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The Hispanic Vote > Blog > Broward Chapter

Michael Garcia was born in Salinas, Puerto Rico, and came to the mainland as a young child. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Broward County in 2003.

Michael has a successful Construction, Commercial litigation and Government Affairs Practice located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to establishing his own firm, Michael honed his litigation and advocacy skills at two prominent law firms here in South Florida, Arnstein & Lehr, LLP., and Vernis & Bowling, PA. While at Arnstein & Lehr, LLP, Michael served as the Assistant City Attorney for the Town of Southwest Ranches and City of Lauderdale Lakes. Michael has also work as Staff Counsel for Geico and has also been a Professor at Broward College Teaching Construction Law.

In addition to the work as the Chairperson of The Hispanic Vote, Michael volunteers his time with the American Lung Association (Turquoise Takeover) as an Ambassador regarding the Lung Force awareness campaign, and with the Cooper City Optimist, as a Coach. Michael has served on several Boards and Committees such as Broward County School Board Supplier Diversity Committee and the City of Plantation Education Board. 

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Jorge Rodríguez began his H.V.A.C. water treatment career in 1991, as service technician helper of one of New York’s largest H.V.A.C. water treatment company. After acquiring valuable experience from his first job opportunity, he became a well-known service tech/field mechanic, who worked for top H.V.A.C. water treatment companies in New York City at the time.

By 1996, Jorge had acquired valuable experience servicing all types of H.V.A.C. equipment, cooling tower refurbishment and duct cleaning services. In 1998, he also earned his A.A. Degree in Business Administration from City College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His work experience and academic preparation provided him an opportunity to open the market for a top New York water treatment company in the State of Florida; where he was a successful member of the service tech/field mechanic and management team for the next 6 years.

In 2002, after many years of hard work and preparation, Jorge and a close friend/colleague, decided to open their own H.V.A.C. water treatment company. Today he is the proud, sole proprietor of Pro Water Treatment, Inc., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Now a days, Jorge continues to travel throughout the State of Florida, offering his prestigious H.V.A.C. water treatment, cooling tower refurbishing and duct cleaning services to mechanicals contractors, water treatment consultants, engineers firms, condominium/commercial buildings and/or others properties as requested.

Jorge resides with his family, wife Lesly and son Kevin, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is also a board member of The PR Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & The Hispanic Vote of Broward County.

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Lorena Mastrarrigo was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to Florida as a child. She attended and graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1996 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. Lorena continued her education at the University of Miami, School of Law. In 1999, Lorena received her Juris Doctorate.  Lorena has worked in the public sector for most of her career.

For many years, Lorena has defended the criminally charged clients whose primary language was Spanish.  For the last year and a half, Lorena has been training new hires and felony attorneys at the Office of the Public Defender.  On September 1st, Lorena was promoted to Chief Assistant Public Defender in charge of training and recruiting.

Lorena is a past President of the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association. A past panel member to the 17th Judicial Circuit Professional Panel appointed by the Chief Judge.  Lorena currently serves on the Executive Board for The Hispanic Vote as its Secretary.

Lorena is the recipient of the 2017 Hispanic Women of Distinction Award.

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Oniel E. Toledo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and moved to South Florida in 2002.  Prior to moving to South Florida, Oniel received his Mechanical Engineering Degree and Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.

Since 1994, Oniel has worked in the Construction Industry, working both in the Public and Private sector.  Oniel holds a General Contractor License and Roofing Contractor license here in the State of Florida.

Oniel has also served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve while living in Puerto Rico. After moving to South Florida, Oniel then served 3 years with the United States Navy Seabees, completing a tour in Iraq in 2004.

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