directly. She has led and participated in numerous protests, coordinated donation drives, mentored young scholars, and planned pro bono events in Orlando. Ashley has also chaired the Community Outreach Committee for the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association as well as served on the Justice Advisory Committee under Congressman Darren Soto in collaboration with fellow leaders in Florida to review the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 and other policy issues. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys fitness, competing in bodybuilding competitions, traveling, and good food. On February 22, 2024, Ashley Dunbar was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Coach Albert Bates is one of the leading pioneers in introducing youth sports to the Poinciana community alongside King Baker and Linda Cantreva. After the previous leadership decided to discontinue managing the Poinciana Predators to return home back north, he began coaching for the Predators in 1992. He wanted to help continue the development of youth sports programs in the Poinciana area because Poinciana back then was an underdeveloped community, and there was only one other program for the children in a fast-growing community to get involved in. He became the president of the Poinciana Predators in the mid-90s. At that time, the Predators played in the Central Florida Conference from 1992 to 2000. Coach Bates and other league presidents decided to leave the Central Florida Conference, and by doing so, they created the Mid- Florida Football and Cheer Conference in 1999. In 2000, the Poinciana Predators officially joined the MFFCC. During the existence of the MFFCC, Coach Bates held multiple titles, including two terms as the president of the conference. Due to the tremendous pressure of starting and helping to manage the MFFCC, he had to step away from managing the Predators. In 2006, after successfully helping the MFFCC nourish and grow, Coach Bates returned as the president of the Predators. In 2006, Coach Bates was not only the president of the Predators, but he was also president of the MFFCC. In 2006, the Predators became members of American Youth Football while remaining an active member of the MFFCC. In 2008, Coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears presented Coach Bates with the AYF Hall of Fame award. Coach Bates was inducted into the AYF Hall of Fame for his long-time service in working with the youth in Central Florida and abroad. In 2008, Coach Bates returned to the role of president of the Predators and continued holding multiple titles within the MFFCC. In 2010. Coach Bates also worked with others and established AAU Tackle youth Football in Central Florida. Coach Bates has influenced multiple families' lives through his service to the Poinciana community and throughout Central Florida. In 2011, Coach Bates did the groundbreaking when Osceola County dedicated the football field to the Poinciana Predators at Vance Harmon Park. Coach Bates has been a pillar in the community and a role model to the youth who have come through the program. Coach Bates' influence is so inspiring that former players and cheerleaders return to volunteer as coaches and mentors to the children in the Poinciana area. On February 22, 2024, Coach Albert Bates was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Celestia L. McCloud is a native of Winter Haven, Florida and the youngest child of the late Richard and Shirley McCloud and is a lifelong member of the AME church. She graduated from Winter Haven High School, Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in sociology, and Troy State University with a master's degree in public administration. After completing her education, her professional work began in public service with the Department of Juvenile Justice, working with youth involved in the court system experiencing delinquent behaviors. After leaving the DJJ in 1996, she began her career at Orlando Housing Authority, where she worked until 2010. During her 14 years at OHA, she held positions that allowed her to work with people in various roles to encourage self-improvement and self-sufficiency. Her most recent chapter with the Osceola County government began in 2010. Over the last 14 years at Osceola County, she mostly held the housing and community services director position. She is very proud of the work that the department has accomplished and is most proud of the great team she continues to build. She understands that her success is mostly because of the hardworking and dedicated staff in the department, as well as the support of county administration and the commissioners. The department continues to thrive and accomplish great things through services to the community and the citizens of all income and economic levels. Some of the highlights over the last few years include several affordable housing partnership deals, managing HUD expectations in the areas of an entitlement community and Section 8 as a high performer, ongoing management of homelessness efforts, and the administering of COVID-19 funds just to name a few. She was also just awarded the 2004 Lt. Lloyd Burton Jr. Service Award. On February 22, 2024, Celestia L. McCloud was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Nina Glee Hill was born and reared in Orlando, Florida, and is a 1975 graduate of Jones High School. After graduation, she and her family decided to make Kissimmee, Florida, their home. She is the mother of two sons, Cory and Jarvis, and grandmother of five. She is the matriarch of her family, not excluding extended family and friends, and enjoys spending her time with them all. Nina began a career in the medical field, where she enjoyed over 30 years as a massage therapist and front desk outpatient coordinator for HCA Florida Osceola Regional. Nina offers her assistance in her community as an advocate for those in need. She sits on the Citizens Police Review Board for the Kissimmee Police Department and has held positions as first and second vice president for NAACP, Branch 5121 of Osceola County. She is presently nominated for president of this branch. Her major concern is the initiative to get more people out to vote. She is recognized in the literary world as an accomplished author. She has been the Mistress of Ceremony for the African American Read-In for several years, hosted by the City of Kissimmee and Osceola Library for Black History Month. Nina feels that her greatest accomplishment is her call to the ministry. She is licensed and ordained, and now pastor's her own church, which will soon celebrate their third year as Agape Faith Based Ministries. On February 22, 2024, Nina Glee Hill was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Phyllis Hancock has been the president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) Orlando, Florida chapter, for over 20 years serving Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake Counties. A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute in 1965 to continue the struggle for racial equality, political, and economic justice for all working Americans. APRI is the senior constituency group of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). APRI consists primarily of trade unionists. Phyllis has been a member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) since 1975. Local CWA 3108 Orlando is where she found her passion for working in the Black community. Along with the support of her members, she has engaged the community along with students at the Evans High School ROTC in the nonpartisan get-out-the-vote campaign, voter registration/education, sign waving, phone banks, restoration of civil rights, and canvassing within Black communities. APRI hosted voter education activities in local churches, union halls, and community centers in Congressman Darren Soto's district. Phyllis' joy comes from watching students enhance their community pride. Phyllis has run unopposed throughout her tenure partly due to her God-given, harmonious leadership ability. She built the largest APRI chapter in Florida under the direction of the APRI national President Clayola Brown. Her sisters, Sharon, and Fonda were natural leaders. Phyllis' leadership ability was taught and sparked by her mother, Mae Belle Whitley Hancock, Pete Bohaczyk, her Campbell Middle School history teacher, and membership in the Church of Christ. Phyllis is the middle daughter of three girls born to Jadie and Mae Belle Hancock, Jr. She is a second-generation union member. As a child, she watched her parents host civil rights meetings. Jadie, a member of the Transport Workers Union, used his influence to help Black people obtain employment at the Kennedy Space Center. On February 22, 2024, Phyllis Hancock was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in 2019, at the age of 23, Reverend Matthew Aaron Quainoo, Ph.D., became the youngest senior minister in the history of Solid Rock Community Church in Kissimmee, the largest Caribbean/African-American congregation in Central Florida. He also earned his doctorate in American history from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in August of 2022 while pastoring at Solid Rock. Dr. Quainoo has put his training as a professional historian to good use by leading Solid Rock to serve as the first and only organization in the Ninth Congressional District of Florida to teach the AP African- American Studies course that was banned by the Florida Department of Education free of charge for high school students and members of the community during Black History Month this year. Under Dr. Quainoo's leadership, Solid Rock Church led Central Florida in offering its first mobile vaccine event in one of the poorest zip codes in Florida at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last four years, Solid Rock has fed over 12,000 families experiencing food insecurity through a monthly food pantry. Under Dr. Quainoo's leadership, Solid Rock is the first and currently only church in the City of Kissimmee to offer a cold-night shelter to those experiencing homelessness in Central Florida. Dr. Quainoo is the educational establishmentarian and visionary for the Still We Rise Excellence Academy, a private Christian school housed at Solid Rock Church that is committed to spiritual formation in making disciples of Jesus Christ, academic excellence, and cultural, curricular, and civic courage. This elementary and middle school will teach the Black history that is banned in the state of Florida when it opens in August of 2024. Dr. Quainoo sits on the Board of the prestigious Hope Partnership, the leading non-profit combating homelessness and poverty in Central Florida, as well as serving as the special advisor of the Black Empowerment Council of Osceola County, a non-profit committed to seeking justice and unity for oppressed persons of color and all disenfranchised people in Central Florida. Dr. Quainoo is happily married to the beautiful Lady Rhesa Quainoo and has three marvelous sons, Matthew, Martin, and Micah. On February 22, 2024, Reverend Matthew Aaron Quainoo was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, during a run in Orlando in 2013, Briana Daniel encountered the stark reality of homelessness. Motivated to help but inexperienced in addressing this issue, she chose to immerse herself by living among the Downtown Orlando homeless community for over a month. Through firsthand experience and conversations with them, she discovered their profound need for dignity through cleanliness. This insight led her to establish Street Team Movement Inc., an organization dedicated to offering hygiene services to the homeless community. ``It's hard to have dignity or feel like you have value when you have nowhere to wash and no way to clean your clothes or yourself,'' said Daniel. Street Team Movement Inc. provides laundry services to the unhoused and hygiene items distributed through their hygiene vending machines. The machines are accessible for free to the homeless through their proprietary ``Hope Cards,'' which are special access cards allowing the population a limited number of transactions per week. ``We believe in compassionate assistance, not just handouts. The `Hope Card' allows us to help without enabling dependency. We provide individuals the means to access items, and services while preventing any misuse,'' said Daniel. In 2021, Street Team Movement launched a special program specifically for homeless women called Project Lioness. The program aims to bridge the hygiene gap for unhoused women by connecting them to critical feminine hygiene kits that will carry them through their monthly cycle. To date, Project Lioness has distributed over 1,000 hygiene kits stocked with panty liners, feminine napkins, tampons, and wipes. To date, Street Team Movement has washed over 30,000 loads of laundry, provided over 500 haircuts, and has given out over one million hygiene items. Since launching the hygiene vending machines in 2020, Street Team Movement has given out over 5,000 hygiene kits in five States. On February 22, 2024, Briana Daniel was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Yokeenba Jenkins was born and raised in Osceola County, where he attended elementary, middle, and high school, graduating from Osceola High School. He spent his college years at Bethune Cookman University. Following his college years, Yokeenba found his passion for music, becoming one of the biggest DJs in the urban industry. When he was not on tour, he would spend his time coaching youth football at the age of 18 and volunteering his time at Chambers Park, where he is now a recreation supervisor. Yokeenba is a child of God, husband, father, mentor, community spokesperson, and leader. Yokeenba is a person with a passion for shaping the youth in his community. He is hard working, dependable, has great energy, and has a drive to see his programs succeed. He is always willing to help out wherever needed and assist his fellow co-workers, family, and community in any way possible. He is a dedicated individual who displays an enormous sense of pride in his daily work. Since taking on his role at the Chambers Park Community Center, he has been instrumental in creating some well attended recreation programs while maintaining a successful summer camp program where a large portion of the community benefits from. In addition, he has organized essential events that promote fellowship within the community, such as Breakfast with Santa, Daddy and Daughter Dance, and Back to School Jam, among others. He has done an excellent job of stepping right into the role and ensuring its continued success. He is an excellent team player and works very well with diverse populations of families, participants, employees, and co-workers who visit his facility daily. He is a capable and independent leader who takes pride in being an active member of the Kissimmee community. On February 22, 2024, Yokeenba Jenkins was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Abigail Ellis is currently a registered mental health counselor intern, a devoted mental health advocate, a mentor, and an educator. She is steadfast in her commitment to effecting positive change in her community. Raised in Moore Haven, Florida, she developed a passion for community service early on--learning from her grandmother, Ida M. Ward, who was always giving back. Abigail earned a bachelor's degree in business and information management from Seminole State College, complemented by certificates in project management and human resource administration. Her academic journey culminated in a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. In 2001, Abigail made history as the first African-American Chalo Nitka Pageant winner in her hometown, Moore Haven, Florida. This accomplishment not only showcased her resilience but also set a powerful precedent for others to follow. Abigail and her son, Lamar Allen, are deeply engaged in community service. She founded Steps Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in 2019 to serve marginalized youth in Osceola County. The organization was born after years of watching her mother, Darlene Ellis, struggle to find resources to support her brother, Samuel Ellis. Through this initiative, she has demonstrated a proactive and hands-on approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by underserved teens. In addition to her foundation, Abigail actively serves on several boards throughout Central Florida, focusing on mental health, community engagement, and youth development. She serves as a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the Florida Counseling Association, and the Osceola Chamber, just to name a few. This involvement underlines her dedication to a holistic approach in supporting the well-being of adolescents. Abigail Ellis exemplifies leadership, compassion, and expertise, utilizing her multifaceted role to create a positive impact on the lives of young people and their families. On February 22, 2024, Abigail Ellis was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Nealya Iris Brunson is the dance director for the Osceola County School for the Arts, where she has dedicated 20 years to educating students in dance and the arts. Some of her contributions to student success include attending the National High School Dance Festivals in Miami and Philadelphia, as well as the Regional High School Dance Festivals in Norfolk, Virginia, where students received college acceptances and scholarships. Additional contributions include attending the Florida Dance Education Organization and Florida Dance Performance Assessment, where students in middle and high school received superior and excellent ratings in the areas of dance, technique, and performance. Over the years, Ms. Brunson has taught many students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and have become professional dancers, artists, teachers, and choreographers nationally and internationally. Ms. Brunson has served as a dance program coordinator, choreographed dances for many dance and theater programs, and served as a dance adjudicator in several public schools, universities, and performing arts centers, primarily in the state of Florida. Ms. Brunson's training in dance began at B.J.'s School of Dance in St. Petersburg, Florida, under the direction of Barbara Hodges. She continued to study dance at the Pinellas County School for the Arts at Gibbs High School and at St. Petersburg College, CoMotion Dance Theater. Ms. Brunson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Florida, New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida, under the direction of Daniel Lewis. She also received a Master of Arts in Dance from the American University in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Dr. Niama Prevots. Ms. Brunson enjoys teaching the elements of dance, which is a major component of her dance classes. She will be releasing her first book titled, ``Goals of Dance Technique: A Dancers Workbook,'' later this year. On February 22, 2024, Nealya Iris Brunson was honored as a distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, Lizzette Marrero was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where her passion for education was deeply influenced by her parents' dedication to teaching as well as her maternal grandmother. She graduated from la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Rio Piedras, with a bachelor's degree in secondary education, majoring in Spanish. In 1987, she became a Spanish teacher at a local Catholic school while pursuing a master's degree in curriculum and teaching, specializing in Hispanic studies. Upon graduation, Marrero welcomed her first child, prompting a challenging decision to relocate with her family to Central Florida. Carrying her dreams, faith, and a profound sadness for leaving her homeland in a suitcase, she embraced this new chapter alongside her soulmate, Marcos Barreiro. As her family expanded with the addition of two more children, she adapted to a new culture, language, and community where Christmas lasted only two weeks. In 1997, Marrero joined the Osceola County School District as a substitute teacher and was soon hired as a fifth-grade teacher at Boggy Creek Elementary School. The following year, she was appointed as a Spanish teacher, dedicating her professional life to her passion: the Spanish language, Hispanic literature, and Hispanic culture. Marrero was among the original educators who established the Osceola County School for the Arts in 2003. Over the past 20 years at OCSA, she has excelled in nurturing a deep love for learning and culture in her students, both inside and outside the classroom. Collaborating with her exceptional students, Marrero created and directed a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Festival that has captivated audiences for seventeen years at the Osceola Performing Arts Center. She also served on the Affirmative Action Committee in Osceola County, where she contributed to funding scholarships for graduate programs for fellow teachers in the county. Furthermore, she initiated and sponsored the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica: Capitulo Jorge Ramos and has guided students to compete at the Florida State Spanish Conference since 2007, achieving numerous awards. Marrero's dedication to teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture has recently led her to become an AP Reader and Table Leader for the College Board. She firmly believes that setting high expectations paves the way to success and that it is an honor to be a Spanish teacher for so many wonderful humans.