Biographical Information
City of Residence: Miami
Occupation: Attorney
Child(ren): Katharine
Education: University of Miami, B.A., 1985; Florida State University, J.D., 1988
Born: November 2, 1963, Miami, FL
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Recreational Interest: Tae Kwon Do, fishing, hunting, skiing
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 1992, reelected subsequently without opposition
Commission on Legislative Reform of Judicial Administration 1998
Florida Legislature Project
National Conference of State Legislatures Assembly on State Issues 1995-1996
Dade County Legislative Delegation Chair 1994-1995
Cuban-American Caucus Chair 1995-1996, Vice Chair 1993-1994
Working Group to Investigate Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Reform Prospects
Republican Caucus Rapid Response Team
Cuban-American Caucus Scholarship Fu
Other Public Services
National Interbranch Conference on Funding of the State Courts, alternate member 1995-1996
Florida Supreme Court 21st Century Justice Project
Implementation Task Force on Domestic Violence
Affiliations
The Florida Bar
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Florida, Western District of Tennessee, and District of Hawaii
Cuban-American Bar Association
World Tae Kwon Do Federation
Dade Partners for Safe Neighborhoods
Highlights
Florida Women's Political Caucus Stand Alone Award 1993
Dade County League of Cities Good Government Award 1993
We Will Rebuild Legislative Appreciation Award 1993
Dade County Psychological Association Outstanding Advocacy for Florida Families Award 1993
Florida Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone of Florida Business Award 1993
Republican House Leadership and the House Republican Caucus Champion for Florida's Children Award 1994
Florida Commission on the Status of Women Special Recognition Award 1994
Ranked in the top quarter out of 120 legislators by The Miami Herald 1994, 1996, and 1997, and ninth in 1998
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence Advocate Award 1995
Dade Partners for Safe Neighborhoods Advocate Award 1995
League of Women Voters of Dade County Pioneering Domestic Violence Recognition Award 1995
Ranked Top Hispanic and number 2 Republican by The Miami Herald 1995
Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Legislator of the Year 1997
Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges Leadership Award 1998
Florida Autism Coalition Shining Star Award 1998
ARISE Foundation Children's Champion 1998
honored for support and development of legislation dealing with domestic violence by the Metro-Dade Office of Victim Services
Florida International University Adjunct Professor