[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1851-E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ZOILA A. QUINONES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate 
Hispanic Heritage Month, I rise to honor one of south Florida's finest 
community leaders, Zoila A. Quinones.
  Zoila was born in the city of Cabana, Peru and completed her studies 
at the prestigious Colegio Nacional Mercedes Cabello in Lima, Peru and 
graduated as a Commercial Accountant. She then went on to work at one 
of Peru's finest engineering and architecture firms, Grana y Montero, 
S.A., for 26 years.
  In 1986, Zoila came to the United States from her native Peru to join 
her mother and brother in Miami, Florida. She started a career in the 
cargo industry and eventually founded her own company, Cabana 
International Corporation. She also began her activism within the 
Peruvian American community of south Florida and is today one of its 
most influential leaders. She is involved with various civic and 
business groups including the Peruvian American Coalition, the Chamber 
of Commerce of Florida, the Ancashina Association and the Peruvian 
Civic Unity.
  For nearly 23 years, Zoila has also taken an active role in the 
democratic process by educating policymakers at all levels of 
government about issues important in the Peruvian American community, 
working to ensure that the United States and Peru strengthen diplomatic 
ties, and helping shape legislation and policy towards Latin America. 
She has also been instrumental in fighting for small businesses, 
advancing economic growth in the United States and working towards free 
trade with Peru.
  Zoila has earned the respect and trust of many in our community, 
dedicating herself to advancing the needs of the Hispanic community in 
the United States. I ask that you join me in honoring and thanking my 
good friend Zoila A. Quinones, a true leader who loves and values 
freedom and works so that others may enjoy it.

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