Sigma Phi Epsilon - Florida International University

the Florida nus page 2 Having been on the council for less than a year, Luis is learning to navigate the transition from campaigning to governing. "The decisions you make impact your neighbors," he said. "Unlike higher offices, local government is closest to your constituents; therefore, your decisions have a profound impact on the quality of life of your neighbors." Rene Garcia '99, Florida State Senator for District 36 (Northwest Miami- Dade) Rene's interest in running for public office began in high school when he held numerous leadership roles. The inspiration continued in college as he became involved with SigEp and interned for a congressman. "The fraternity helped with understanding to be empathetic to one another and to your brothers," Rene said. "It taught me that you always have to give back. It just can't be about oneself." In his position, Rene focuses on the health and wellbeing of children in Florida by overseeing child welfare and family issues. He says his biggest takeaway isn't necessarily the big ticket items—it's paying attention to detail and the smaller problems that people may have. "For me, one of the most important things is to take care of the constituents and treat that individual with respect," he said. "Even though you may have seen this problem multiple times, you have to treat it as if it is the biggest problem in their life right now, because it is." Cedric McMinn '01, Chief of Staff to Miami-Dade School Board Member Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall A path to civic engagement was set for Cedric when he had his first taste of leadership in middle school. Today, he brings that same youthful energy and natural talent when educating young people on the democratic process. "Because of my experience and knowledge of state and local government, I am able to foster positive opportunities to support underserved youth and families," Cedric said. "In addition, I am able to serve as a role model to young people that are going through difficult challenges." SigEp served as an incubator for developing these passions, as well as building leadership, communication, and organizational skills —an opportunity of which he is still grateful. "We are all so blessed to have attended a great university and join an amazing fraternity," Cedric said. "But there are other kids or families that are not as fortunate. Giving back to my community creates a sense of purpose and makes a difference in someone's life." SigEpS SErvE ThEir CommuniTiES WhilE promoTing ThE BalanCEd man lifESTylE (Continued from page 1) Javier Alfonso Miami, Fla. Ivan Alpizar Homestead, Fla. Alvaro Alvarez Miami, Fla. Julio Arronte Miami, Fla. Matthew Beck Sarasota, Fla. Nicholas Bermudez Miami, Fla. Max Brito Miami, Fla. Nicholas Bui Miami, Fla. Julio Burgos Miami, Fla. Andre Carillo Miami, Fla. Russell Duncan Tampa, Fla. Adrian Duran Miami, Fla. Carter Ebbert Miami, Fla. Jossan Elias Miami, Fla. Alejandro Gonzalez Miami, Fla. Gabriel Gonzalez Miami, Fla. Richard Humble Miami Beach, Fla. James Jones Miami, Fla. Michael Mata Miami, Fla. Emmanuel Martinez New York City, N.Y. Matthew Moskowitz Tampa, Fla. Luis Socarras Miami, Fla. Fabian Paternoster Miami, Fla. Michael Ramesh Teaneck, N.J. Jose Zabala Miami, Fla. Our Newest Florida Nus! Welcome, Fall 2017 Recruitment Class Chapter President Matthew Sabates '19 Miami, Fla. Vice President of Communications Alex Mitchell '19 Miami, Fla. Vice President of Member Development William Prego '20 Hialeah, Fla. Vice President of Finance Carlo Trabanco '20 Miami, Fla. Vice President of Recruitment Richard Rivas '20 Miami, Fla. Chaplain Mark Saavedra '19 Miami, Fla. Vice President of Programming Edu Pelaez '19 Palmetto Bay, Fla. Florida Nus Leading the Way 2017 Chapter Officers

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