[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 158 (Friday, September 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CRISTINA MERCADO ACEVEDO AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                  FLORIDA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Cristina Mercado Acevedo is an 
interdisciplinary-trained professional with a master's in healthcare 
administration and over 20 years of community service involvement. She 
serves as the chief for the Orlando VA Healthcare System's Center for 
Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office, where she is 
responsible for volunteer services, philanthropic engagement, and 
partnership solutions with community stakeholders. The service's motto, 
``What's Your Why?'' resonates heavily with her, and she uses it as a 
framework in building the program.
  Ms. Mercado Acevedo began her VA career at the Orlando VA in 2012 as 
a Pathways intern. In 2014, she became the program support assistant 
for the Public Affairs Office, handling internal and external 
communications. She managed the social media accounts and worked to 
increase awareness and develop connections with veterans and the 
community. Ms. Mercado Acevedo served on the outreach committee that 
planned the VA's annual ``Welcome Home'' events. These family-friendly 
events provided access to emergent resources, employment opportunities, 
and information on both VA and community programs. During this time, 
she earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and graduated from the VISN 8 
Stepping with PRIDE Leadership Development Program.
  Ms. Mercado Acevedo used these experiences to create one of the most 
robust CDCE programs in the Nation, not only offering veterans 
immediate assistance with emergent care items and transportation, but 
also sponsoring innovative projects aimed at improving veteran 
healthcare and experiences. Notable efforts include the partnership 
developed to combat food insecurity, which established the monthly 
Veterans Food Distribution event that serves around 300 veterans.
  Ms. Mercado Acevedo continues to work to motivate the community to 
assist the VA in its mission to serve America's heroes. Her ``why'' is 
not only to help those who may not otherwise receive the help they 
need, but also to inspire others to do the same.

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