[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING ELSIE M. COLON RIVERA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Elsie M. Colon Rivera is a 36-year-old 
Hispanic woman from Cidra, Puerto Rico, and the oldest and only sister 
of five children. She was born with a rare blood disease called Von 
Willebrand disease. Playing as a child was a challenge because she 
could have lots of bleeds, but it still didn't stop her from doing 
sports like gymnastics, cheerleading, and swimming, and reaching her 
goals.
  From high school up until leaving Puerto Rico, Elsie volunteered at 
Centro de Bendicion in San Juan, a social help center. There, Elsie 
helped people obtain their high school diplomas, and distribute meals, 
clothes, and personal hygiene products, among others. This volunteer 
experience helped her find what she loved and defined her professional 
career to the service of people. Also, as a veteran dependent, she 
participated in the work-study program at San Juan VA Medical Center. 
There, she worked in the administrative area of the mental health 
clinic. This work set her commitment to service.
  She moved from Puerto Rico to Florida in 2016 with her husband in 
search of a better future. Elsie is an honor graduate of a master's in 
business administration at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico. 
From 2018 to 2022, Elsie worked in the family business doing 
administrative work. She missed her work of service and decided to move 
to AGM University's Orlando Campus to work as an administrative 
coordinator. Elsie is highly motivated by her daughter to use a 
positive mind, empathy, and energy to encourage others to succeed.

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