Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, Keri Griffin has been working as a clinical social worker since 1996. Keri's first job was working in detox at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Keri then graduated from the University of Dayton in 1997 with a major in psychology and minors in social work and sociology. Keri graduated with her master's in social work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1999 with a clinical concentration and substance abuse specialization.

While working on her master's, Keri worked at the Social Work Community Outreach Service at Maree Farring Elementary School and with the University of Maryland Medical System intensive outpatient program and maternal substance abuse and acupuncture program. After graduating with her master's, Keri continued to work in Baltimore at the Johns Hopkins University Cornerstone program and the University of Maryland Medical System comprehensive recovery program. Keri moved to Florida in 2000 and became a licensed clinical social worker and a certified addictions professional in the state of Florida. Keri has worked with Lakeside Alternatives at the Orange Regional Juvenile Detention Center, at the Center for Drug-Free Living Addiction Receiving Facility, as well as at the Women's Residential Program in Kissimmee and at Mental Health Network.

For almost 17 years, Keri has worked at the Orlando VA Health Care System. Keri worked for her first 5 years at the VA in the alcohol and drug abuse treatment program and for 12 years as a therapist in the mental health clinic. For the past 12 years, Keri has served in collateral duty roles as the Orlando VA's LGBTQ+ special emphasis program manager and veteran care coordinator--providing support and services for employees and veteran patients as well as training and education, outreach, and development of community partnerships. Through dedication and hard work, Keri was able to facilitate and elevate the LGBTQ+ veteran care program coordinator to a full-time position at the OVAHCS as of Fiscal Year 2021-22. Keri serves as the VA VISN 8 LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinator lead, is the national LGBTQ+ VCC lead forum lead, developed and facilitates a monthly inter-disciplinary LGBTQ+ treatment team at the OVAHCS, and chairs the OVAHCS LGBTQ+ special emphasis program working closely with the diversity and inclusion team and the EEO at the OVAHCS.

Due to her hard work with the LGBTQ+ veteran population at the VA, Keri received national I CARE awards in 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2021, the VA Social Worker of the Year Award for 2016, and a National Special Contribution Award in 2016 for her contributions after the Pulse tragedy. Keri recently received a Certificate of Special Recognition for Federal Employee of the Year, Honorable Mention, for Service to the Community for Central Florida 2022.

Madam Speaker, Jason Harris is a Florida native who completed his master's degree in community psychology at Florida A&M University. Jason has a wealth of clinical experience across a variety of settings, including inpatient specialty clinics such as juvenile detention centers and Federal/state prison(s), crisis intervention, structured outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric, and large nonprofits.

Jason has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals and groups across the life span in the areas of anxiety, substance abuse, behavioral and discipline challenges, self-harm behavior, anger, stress management, trauma, abuse, family, relationship issues, suicide assessment, risk reduction, group psychotherapy, and self-image and self-esteem issues.

Jason's approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and the provision of ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic approach. Jason is invested in emphasizing a more integrative, dynamic, cultural, and holistic approach to mental health.

Jason is currently the lead therapist working with juveniles from ages 13 to 21. The program is a 9 to 12 residential commitment program--Kissimmee Youth Academy, Youth Opportunity Investments, LLC-- where the youth are given weekly individual sessions, daily group therapy sessions, and monthly family sessions. In addition, Jason is one of the therapists/allies/members with The Center Orlando providing emotional support and counseling to LGBTQIA+ community members. Through his efforts and commitment, Jason is dedicated to providing hope for a better and brighter tomorrow through healing, emotional regulation, and progressive counsel.

Madam Speaker, Gabe Csizmadia (he/him) was born and raised in Hungary in a family with strong ethical and family values. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 20 with the desire to build a better life and live the American Dream.

In 2014, Gabe earned his Master of Business Administration with honors from the University of Phoenix. In 2018, he began his career as a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Kissimmee, Florida. He serves his local community by offering financial literacy events and helping clients achieve their financial goals, with an increased focus on serving the LGBT members of his community.

As an active member of the Central Florida area, Gabe is a passionate advocate for human rights, animal welfare, and LGBT rights. Gabe proudly serves on the board of directors for The Pride Chamber in Orlando and chairs the Pride Chamber's Programming Committee with the mission to create and host inclusive programs and events for local LGBT business owners and allies. He also serves as one of the diversity and inclusion leaders for his region at his firm, Edward Jones, with the goal of raising awareness of inclusion in the workplace. His mission is to help create and foster an environment of belonging for all coworkers and to attract diverse talent to the firm.

Gabe resides in Kissimmee and operates his Edward Jones branch in Orlando, Florida. In his free time, he enjoys visiting the local theme parks, spending time in the kitchen making his favorite meals, and traveling the world with his husband, Ralph.

Madam Speaker, Daniel J. Downer is a community advocate, facilitator, and public speaker with a long history of advocating for Black and Brown, LGBTQ+, racial, and social movements in Central Florida, Daniel combines his lived experience with his educational and professional expertise to create movements in addressing diversity, equity, health equity, HIV, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Daniel currently serves as the executive director of The Bros in Convo Initiative, a community organization in Orlando educating and empowering gay and queer individuals of color through comprehensive health education, linkage, and peer support. He is also an associate facilitator for The Equality Institute, a boutique DEI firm providing relevant, impactful, and comprehensive solutions to organizations to help build and strengthen their strategy and infuse diversity and inclusion into the culture, enhancing outcomes for everyone.

Daniel sits on the board of directors of RAHMA, a Black Muslim-led organization addressing HIV/AIDS in faith communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment. He serves as the All-Black Lives Fund Steering Committee co-chair of Contigo Fund, a philanthropic effort to strengthen and network existing agencies and to identify and support grassroots efforts that advance Latinx and LGBTQ causes. He also sits on the board of directors of One Orlando Alliance and is the founder of the Black Boardroom Leadership Institute, a one-of-a-kind leadership training program that brings together both nonprofit organizations and leaders with a goal to guide culture change and create an ideal environment of inclusion of diverse voices in service to boards.

In acknowledgment of his commitment to health, racial, and social equity, Daniel was awarded the 2018 GLAAD Rising Star Award, the Red Door Foundation's 2019 Leadership Achievement Award, Watermark's Most Remarkable Person in Central Florida in 2020, and the Orlando Trailblazer Award in 2021 at the annual Harvey Milk Breakfast and LGBT+Center Diversity Awards.

Madam Speaker, Andoni Molina Blanco is a pharmacist located in Winter Garden and originally from Spain. After becoming a pharmacist in 1996, he decided to move back to his hometown in northern Spain. In 1997, he met Juan Bengoechea--his companion in life ever since and husband since 2014.

After almost 20 years of working as a pharmacist in Spain, the couple decided to start a new chapter in their lives and moved abroad. In 2015, Andoni started working as a pharmacy intern in Miami, becoming a licensed pharmacist in Florida in 2016. In 2017, they decided to move to Orlando after Andoni accepted a job offer from Walmart Pharmacy. In 2018, he became pharmacy manager at store 4159 in Kissimmee, where he enjoys reaching and engaging with his patients and the Hispanic community.

In 2020, Walmart created the Health and Wellness Days of Giving--a program where pharmacy managers can provide funding to a healthcare organization of their choice. This gave Andoni the opportunity to get in contact with the LGBTQ+ organization, The Center Kissimmee, for the first time. That first year, two other pharmacy managers joined him in supporting The Center.

In 2021, Andoni continued his support for The Center and advocated for others to join. This time, a total of five pharmacy managers supported The Center. In December of 2021, he was invited to participate and represent Walmart Pharmacy in the first World AIDS Day fair hosted by The Center and the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County.

This year, he participated in the Minority Health Month fair hosted by the NAACP and the Florida Department of Health. Additionally, all 13 Walmart stores in Andoni's market will support The Center in their efforts of purchasing a new van that will offer mobile HIV testing around Central Florida.

In February of this year, Andoni became a proud U.S. citizen.

Madam Speaker, Diana Taylor is an extraordinary radio host, broadcaster, and philanthropist from Central Florida who, since 1984, has led her community by mastering the art of entrepreneurship to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of humanity--more specifically, children.

Ms. Taylor engages children in her program titled ``Young People's Forum'' on CAC radio and TV broadcasting on WOKB 1680 AM and 100.1 FM studios, syndicating to South Florida and the Bahamas. She has been able to successfully engage students in the Caribbean and Canada virtually as well.

Her passion to mentor children for the real world has resulted in many who are now in leadership roles in today's job market. Her motto, ``Teach the children respect and they will learn respect. Give respect and get respect,'' has been lived by every child who has been a part of this program for the past 29 years.

Ms. Taylor's innovative approach to mentorship has earned her recognition from mayors, governors, law enforcement organizations, and business and community leaders in Central Florida. These include the 2017 Urban Empowerment and Inspiration Station Award for Longevity and Inspiration and Service to the Community, the 2016 Award for the Jamaica Diaspora (Southeastern USA) Facilitation of the Growth and Strengthening of the Regional Networking Capacity, and the 2014 Greater Orlando Cares Mentoring Movement Award.

This year, considering Jamaica's 60th year of independence, Diana received an award of excellence from the Jamaica Diaspora Council of the Southern State. She was also honored as a Woman of Harmony and was featured in the KUOMagazine/TV during Women's History Month for her contributions to humanity.

Madam Speaker, Ebismenia Hassele is a professional Latino woman who obtained her master's degree in criminal justice and police science. This led to her work for the New York City Police Department and to currently volunteer for the Polk County Sheriff's office.

Ms. Hassele is a member of Lion Club in Auburndale, Florida. Previously, she was the president of the association for Inwood Community, Inc. for 11 years.

Ms. Hassele established a festival of unity--the Multicultural Unity Festival--within a community that was divided. The event was coordinated with the help of the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the fire department, and several county commissioners and brought the community and law enforcement together.

The event is held every other month. Many members and residents of Inwood bring home-made food to a segment of the event known as ``Cop's Night Out.''

Ms. Hassele has also organized a black-tie fundraising event with the help of Lieutenant Navarro as well as several health fairs and yard sales to help educate and give back to the Central Florida community.

Throughout the years, Ms. Hassele has assisted with free food distribution and put much of her focus on the needs of elders in her community to help bridge gaps in ages and move her community forward.

Ms. Hassele's community is one of three certified as a Green Dot Agent community, which use a curriculum to help those who have been victims of any type of violence. They work together to stop apathy and inspire the community to reconnect with the renewed possibility that violence is not inevitable.

Ms. Hassele draws her indomitable strength from her family, chiefly her three supportive daughters, Jessica, Love and Candy; three grandchildren; and her late husband, Guy R. Hassele, who was a disabled veteran.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Gregory K. Johnson is an educator, leader, and technologist in Central Florida. He was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and currently serves as pro gram director and tenured professor for Digital Media Technology at Polk State College in Polk County, Florida. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education from the University of Central Florida, a master's degree from Southern Illinois University, and bachelor's and associate degrees from Saint Louis Christian College.

At UCF, Johnson was a member of and served as historian for the AACTE Holmes Scholars program, participated in the Summer Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., and received UCF's Graduate Provost's and Dean's Fellowships. As an instructional technologist, he created multimedia content for the U.S. Marines and course modules for a National Science Foundation grant.

At Polk State College, he overhauled the digital media program, created new degree and multimedia options, and hired lab staff to provide instructional support to students. For

his contributions to academic excellence, Dr. Johnson received the Distinguished New Faculty and the Endowed Teaching Chair awards. He has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences, including a workshop at the University of Macau, China, and an Adobe-sponsored Remote Production Conference.

He credits his achievements to personal ambition, resilience, support of his Jamaican family, rigorous academic preparation, teachers, mentors, and church. Dr. Johnson's wife, Ciara, is a teacher, and his son, Jermaine, is a student and graphic designer.

Madam Speaker, Alex Morales-Hernandez is the CEO and president of EEC Solutions. EEC Solutions is a government service provider customized to the business sector by offering defense, security consulting, and education. Mr. Morales-Hernandez bases his work on years of military leadership, training, and decision-making experience in the defense, foreign service, and intelligence community.

Mr. Morales-Hernandez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he lived until he enlisted in the United States Army.

He is a 2013 graduate of Central Michigan University with a Master of Science in Administration.

Mr. Morales-Hernandez enlisted in the United States Army on April 18, 1995 and retired as a chief warrant officer there after 21 years of military service.

He served in the special operations enterprise and in the defense attache system as the operations coordinator, assistant army attache, and acting defense attache in countries such as Bolivia, Chad, El Salvador, Colombia, Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Mr. Morales-Hernandez is a recipient of numerous military awards including the third highest award in the Department of State--Award for Heroism.

He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

Madam Speaker, Marielys Camacho-Reyes, MS, CAMHFA, CYMHFA, TCC is an Army veteran, a retired Army wife, a storyteller, and the founder and president of the Compassionate Hearts UNITED Foundation, Inc.

Ms. Camacho-Reyes holds a Master of Science in Psychology and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology with a specialization in social psychology, focusing on prosocial behavior.

She was selected as one of the recipients of the 2021 Spirit of Community Award presented by the Florida Commission of the Status of Women, is the 2020 winner of the Spirit of Philanthropy Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Polk County Chapter and the Give Well Foundation, as well as the 2019 Veteran of the Year for the City of Haines City for her support and dedication to her community.

Ms. Camacho-Reyes is a certified adult and youth mental health first aider with the National Council of Behavioral Health and a bilingual crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line.

Her recent book ``Cleaning Out My Closet: My Road from Self-Discovery to Emotional Healing'' is currently available on Amazon and Walmart.

She lives in Haines City, Florida with her family.

Madam Speaker, Michael Bailey is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, who migrated to New York City in 1975. Mr. Bailey worked as a mainframe computer operator for the Chase Manhattan Bank and then as a LAN administrator for Credit Suisse First Boston before relocating to Poinciana in Osceola County, Florida.

Mr. Bailey has been a resident of Osceola County since 2000. He has served as secretary/treasurer of the Village One Association of the Association of Poinciana Villages.

He has been a board member of the Poinciana Youth Soccer Organization and served as the past president of the Caribbean & American Peoples Association. He has helped sponsor events and create an atmosphere that leads to respect and mutual understanding among the ethnic groups in his community.

Mr. Bailey's actions have helped identify, recognize, and support persons of Caribbean ancestry residing in the Central Florida region. These efforts have also encouraged involvement with other groups to collectively spearhead projects that improve the quality of life in the community at large. Meanwhile, Mr. Bailey's actions have promoted multi-cultural events which complement CAPA efforts and enhance their values of contributing to educational and humanitarian needs as warranted.

Mr. Bailey also believes that successful movements are rooted in trust, and that trust is earned. He believes we are committed to earning trust by keeping the promises we make, practicing honesty and transparency in everything we do, and taking responsibility for our assumptions, words, and actions.

Mr. Bailey is presently employed by ATOS, Inc., a technology company where he works as a system technician.

He has been married to his lovely wife Geraldine for 26 years and, between them, they are parents to four children and 10 grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, Nicole Reid was born on the beautiful island of Barbados. She migrated to New York at the age of 12,

where she attended junior high school and then went on to high school. Nicole relocated to Florida in 2003 and has an associate degree from Valencia Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Transformational Christian Ministry from Warner University, a Master of Education, and an educational specialist degree in leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Before relocating to Florida in 2003, Ms. Reid served her community by teaching a GED program for adults looking to obtain their GED. Ms. Reid went on to become the assistant director of said program.

She has served in education since 2004 in positions varying from extended day to paraprofessional, teacher, and currently dean of students. Ms. Reid believes that part of her purpose in life is to impact the lives of her students. As a teacher, she served as the sixth grade chair, sixth grade language arts PLC lead, and as the school's positive behavior intervention support coach.

Currently, Ms. Reid is not only a dean of students, but she also oversees the before-school tutoring program and will oversee the summer school programs as well. As an educator, Ms. Reid believes that it is very important to build positive relationships with students, their families, and the community.

Ms. Reid is an active member of the Caribbean and Floridian Association Inc. She served as the recording secretary on the executive board from 2015 to 2018 and has been serving as the vice president of the organization since 2019.

Ms. Reid has also served as co-chair for the finance/planning committee and was a member of the education committee.

As a member of the Caribbean and Floridian Association Inc., she has participated in many community events and outreach, such as the Caribbean Fusion Festival, the annual scholarship/community awards, and their annual turkey giveaway.

Ms. Reid is a strong supporter and has been a dedicated member of the Solid Rock Community Church since 2003. She currently serves as a minister in the church and as the assistant coordinator for the women's ministry. Currently, she serves as the assistant coordinator for the Florida State Women Connection Ministry of the Church of God.

Ms. Reid believes that with God, all things are possible. She is the mother of two beautiful angels, Nevaeh and Nyah. After God, they are the center of her life.

In 2020, God blessed her with an adult daughter, Pfalin Burton, who came to visit and stayed. She has become a part of her family and home. Ms. Reid's beliefs have allowed her to instill in her children that education is the key to success. These are the same beliefs that were instilled in her by her parents.

Madam Speaker, Samuel Roberts has been involved in the Caribbean American community since 2004 when he was first elected vice president of the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida. He was later elected president and served in that capacity for a total of eight years, becoming their longest-serving president. Roberts was instrumental in the establishment of the Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations initiative which launched in Central Florida in 2009.

Roberts has held various positions in the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce including vice president, and various committee chairs. Utilizing their platform on the chamber, their associations, and their publication, Roberts and his wife Guenet Roberts have helped unify the Caribbean American community in the Central Florida area. Their actions have been recognized by groups like the Susan Taylor Cares organization.

Roberts is a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience in engineering and project management. He graduated in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a minor in mathematics. He most recently completed his master's degree in emergency management. In 2004, he got his first introduction into the disaster recovery industry when hurricanes Charlie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne affected Central Florida. Roberts was placed in the field to help implement guidelines while ensuring the services being provided were FEMA compliant. Since that year, Roberts has been involved in every major hurricane recovery project across the southeast.

In 2017, while managing recovery operations in Polle County, Florida, Roberts developed a management plan that helped complete clean-up activities in a systematic and efficient manner. That same year, he began working on a more efficient recovery management application. In June of 2021 the app, GridMapI, was presented to attendees of the National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans where it was well received. The app is now featured in the Apple and Android app stores.

Roberts is also the owner/CFO of Roberts & Roberts Management Services, LLC. He currently serves as the chairperson of the Heads of Caribbean Organizations, chairperson of the Caribbean American Heritage Month Planning Committee, chairperson of the Orlando Carnival Downtown, board member of the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida Advisory Committee, and board member of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce. He was also an affiliate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Roberts is also responsible for the Fusion Fest which is presented annually by the Orange County Mayor's Office.

Roberts has been married for 26 years and is a proud parent of two children.

Madam Speaker, I acknowledge the strong, multidimensional, and mutually vital partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of India. Our two nations share a partnership for peace, progress, and prosperity. The solidarity between our two democratic countries and open economies is a force for global good.

One of the important pillars of this relationship is the enduring bridge provided by the Indian American community in my district. I regularly meet with Indian American community members, including successful hotel owner Mr. Jan Gautam, and learn from them about our Indian friends and their progress. Support from the Indian-American community, through the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, was instrumental in assisting Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

During my past trip to India, our delegation was briefed on the significance of advancements in Artificial Intelligence technology, its role in the relationship between our nations, and its possible applications to the industry and workforce. We met with former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, Aluru Seelin Kiran Kumar, where we discussed its organizational structure, mission focus, applications, and accomplishments. Later, in meetings with the former Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan, we discussed the importance of space exploration and cybersecurity advancement, all in the context of collaboration between our great democracies.

I recently met with the Indian Consul General to the Southeast, Dr. Swati Kulkarni. I learned about India's developmental efforts, including efforts through the recent announcement of the 2022-23 Union Budget.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our two nations worked closely. There was robust collaboration in the health sector, including in vaccines, where the U.S. provided raw materials to India for vaccine production during a time of surging cases in the country.

I look forward to continued collaboration between the United States of America and the Republic of India.

Madam Speaker, Maria Eloisa Albay de Padua, MD, is the longest-serving physician in Central Florida Health Care, a non-profit federally qualified community health care center.

After finishing her education in the Philippines, Dr. de Padua immigrated to the United States of America and did her residency at the Children's Hospital of Buffalo. After learning about CFHC's mission to help migrant workers and the underserved 27 years ago, Dr. de Padua joined and never looked back.

Going into medicine to help the sick and the most vulnerable, Dr. de Padua considered CFHC the perfect place to realize her dreams. Initially, she worked as a pediatrician for the Frostproof, Wauchula, and Avon Park Community Health Centers. Then, as CFHC began growing, Dr. de Padua helped start several other facilities by being one of the first providers in the Dundee, Mulberry, Lakeland, and Winter Haven Community Health Centers.

As a pediatrician, Dr. de Padua treats sick children from birth to age 18. Her focus is on helping children stay healthy by ensuring they get their well checks and immunizations promptly. Having served the community for 27 years, Dr. de Padua now has former patients who are parents, bringing their children to see her as patients.

For Dr. de Padua, her greatest reward as a pediatrician is to see her patients grow from newborns to young students to college graduates who then move on to become contributing members of society.