Rep. Soto Honors 6 Central Florida Leaders for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 28, 2019

Kissimmee, FL – In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2019, U.S. Congressman Darren Soto will hold a ceremony recognizing six individuals in Central Florida for their accomplishments. The honorees' biographies were submitted into the Congressional Record and they will receive official Congressional Certificates.

"This month, we celebrate and highlight the accomplishments by Asian Americans that have strengthened our nation and our district," stated Rep. Soto. "From activists to attorneys, business leaders to journalists and to educators, the Asian-American community has contributed immensely to Central Florida. I've been proud to witness the impact many of these honorees' work has had in our community. We continue to be reminded that diversity is one of America's greatest strength. We thank all the honorees for their commitment to Florida!"

Approximately 4.2% of the population in Florida's Ninth Congressional District identify as Asian-Pacific American.

Racquel Asa	Anchor and reporter with WFTV Eyewitness News in Orlando, Florida. Racquel's parents both came from the Philippines. She has been a journalist for nearly 15 years in New York and Florida. During her time in Orlando, she covers all things transportation in Central Florida from I-4 to SunRail to the growing need to makes roads safer. Click here for full video.
Jan Gautam	Hands-on executive in the hotel industry, served on committees such as the Asian American Hotel Owners Association as a Regional Ambassador, Board of Directors with Visit Florida, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Rollins College International Advisory Board and numerous local chapters to support Tourism and Governmental interaction. Click here for full video.
Coco Johnston	Current President of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) in Central Florida and marketing executive for Metro Title Group. She is also a member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) where she is dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in the Asian American communities. Click here for full video.
Dr. Yalcin Akin	Founder and Executive Director of Orlando, Seminole and Osceola Science Charter Schools, a group of tuition-free, public charter schools that focus on science, technology, engineering and math education. Dr. Akin is an active member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. Click here for full video.
Nuren Durre Haider	Transactional law attorney, and serving second term as Vice Chairwoman of the Orange County Democratic Party. Advocate focused on community involvement in the electoral and political process. Click here for full video.
Akm Hossain	President of the largest Bangladeshi American social organization in Central Florida and awardee of Best Community Leader by the Central Florida Bangladeshi American Community 5 times in a row, and Great Community Leader for his social service and contributions toward the community by the North American Bangladeshi union. Click here for full video.