Biographical Information
City of Residence: Miami-Dade
Occupation: Educator
Child(ren): Alexandra, Nicole, Mario
Grandchild(ren): Ayla, Liam
Education: Florida International University, Computer Science, Bachelor's Degree; Nova Southeastern, Computer Science, Master's Degree
Born: May 16, Nicaragua
Moved to Florida: 1968
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 2010
Affiliations
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, Board of Directors 2008-present
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Innovation, Efficiency and Governmental Relations, Chair 2009-2010
Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE)/CUBE Steering Committee, member 2007-2010
Florida School Boards Association, District 3, Board of Directors 2007-2010
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Instructional Excellence and Community Engagement, Vice Chair 2006-2010
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, School Board member 2006-2010
Florida School Board Association, Advocacy Committee, Chair 2007-2008
Miami-Dade Wireless Steering Committee, Vice Chair 2006-2007
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Instructional Excellence and Community Engagement, Chair 2004-2006
Fun 4 Kids, Advisory Board
National School Boards Association, Pre-K Legislative Committee
The Education Fund, Advisory Board
Highlights
Retail Federation, Legislator of the Year Award 2012
Cervantes Award 2010
Family Christian Association of America, Inc., Black Achievers Sponsor 2007, 2008
Youth Crime Watch, Administrator of the Week June 30-July 4, 2008
Adopt an Animal at Metro Zoo, Certificate of Adoption 2007
ENLACE Miami, FIU, Si Se Puede Award 2007
MDCC Homestead, Appreciation of participation Hispanic Heritage Month, Influential Latina Event 2007
National School Board Association/CUBE, Certificate of Recognition 2005-2007
Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor and Commissioners, Certificate of Appreciation 2007
Community Blood Centers of Florida, Appreciation Award 2006
Master Franks Tae-Kwon-Do, Certificate for Dedication and Support 2004, 2006
CUBE Urban School Board Excellence, Annual Award of Excellence 2005
El Consulado General de la Republica de Nicaragua en Miami, Diploma de Honor al Merito 2005
Instituto Cultural Ruben Dario, Incorporacion de Honor 2005
Miami Today Book of Leaders, Educational Leader 2005
National School Board Association Magna Awards, Grand Prize 2005
National School Board Association's Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE), Appreciation Award for the Dedicated Service to the Council and the School Children of Our Country
NALEO, Award for service on Board of Directors