[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ANA L. CRUZ AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR 
                        CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Ana L. Cruz moved from Puerto Rico to New 
Jersey right after Hurricane Hugo hit the island in 1989.
  In June of 1990 and for the next 18 years, she worked for INROADS, 
Inc., a national organization that places minority college students in 
corporate internships. She worked for INROADS, Inc. in different 
capacities from administrative assistant to manager to acting regional 
director.
  In August of 2008, she accepted the position of aide to City of 
Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz.
  In June of 2016, she was hired as the new City of Orlando Hispanic 
Office for Local Assistance Coordinator. HOLA provides valuable 
information and referral services to bilingual residents and newcomers 
to Central Florida, connecting them with more than 100 government and 
community organizations to find jobs, senior housing, healthcare 
services, educational opportunities, and other resources.
  After Hurricane Maria in 2018, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer deployed Ana 
to the Orlando International Airport's Welcome Center. This center was 
opened to assist the people affected by the hurricane. Under Ana's 
leadership, over 6,000 people were assisted and connected with services 
and resources.
  In February of 2023, Ana partnered with the Orlando Center for 
Justice to provide guidance and assistance to immigrants that recently 
arrived in Central Florida by giving them an orientation and free legal 
assistance.
  For her unwavering devotion to serving and helping the community, Ana 
has received many awards and recognitions such as Mayor Buddy Dyer's 
Leadership Award, WKMG News 6's Getting Results Award, Casa de 
Venezuela's Leadership Award, and the National Latino Peace Officers 
Association Volunteer Award. She has also been named as a Florida 
Puerto Rican Parade, Inc. Community Leader, among others.
  Ana is a proud mother. Her daughter, Ana Lucia, graduated in December 
of 2017 from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree 
in early childhood development and education.

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