Soto Recognizes Seven Community Leaders for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

KISSIMMEE, FL - In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) recognized seven community leaders for their contributions to the Central Florida community. Congressman Soto read their biographies into the Congressional Record and they each received official Congressional Record certificates.

"In a year where we've seen an extremely concerning rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, it is crucial for us to rally around our Asian American and Pacific Islander community and recognize the ways in which they've made our Central Florida community better," said Congressman Darren Soto. "It is a tremendous honor for me to have the opportunity to uplift these honorees and recognize them on the federal level."

The honorees below were also recognized by Congressman Soto in a virtual ceremony that took place last night.

Adrian Lee, senior undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, click here.

Dr. Francisco Rueda Halili, M.D., F.A.C.S., general surgeon in Kissimmee, FL. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, clickhere.

Dr. Hefang Lin, founder and president of the Orange County Asian Committee. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, clickhere.

Newlyn Wing, association manager for Junior Chamber International (JCI) USA, a not-for-profit organization of young active citizens. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, clickhere.

Onchantho Am, vice president of quality and chief legal officer of IMPOWER, Inc. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, click here.

Sadiqullah Baburi, owner of Kennedy Chicken and Grill in Winter Garden, FL. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, click here.

Shally Wong, special assistant of Mayor Jerry L. Demings of the Orange County Government. For the full video of Rep. Soto's floor remarks, click here.