About Me
I am proud to represent Florida’s 18th Congressional District, a diverse area which includes Miami, Little Havana, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Miami Beach, Westchester and the Florida Keys.
I was born in Havana, Cuba on July 1952. At the age of eight, my family and I were forced to flee from the oppressive communist regime of Fidel Castro. We settled in Miami and put down permanent roots in our community. I attended Southside Elementary School in Little Havana, West Miami Junior High, and Southwest High School. In the years following, I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Miami-Dade Community College in 1972, Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education from Florida International University in 1975 and 1985 respectively, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Miami in 2004. I consider education a lifelong journey.
For more information about me, my work in Congress, or to obtain a copy of my biography or official photo, please contact my Washington, DC office.
Thank you.
Awards
Awards and Recognition
Biography
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Committees and Caucuses
A list of Committees and Caucuses on which I currently serve.
Legislative Process
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Our Congressional District
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Responses from the Community
What the constituents wrote in to say.
Staff Members
Staff list in DC and District Offices
