Biographical Information
City of Residence: Orlando
Occupation: Public Relations and Civic Engagement Strategist
Child(ren): Esteban, Giovanna, Alondra, Gianna
Grandchild(ren): Eliza
Education: Univerodad de Puerto Rico, BA, Hispanic Studies; Higher Education, MA Ed
Born: February 18, 1972, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Moved to Florida: 1998
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Recreational Interest: gym, karaoke, salsa dancing, writing, researching, youth mentorship, volleyball
Legislative Service
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2022
Other Public Services
Orange County School District, School Board Member, District 2, 2018-2022
Affiliations
Familias Presentes: ¡Estudiantes Excelentes!, Founder, 2015-present
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Advisory Council, 2018
Harvard Graduate School of Education, Superintendent’s Public Education Leadership Project, 2017
Mi Familia Vota, Education Committee, 2015-2016
AP College Board, Professional Leadership Committee, Spanish Language and Culture Course, 2010-2016
Highlights
Puerto Rican Day at the Capitol, Helping Hands Award, 2023
The Farmworker Association of Florida, Recognition Award, 2023
Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tata Cepeda, Afro-Latinx Award, 2022
National Association of Social Workers, Elected Official of the Year, 2021
Successful Initiative to Change Stonewall Jackson Middle School to Roberto Clemente Middle School, 2021
Honor in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, 2021
National Association for Bilingual Education, Leadership Award, 2019
Mujeres Destacadas en Educación Recipient, 2017
Orange County Public Schools, Teacher of the Year, 2017
National Queen Smith Award for Commitment to Urban Public Education, 2016
Life Changer of the Year Award, 2016
Florida State Senate, Proclamation for Contribution in Education, 2016
Walt Disney World, Honorary Citizenship Award, 2016
State of Florida, Macy’s Teacher of the Year, Magic of Leadership Recipient, 2016
Florida Governor, Shine Award for Inspirational Teachers, 2016
Florida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Wings of Inspiration Award, 2016
Casa de Puerto Rico, Coqui de Oro Award, 2016
Taste of Puerto Rico, Education Contribution Award, 2016
Coca-Cola, Educator of Distinction Award, 2015