Political Quotes

“In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I recognize Iluminada Aponte. Iluminada Aponte was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and has called the United States home for over six decades. Iluminada is a self-taught folk artist whose career has taken her first to Puerto Rico and then Florida. Iluminada's career first started with folk dance--Baile Folklorico. She performs both Puerto Rican and Dominican folk dance. From Puerto Rican bomba to Dominican bachata, Iluminada has not only been a performer, but also a dance teacher. Her passion for teaching folk dance inspires people of all ages, and she has made it her responsibility to advocate for and help educate various Hispanic groups through dance and cultural exhibitions. Iluminada's career has been one of strengthening communities through cultural celebrations. She considers herself a cultural ambassador, not only for her native Dominican Republic, but also for the entire Hispanic community. Her early experience as a missionary across Latin America has inspired her to connect people to each other by celebrating cultural diversity. Iluminada's commitment to promoting culture and the arts is not only seen in the diversity of her works but also in her leadership within the community. Iluminada is the founder of Alianza Dominicana of Central Florida, where she organizes and directs various cultural exhibitions highlighting Dominican and Hispanic culture to various groups within Central Florida.…”