[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 106 (Friday, June 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E596-E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MARIA ISABEL SANQUIRICO AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                  FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, recognized as one of the Top Women in PR by 
PRNews, Maria Isabel Sanquirico is a force in multicultural 
communications and a fearless advocate for representation, equity, and 
authentic storytelling. An award-winning communications

[[Page E597]]

strategist, certified crisis communicator, and former news anchor, she 
is the founder and CEO of Eleven 11 Communications--a public relations 
firm rooted in the values of service, inclusion, and impact.
  Maria Isabel's career began in media at an early age, with a passion 
for using her voice to inform and uplift. She made history as the first 
Latina to anchor a solo evening newscast in Central Florida, serving as 
anchor of Telemundo's Noticiero Telemundo Orlando at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. 
Her work in broadcast journalism gave visibility to stories that were 
too often overlooked--highlighting the struggles, achievements, and 
resilience of Florida's Latino communities.
  Determined to shape narratives from beyond the anchor desk, Maria 
Isabel launched Eleven 11 Communications, where she has spent over a 
decade helping public agencies, corporations, and elected officials 
develop inclusive strategies that reach and reflect the communities 
they serve. Her portfolio spans civic engagement, health equity, crisis 
response, and culturally relevant outreach campaigns. Following 
Hurricane Maria, she became a leading voice for displaced Puerto 
Ricans, using media and advocacy to connect families with life-saving 
resources.
  She has been named ``Ignitor of the Year'' by the Hispanic Chamber of 
Commerce and recognized by the University of Puerto Rico--her alma 
mater--as one of its most distinguished communications alumni. She has 
served on several influential boards, including the City of Orlando 
Municipal Planning Board and the Adult Literacy League, and currently 
sits on the boards of United Arts and the Elle Collective at Seminole 
State College, where she champions women-owned businesses and the next 
generation of leaders of color.
  Based in Central Florida, Maria Isabel continues to lead with vision 
and heart. Her work centers Latino voices in the public conversation, 
not only ensuring they are heard, but that they help shape the future. 
A trusted strategist, changemaker, and proud Puerto Rican, Maria Isabel 
Sanquirico is building a more informed, inclusive, and empowered 
community--one story at a time.

                          ____________________