Mario Cartaya
Mario Cartaya is the founder of Cartaya and Associates Architects, a Fort Lauderdale-based firm recognized for its award-winning designs. His architectural contributions have been acknowledged in the U.S. Congressional Record, and in 2022, he was honored with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol for his service. Beyond his professional achievements, Cartaya has dedicated time to public service, including chairing U.S. Senator Bob Graham's Air Force and Naval Academies Selection Committees for 15 years and serving on the Broward College District Board of Trustees. He has also been involved with organizations such as the American Heart Association and the United Way Tocqueville Society. Now retired from architecture, Cartaya focuses on writing, aiming to inspire readers with his humanist perspectives. He is the author of the 2022 memoir, "Journey Back Into The Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints."