[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MARIA EMMA FERNANDEZ AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                   FLORIDA FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2023

  Mr SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Maria Emma Fernandez, from Colombia, South 
America, came to the United States in the early 1990s. She has a 
bachelor's degree in the arts and has lived in Orange County, Florida, 
since 2003.
  She has taught Spanish and art at various levels in school and has 
been a substitute teacher in Orange County public schools. In addition, 
she has worked with students to plan and organize programs and events 
related to Spanish language clubs.
  While living in St. Louis, Missouri, Maria worked with Grupo 
Atlantico, a dance group, giving workshops and teaching volunteers how 
to showcase the art and culture of Latin American and Caribbean 
countries.
  Maria, who is married and has a son, loves art, books, and culture. 
She started a club in Central Florida called Tertulia4gatos that now 
meets in 12 public libraries in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties. 
This club encourages people to enjoy reading, listening to music, and 
performing. The group includes artists such as painters, sculptors, 
dancers, poets, and writers.
  Maria is empowering cultural managers to help artists and writers 
find places to showcase their work or display their talents and to be 
recognized for it. Tertulia4gatos is now 16 years old and has more than 
3,000 participants through various activities from weekly meetings to 
art festivals and book readings. There also is a club at the University 
of Central Florida. This volunteer program fosters unity among Spanish-
speaking cultures.
  ``What would the world be without art,'' Maria said.
  Maria loves all cultures and their accomplishments, but most 
important is her love for family, books, and art. Her goal is to unite 
her community, foster equality, and ensure that Hispanics remember 
their roots.
  ``I volunteer because art can change the world,'' she said. ``We are 
inspiring hearts.''

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