[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF HELENA NICOLE RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, from a young age, Helena Nicole Rodriguez 
displayed leadership and charisma. She lived a life of service in her 
church and helping the less fortunate in her community. Growing up, 
Nicole was a leader and mentor to the youth congregation in her church. 
While in high school at Gateway High School, she received awards and 
commendations for her academics. She was also a member of the Gateway 
High School Osceola County District Champion Swim team in 2015.
  Following high school, Nicole majored in marketing at the University 
of Central Florida. While in college, she joined her father, Juan Jose 
Rodriguez, in the marketing department at Michael T. Gibson, P.A. 
There, she founded the firm's social media efforts and served as the 
director for social media marketing. While at UCF, Nicole was very 
active in politics. leading voter registration drives and organizing 
UCF students to vote. During this time, she also participated with her 
father on several charitable missions, including trips to Honduras, 
Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
  After graduation, Nicole was hired and worked for Marriott and 
Oracle, two Fortune 500 companies. These positions took her to Hawaii 
and Austin, Texas. While with Oracle, Nicole was instrumental in having 
the company engage in charitable endeavors to help the less fortunate 
in her community. Prior to her passing, she left her position in 
management to dedicate more time to helping the less fortunate and 
volunteering at a homeless assistance program.
  Nicole leaves a legacy of service and commitment to helping spread 
her faith and to helping the less fortunate. Although she left us at a 
young age, the impact of her efforts will last a lifetime. Many were 
touched by her kind spirit, her warm and affectionate smile, her deep 
faith in God, and her commitment to serving others. She was loved and 
cherished by her family and friends. While her life was short, her 
impact on this world was substantial. Nicole's memory will live on 
through her friends and family. Her contagious smile, her charisma, her 
personality, and her charitable heart will live on in our memories 
forever.

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