DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld 10100 International Drive Orlando, FL 32821
FRIDAY, MAY 17
Puerto Rican summit 2023
Kissimmee, FL - On June 16, 2023, Puerto Rican Summit, held at the Doubletree Hilton Orlando, Congressman Darren Soto (9-FL) was recognized by the Summit's Executive Committee led by Luis DeRosa, Executive Director (South Florida), Miriam Martinez, Coordinator (San Juan, PR), and Jackie Centeno (Central Florida) for his work in Washington representing the 9th District of Florida with services crucial to his constituents, supporting bills of importance to his community, and working with the administration and local leaders to address issues of concern. Congressman Soto is known for his commitment to Puerto Rico, and to all the diverse communities that make Central Florida attractive and welcoming to all.
Kissimmee, FL - Puerto Rican Summit Committee recognized Manuel Otega, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) for Osceola County. In his capacity as Chair, Mr. Ortega support energy policies that serve the residents and business community of the county. Equally important is supporting safety and emergency services during Florida hurricane seasons. Being prepare is key.
Puerto Rican Summit is dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. Our mission is to provide resources and support to underserved communities and individuals.
This year, 2023, we will be celebrating the 12th annual Puerto Rican Summit. Begun in 2010, the goal of the Summit is to “create a vision for a greater Puerto Rican community on the USA Mainland through economic, social and civic participation”, and to strengthen the ties between our community and the Island of Puerto Rico. The Summit will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld on June 14 -16, 2023. Since its inception, the Summit has enjoyed the support of community leaders, business people, elected officials and our sponsors whose generosity has enabled us to reach this anniversary.
On Wednesday June 14th, we will be showcasing the Women’s Forum: Women’s Empowerment: Knowledge is Power. Among the guest presenters and speakers will be: Sara Logsdon, Procurement Analyst at SBA; Evelyn Reyes from Enterprise Florida; City of Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz; and Guest speaker Lourdes Aponte, President, United Retailers Association of Puerto Rico. Also attending will be Hon. Olga Gonzalez, Mayor, City of Kissimmee, Maritza Avila Vazquez, Commissioner, City of Deltona and Maribel Gonzalez Cordero, Vice Mayor, Orange County.
Friday June 16th – the high point of the Summit – will be a day of workshops and networking opportunities. The Summit opens at 8:00 am. The first workshop – entitled Entrepreneurship: Economic & Community Development will be moderated by Ed Ramos, Senior Area Manager, SBA. He will be joined by David Rodriguez, Osceola County Department of Economic Development, Laudi Campo, FL State Director, Hispanic Federation, and Sheena Ferguson, Economic Development Manager, Orange County.
Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the second panel “Government Relief Efforts and Contracting Opportunities” will be moderated by William A. Ramos, senior advisor to Assistant Secretary, EDA, US Department of Commerce. He will be joined by Darlene Bullock, Executive Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, DHS; Jonel F, Hein, District Director, SBA North Florida; and Alberto Pillot, FEMA.
From 11:15 to 11:45, we will greet and meet with Hon. Rick Scott, US Senator, State of Florida.
Our Leadership Business Luncheon will take place from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. We will be addressed by Mr. Jose Alvarez, Regional Administrator, Region IV, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Luncheon Closing Remarks will be presented by Congressman Darren Soto, Florida District #9.
Following our Luncheon, we will present a special workshop entitled Puerto Rico/Florida: Two Markets That Work for You. This workshop will be moderated by Hon. Eddie Charbonnier, Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Also participating will be Hon. Nitza Moran, Senator for San Juan, Puerto Rico, Lourdes Aponte, President, United Retailers Association of Puerto Rico, Horacio Maysonet, Cyber Security; and Maximiliano J. Trujillo, USDA Rural Development, Puerto Rico Director.
The Summit will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld, 10100 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32821.
The Puerto Rican Summit wishes to thank the following who have generously sponsored this event: Borinquen Medical Centers; Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Borinquen Title Loans; Enterprise Florida; Travel + Leisure; WalMart; Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA); Osceola County; Enterprise Florida; La Prensa de Orlando; Rums of Puerto Rico; Osceola Star; AARP; Cyber Security; Pan American Behavioral Health Services of Florida; Hispanic Federation; Goya Foods of Florida and DoubleTree by Hilton.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
MAY 15-17, 2024 AT THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON AT SEAWORLD
