HONORING BEATRIZ ANDREKOVICH AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

On 2026-10-09, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BEATRIZ ANDREKOVICH AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH" in the House.

HONORING BEATRIZ ANDREKOVICH AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1062] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BEATRIZ ANDREKOVICH AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Friday, October 9, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Beatriz Andrekovich was born in Mexico City, where she developed an early appreciation for languages, culture, sports, and the arts. She practiced tennis, swimming, canoeing, piano, and dance from youth throughout college, where she organized international students to showcase their countries through food, music, dances, and exhibits. Beatriz graduated with honors with degrees in finance, business administration, and arts and humanities and earned a master's degree in finance. She built a career in corporate banking with Citibank and Bank of Nova Scotia, working with international corporations and traveling, during which she developed a deeper appreciation for the museums, nature, and the diverse cultures she encountered. After moving to Florida with her husband and having four children, Beatriz shifted her focus toward art, culture, and community engagement. She volunteered with the school PTA and SAC in science, math, Junior Achievement, nature, reading, and art programs while participating in sports. Through foundations Casa de Mexico and CABETCAL, which she founded, she collaborates with organizations, museums, galleries, public libraries, and festivals to showcase international dances, music, exhibits, folkloric clothing, books, and cultural celebrations to highlight and connect the diverse communities that make up Central Florida. Beatriz volunteers in food pantries, with Seminole Beautiful to help preserve the Wekiva River, serves on the board of HAPBWA, supporting professional women and connecting them with resources to build successful businesses, writes for magazines, and highlights local places and interviews community members on radio and social media programs. Her contributions have been recognized through congratulatory letters from Seminole, Orange, and Osceola Counties and the Consulate of Mexico; awards from HAPBWA, El Josco with the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, and iLatina with the Central Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and recognitions from Honors Lifetime, Peace Organization, and an honorary doctorate degree from the World Leaders Organization and University. ____________________