HONORING BELINDA ORTIZ KIRKEGARD AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

On 2026-06-29, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BELINDA ORTIZ KIRKEGARD AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH" in the House.

HONORING BELINDA ORTIZ KIRKEGARD AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E632] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BELINDA ORTIZ KIRKEGARD AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month. Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard is president of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC), an internationally recognized entrepreneurial support organization serving Central Florida's small business community. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional. Ms. Kirkegard has dedicated more than three decades to advancing economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement throughout Florida. Prior to joining the NEC in 2023, she served as economic development director for the City of Kissimmee, where she established and led the city's economic development program. During her tenure, she helped attract more than $50 million in private investment, developed strategic initiatives focused on healthcare and aerospace industry growth, and contributed to projects that expanded the city's tax base and strengthened regional economic competitiveness. Earlier in her career, Ms. Kirkegard served in leadership roles with Orange County government, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, and statewide public affairs initiatives. She is recognized for building collaborative partnerships among business, government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to achieve measurable economic and community outcomes. Ms. Kirkegard currently serves on the Valencia College District Board of Trustees and the AdventHealth Central Florida Division Board. She previously served on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board, including as treasurer, and has held leadership positions with numerous business, economic development, healthcare, and civic organizations throughout Central Florida. Her professional achievements have earned numerous recognitions, including Orlando Magazine's 2026 Woman of the Year, the Orlando Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, Florida Trend's ``People to Know'' designation, and the Orlando Magic and Florida Blue Small Business Champion Award. Through her leadership, Ms. Kirkegard has helped expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen regional economic development efforts, and advance community prosperity across Florida. ____________________