41- MICHAEL C. GONGORA — Latino politician and attorney
Though Michael Gongora was born in Miami just moments from the blue Atlantic and white sands of a world-class beach, his heart and mind has always been in the exploration of law and the service of the people. It comes naturally to him for his Cuban grandfather was a commissioner in his native land, and that passion for public service was first evidence in Michael’s election as the first Hispanic commissioner to be elected to office. Add to the mix that Gongora is gay in a largely Catholic area where homosexuality is viewed as a sin, and his rise to political power becomes all that much more extraordinary. He received his law degree Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law, and practices at the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff in Coral Gables.
