Brazil America Council News
From Our Desk
Happy New Year from all of us at the BAC!
We hope to all our followers, members and friends, that 2020 will be a year of even greater Success We would like to welcome MUBARAK LAW, SODIER DOCES, the ORLANDO BrazilUSA Magazine, as our New Members. We are very excited with the Partnership, and hope it will be long and prosperous, We always remember how important it is to dream, this year the BAC will complete three years of existence. As you know we thrive on showing our colors, our flag and our will to achieve great things. It is hard to prove your value, your worth, no matter how hard you try, but we are very happy with our journey. We start the year with a New Board of Directors President- Laiz A B Rodrigues Vice-President: Nelson Ramos Jr. Board Secretary: Vanise Moraes Treasurer: Thais Capecci Art Drector: Aretuza Garner Tourism Director: Renata Bianchi Board Advisor: Khalid Muneer For the Next two years we will be working for the Greatness of our organization and our members. We thank you for your support, and hope to continue deserving it. See you next time Laiz de A B Rodrigues
5668 International Drive Orlando FL 32819 Ph #(407)354-0260
Passage of the SECURE Act Brings Sweeping Changes to Retirement Benefits Planning By: Vanessa J. Skinner The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2019 and implements major changes concerning retirement accounts such as traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) and 403(b) accounts.
ciaries (generally, living human beings and certain qualifying trusts) on retirement accounts were eligible to “stretch” RMDs over their life expectancy (or in the case of a qualifying trust, over the oldest applicable trust beneficiary’s life expectancy), potentially receiving decades of income-tax free or tax-deferred compounding. For example, a child who inherited a parent’s IRA at age 40 could take out the benefits over 43.6 years based on the Treasury Regulation’s life expectancy tables.
The new standard under the SECURE Act is the “10-Year Rule.” Under the 10-Year Rule, the entire inherited retirement account must be distributed by the end of the tenth year following the death of the account owner. For someone who dies in 2020, the retirement account is required to be depleted by December 31, 2030. For the 40-year-old beneficiary referenced Previously, only Roth IRAs could be funded af- above, 33.6 years of possible tax deferral or ter age 70 ½. Individuals who work at least 500 “stretch” is lost due to the SECURE Act. hours per year for three years will be able to participate in qualified retirement plans. The There are four groups of designated beneficiaSECURE Act also expands penalty-free early ries to which the 10-Year Rule does not apply, distributions for account owners under age 59 and the same rules that applied to them before 1/2, for up to $5,000.00 within one year for the the SECURE birth or adoption of a child, and allows an early distribution to be recontributed to the same Act continue to apply to them. These benefiplan or IRA and treated as a rollover without ciaries are: (1) surviving spouse, (2) disabled or chronically ill (as defined in the tax code) perany time limit. sons, (3) individuals who are not more than 10 Additionally, the rules are generally expanded years younger than the account owner, and (4) to permit more qualified retirement plans to minor children of the account owner until they offer annuity payout options. The most signif- reach the age of majority. It is unclear what is icant change made by the SECURE Act for es- the age of majority for purposes of the SECURE tate planning purposes is the elimination of the Act. It may be as old asage 26 if the child is in “stretch” provisions for most non-spouse ben- a “specified course of study.” Future IRS guideficiaries of retirement accounts. Prior to the ance will be needed to provide clarity on this passage of the SECURE Act, designated benefi- point. The SECURE Act raises the age for beginning required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) to age 72 from age 70 ½ for individuals who turn 70 ½ after December 31, 2019. All IRAs (traditional or Roth) may now be funded at any age, provided the taxpayer is still working and earning income.
Once the minor attains the age of majority, the 10-year payout period will apply. Therefore, the maximum payout possible will be until the account owner’s child attains the age of 36.
Meet the WHWW Wills, Trusts and Estates Team
Individuals who have IRAs or other retirement accounts should contact their estate planning attorney to review their current estate plans and beneficiary designations, particularly where trusts are named as retirement account beneficiaries, to determine what modifications, if any, are needed given the passage of the SECURE Act, and to discuss alternative planning strategies tohelp lessen the tax impact when leaving their legacy.
Vanessa J. Skinner, a shareholder with the firm, practices in the areas of estate planning, special needs planning, elder law, and probate and trust administration and litigation. She is an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans’ benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs and a member of the Elder Law and Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections of The Florida Bar, and the Estate, Guardianship & Trust Committee of the Orange County Bar Association.
Pictured left to right – Jennifer A. Yasinsac; W. Graham White; Harold A. Ward, III; Vanessa J. Skinner; J.E. Cheek, III
407.423.4246 // whww.com
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The L-1A visa and the EB-1C visa Options for international businesses seeking to transfer their executive or managerial employees from foreign countries to the U.S
By Nayef Mubarak | Immigration Law Attorney
There is no doubt that immigration law has been at the center of political debates and breaking news stories since President Trump’s inauguration. The bulk of the discussion, rightfully so, has been on the controversial issues of the “the wall,” DACA, refugees, and thenumerous attempts to implement “Muslim bans.” What has not received much coverage are the changes we are seeing with employment based visas, investor visas, and business visas. For many attorneys not familiar with immigration law, there may not be much more to the practice of immigration law other than naturalization (citizenship), asylum, and permanent residency (“green cards”) through marriage. In fact, there are dozens of both non-immigrant and immigrant visas. Here we willdiscuss the L-1 Intracompany transferee visa, along with the EB-1C, an employment-based immigrant petition designed specifically for multinational executives and managers, and the recent changes the Trump Administration has implemented on these visas.
The L-1 visa overview
tionship with a foreign company (parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate, collectively referred to as qualifying organizations); and • Currently, or will be, doing business as an employer in the United States and in at least one other country directly or through a qualifying organization for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States as an L-1. • Generally, the Beneficiary must have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States. • The beneficiary must be seeking to enter the United States for an executive or managerial position, or a form of specialized knowledge. (1) For many immigration law practitioners, the two requirements most difficult to establish with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are that the position of thetransferee in the US will be executive or managerial; and the second, that a qualifying relationship exists under the affiliate definition. • Managerial and Executive capacity (L-1A) Managerial and Executive capacity are defined under 8 C.F.R. 214.2(l)(ii)(B) and 214.2(l)(ii)(C) respectively. In addition to definitions provided by the regulations, the Service should consider a) where the Beneficiary will be employed; b) the entity’s organizational hierarchy; c) the beneficiary’s position therein; d) the company’s ability to relieve the beneficiary from having to primarily perform the daily operational tasks of the business.
The L-1 Visa is for intracompany transfers of executives, managers, or individuals with specialized knowledge (L-1B) from a foreign entity to its parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary in the United States. For Example: If John Smith (Beneficiary) is the CEO of Koke Enterprises in Germany, and is now being transferred to run an existing office or to start the new US office of Koke LLC (Petitioner) in Orlando, he may be eligible for the L-1 visa as an executive being transferred for an executive position to an affiliate or subsidiary company in the U.S.To qualify for an L-1 Visa, the following general require- See Tsiva, Inc. et al v. Attorney General, Department of Justice et al, 3:12-cv00631 (M.D. Fla ments must be met: • The US company must have a qualifying rela- Nov. 24, 2014).
It is critical that an attorney review their client’s job descriptions and duties to be sure that the beneficiary’s duties meet the minimum requirements under the definitions. Important note, any subordinate managers or executives of the Beneficiary should also meet the definitions provided in the regulations. The duties and job description of subordinate employees are often reviewed by USCIS. USCIS will challenge whether the Beneficiary is an executive if his or her subordinates do not meet the definition of a manager.
holders. Another case, Sun Moon Star Advanced Power, Inc. vs. Chappell, (BIA 1981), the U.S entity was owned by five siblings, their two parents, and two spouses of the siblings. The foreign entity was only owned by the five siblings and their two parents. In the Sun Moon case, the relationship was deemed to be an affiliate, thus the same group of people, nor same portion is understood to be exact.
When seeking to establish a relationship under the affiliate definition it is important to have a common shareholder(s), and/or establish one It is notrequired to have a manager reporting entity has control of the other. to an executive, however, USCIS often argues that if the subordinate employees do not meet The ambiguities in the definition can create the definition of manager, then the Beneficia- real problems for a practitioner seeking an L-1 ry could never be an executive. It is important visa, however, it also creates opportunity. to anticipate, and to support your clients evi- First, an affiliate relationship allows for greater dence to ensure the definitions have been met flexibility for small start-up companies. to classify the Beneficiary as managerial or executive. A shareholder of a foreign entity can also be a Beneficiary of the L-1 visa. A shareholder with • The Affiliate Relationship majority interest in a foreign entity, could The affiliate definition can be difficult to estab- establish a US company on their own, and still lish, as it is not as black and white as the other qualify for the L-1 visa. The US affiliate need qualifying organizations such as: subsidiary, not be in the same industry as the foreign branch, or parent office. The regulations pro- office, this also allows for flexibility and opvide three different definitions under affiliate: tions for potential L-1 clients. The Beneficiary’s the one often questioned is the second skills, however, should be transferable. definition of affiliate which is defined as “…one of two legal entities owned and controlled by Another creative way to qualify a foreign entity for the same group of individuals, each individual an L-1 visa is to use shareholder rights of proxy. For example, if two minority shareholders of a forowning and controlling approximately the same share or proportion of each entity…” (2) eign entity could obtain majority control by combining their voting rights, the two parties can now open an office in the US and meet the Additional guidance is provided from case definition of qualifying organization for purposes law in Matter of Tessel, 17 IN Dec. 631 (BIA of the L-1 Visa.
1981). The Board of Immigration Appeals stated the determination on whether an affiliate relationship exits is determined on control of the two entities rather than actual share-
• Important Affiliate Relationship Update
al employment based visas has become. One question seemed more poignant than others, On December 29, 2017, the USCIS issued a Pol- “why can’t an American do your job?” icy Memorandum on Qualifying Relationships and Proxy Votes, PM-602-0155. This memo The L-1 visa is specifically for executives, manclarified that when proxy votes are a determin- agers, or persons of specialized knowledge to ing factor in establishing control, the petitioner be transferred from a foreign entity abroad to must now show the proxy votes are irrevocable its qualifying organization in the US for a temfrom the time of filing through the time USCIS porary period. It is required that L-1 recipients adjudicates the petition, along with evidence be employed abroad prior to seeking a transfer, the relationship will continue during the ap- it is not required to demonstrate the Petitioner proval period requested. Id. This is a brand- was unable to find a qualified candidate within new requirement for the affiliate relationship. the U.S. Many Orlando immigration attorneys This memo should bereviewed carefully prior have also noticed an increase in on-site inspecto filing an L-1 petition based on an affiliate tions. Now, more than ever, attorneys need to prepare their clients for thorough interviews relationship. which may include questions not relevant to their L-1 visa. Recent changes under the Trump
Administration for the L-1 visa
EB-1C: An employment-based immigrant On April 18, 2017, President Trump signed the petition for Multinational Executives and Buy American and Hire American Executive Managers Order (BAHA), which seeks to create higher wages and employment rates for U.S. workers and to protect their economic interests by rigorously enforcing and administering our immigration laws. It was clear that USCIS and the Executive Branch were committed to changing many of the employment and investor visas procedures and policies.
The EB-1C visa category is one of the three types of employment-based, firstpreference petitions for permanent residence reserved for aliens who are among the most capable and accomplished in their fields. The EB-1C is quite like the L-1 in the sense of necessary requirements, however, with an approval of the I-140 petition for an EB-1C visa the beneficiary • Behavioral Drift and Changes in the L-1 would be eligible for an immigrant visa. This would allow the beneficiary to obtain pervisa interviews at the US Embassy manent residency (“green card”), making it an extremely attractiveoption for foreign Although not specifically listed in the BAHA nationals. The EB-1C attracts many foreign naexecutive order, many immigration attorneys are reporting that their clients are experiencing tionals to invest andexpand in the US under the L-1 visa, and to eventually obtain residency in greater scrutiny at their L-1 visa interviews abroad at US embassies. The White House has the U.S. made it clear, its priority is to implement a culture of Buy American, Hire American. It is no surprise that a behavioral drift and a change in attitude towards foreign nation-
EB-1C Overview
and greater scrutiny now expected with their EB-1C petitions. It is also important attorneys To qualify, the Beneficiary must have been em- to consider the additional time each case will take under the new requirements, and adjust ployed outside the United States for at least 1 year within the last 3 years preceding the ap- their fees accordingly. plication (3) and must be seeking to enter the U.S to continue service to the qualifying U.S. en- Neither the L-1 visa nor the EB-1C were ever tity. Moreover, the Beneficiary’s employment easy to obtain, however, these visas open must have been outside the United States in a the door for many clients who often believed managerial or executive capacity and with the no options were available. Immigration same employer, affiliate, or a subsidiary of the attorneys must stay informed of the constant U.S. prospective employer. Please note, an L-1 changes in policy, which is now the norm with the Trump administration. visa is not a prerequisite for an EB-1C.
Recent changes under the Trump Adminis- Finally, it is critical the client is: informed of all the risks; provided with a realistic expectatration for the EB-1C tion; and properly prepared for all questionEmployment-based adjustment of status ap- ing, interviews and inspections associated plicants are now required to attend a personal with their respective visa. interview before their case will be completed. USCIS will interview applicants whose petitions were filed on or after March 6, 2017, as Written by Nayef A. Mubarak, Esq. well as any family members applying with the Attorney Nayef A. Mubarak, is the founder principal. If the petition was filed before March of Mubarak Law. The firm represents clients with business, immigration, and personal 6, 2017, an interview can be scheduled if injury matters. there is an issue in the case that may affect eligibility to adjust status, such as an arrest or conviction. This was USCIS’s previous interview policy for employment-based adjustmentapplicants. The interview requirement is part of the agency’s compliance with President Trump’s executive order on protection of the United States from terrorist activities, signed March 6, 2017. These Interviews are not new, but for employment-based adjustment applicant it hasbeen longstanding policy to waive most interviews. Attorneys should inform their clients of the new interview requirements, on-site inspections,
Brazil America Council Board of Directors 2020-2022
Laiz A Rodrigues-President
Nelson Ramos Jr-VP
Khalid Muneer-Board Advisor
Vanise Moraes-Board Secretary Thais Capecci - Treasurer Aretuza Garner-Art Board Advisor
Renata Bianchi-Tourism Director
Ademar Rodrigues Community Liaison
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Contact our Business Development representatives to learn more at: cpa.ftz136@portcanaveral.com or visit our website: www.portcanaveral.com
FusionFest 2019 For two days, Downtown Orlando gets to live many cultures, from flags to Dance, Art, Film, Food, Fashion, Poetry and Language, everything to help people experience the many faces of our community. Heritage is importante, Culture is the base for us to learn and understand each other and we can’t deny that FusionFest is the most complete cultural festival in Central Florida Here is why we support and make part of the FusionFest Committee
Representing Brazil in the Dance Group Contest The Group Aretuza Ballerina Project made a srtong presentation keeping the Brazilian roots in music and dance, With Music by Tom Ze-Xique-Xique. Dancers Aretuza Garner, Ariadne Garner, Matt Barry, Autumn Castillo, Brett DeBeaulieu and Cindy Heen
Para cada pais e cada bandeira, uma historia, uma memoria, um motivo de orgulho. Todos nos temos essa forte ideia de motherland de mostra-la ao mundo causa um profundo sentimento de dever cumprido. Cada um de nos, tem o trabalho de Embaixadores de nosso pais de origem, O Fusions Fest representa isso, a nossa voz celebrada em um festival magnifico,
7362 Futures Dr Ste 24, Orlando, FL 32819 Phone: (407) 452-9197 http://believecreditsolutions.com/
5668 International Dr, Orlando - FL -32819
The Jingle Mingle Celebration Images speak better than words, but allow us to express our gratitude and how much progress we had since our first Jingle Mingle. We are proud and thankful for the partnership with the Caribean American Diaspora, The Jewish Chamber, FABCO-French American Business Council, Chinese Chamber of Commerce,
Vanise Moraes Believe and Michael Brodsky-President at the Jewish Chamber
Russian American Chamber of Commerce, Jupiter Properties, WHWW Abdin Law MUBARAK LAW Our members and friends It was a great night, celebrating a year of work for the community
Scott Silzer-Immigration Attorney and friend
On the pictures, At the bottom, Jewish Chamber founders Joel Goldstein and Bree Goldstein with daughter and son. Terry Olson - FusionFest-Orange County with Ballerinas Ariadne Garner and Autumn Castillo. In the middle, Macy’s rep resentatives from the Tourism Dept. Florencia SapiKowski and Marta Frias. To the right, Organizations presidents of several organizations and organizers, Brigitte Dagot, Laiz Rodrigues, Khalid Muneer, Donna Morton, and Mea Allman.
Phone # (407) 354 0260 www.boibrazil.com
If you ever visited the Orange County Building, you probably noticed all the Art in the lawn. The Orange County Arts & Culture Affairs Office is responsible for all the amazing art that resides in the Building and lawn. The Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Office works with its Advisory Council to recommend how Orange County’s funds should be invested to elevate the status of arts and culture in Central Florida. Exhibitions: Free exhibitions of fine art are organized by Arts & Cultural Affairs for the Art in the Chambers and the Sculptures on the Lawn programs. Funding: Arts & Cultural Affairs contracts with United Arts of Central Florida to administer several funding programs. Public Art: The calls for Public Art Commissions are administered by Arts & Cultural Affairs as well as promoting awareness for our local public art projects.
FusionFest: Organizes the annual celebration of diversity and the year-round participation of the FusionFest Flag Crew in area events. Low-Poly Open Heart Mattew Duffy- Washigton DC
The Leaper Bronze by Ron Schifrin
Dumpster Diver Donald Gialanella St Pete-FL
Superstar Hanna Jubran Grimesland -NC
Se você já visitou o Edifício Orange Couny, podeprovavelmente notou toda a arte no gramado. O Departamento de Assuntos de Artes e Cultura de Orange County é responsável por toda a incrível arte que reside no edifício e no gramado. O Escritório de Assuntos Culturais e Artísticos de Orange County trabalha com seu Conselho Consultivo para recomendar como os fundos do Condado de Orange devem ser investidos para elevar o status das artes e da cultura no centro da Flórida. Exposições: Exposições gratuitas de belas artes são organizadas pela Arts & Cultural Affairs for the Art in the Chambers e pelas esculturas no jardim. Financiamento: O Arts & Cultural Affairs contrata a United Arts of Central Florida para administrar vários programas de financiamento. Arte Pública: As chamadas para Comissões de Arte Pública são administrado pela Arts & Cultural Affairs, bem como promover a conscientização para os projetos locais de arte pública. FusionFest: Organiza a celebração anual da diversidade e a participação durante todo o ano da equipe das bandeiras do FusionFest em eventos comunitarios
Multi-Colored Totem Dorothy Gillespie Narrowsburg-NY
Our last event of the year, The World of Taste and Travel was a great experience. The event showcase several Travel agencies, where Business to Business connections were one of the biggest highlights. The event was at The Hyatt Regency Orlando, for three days, with food, Tourism and Business Panels and a great number of Organizations like our Council and several Chambers of Commerce, Many countries were represented and we were very happy to be part of this amazing event. Along with the Council, RB World Travel, Brazilian Espresso, BoiBrazil Steakhouse, Gostoso Bakery and Bia W Meyer Brazilian Book Writer, Sabor de Saudades. Discover the world’s tourism, gastronomy and culture being held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Florida: www.worldoftaste.tv.
In this spread a few of the many countries who participated in the event. It was an amazing opportunity,, that will return to Orlando this year. On the photo BAC President and Hait Chamber of Commerce President
Meet District 6 New City Commissioner Bakari Burns Bakari Fuasi Burns foi criado no bairro de Richmond Heights e há muito tempo reside nas Isles of Catalina, no distrito 6 de Orlando. Bakari frequentou as escolas públicas de Orange County, Eccleston Elementary, Carver Jr. High, Memorial Middle e Jones High School, onde se formou com honras. Como beneficiário de uma bolsa de estudos da Walt Disney World para frequentar qualquer faculdade ou universidade pública do estado da Flórida, Bakari selecionou a Florida A&M University, e se formou na Florida A&M University, com bacharelado em Ciência com Gestão de Cuidados de Saúde e um Mestrado em Saúde Pública (MPH) focado em Políticas e Gestão de Saúde. Comprometido a desenvolver sua perspicácia nos negócios, Bakari posteriormente participou da Crummer Graduate School of Business, onde recebeu a Bolsa Martin Bell, que lhe deu a oportunidade de obter seu Mestrado em Administração de Empresas.
Orlando que vivem nos códigos postais 32805, 32811, 32839, 32801, 32818 e 32808. Durante seus mais de 15 anos de serviço como Presidente e CEO, Bakari liderou o crescimento da Orange Blossom Family Health de uma organização com 29 funcionários e orçamento anual de US $ 1,5 milhão, atendendo a pouco mais de 3.000 pacientes por ano. Hoje a organização atende mais de 20.000 pacientes anualmente, com 140 funcionários e aproximadamente orçamento de US $ 14,5 milhões. Um indicador significativo do impacto positivo da Orange Blossom Family Health na comunidade, para Bakari e sua equipe, que nos últimos 15 anos advogaram com sucesso e alavancaram mais de US $ 40 milhões em financiamento federal, US $ 12 milhões em financiamento estadual, US $ 10 milhões em Orange County e US $ 3 milhões em financiamento da cidade de Orlando.
Bakari iniciou sua carreira no setor de saúde em Tallahassee, onde atuou em vários cargos de nível gerencial e executivo na Bond Community Health Center. Em outubro de 2003, Bakari foi abençoado com a oportunidade de aceitar o cargo de Presidente e CEO do Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc., e realizar seu sonho de retornar a Orlando e retribuir à cidade natal que tanto o presenteou .
Durante esse período, Bakari liderou o crescimento das operações da Orange Blossom Family Health para incluir seis unidades de saúde, com a sétima inauguração em maio de 2019, na esquina da Ivey Lane com a Old Winter Garden Road, na comunidade de Ivey Lane. Bakari é o orgulhoso filho de Barbara Page Burns e William F. Burns, Jr., e o orgulhoso pai de Addison e Adira. Bakari frequenta com sua família Igreja Batista Pleasant Missionary , onde também atua como Membro do Conselho de Curadores. Bakari também é membro do Chapter Chi Tau da Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc
O Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc., opera como “Orange Blossom Family Health”, fornecendo serviços médicos, odontológicos, de saúde mental, abuso de substâncias e farmácia a pessoas seguradas, sem seguro, com seguro ou que possam estar passando por falta de moradia e, principalmente, os residentes da cidade de
.“Fui verdadeiramente abençoado ao longo da minha vida por ter uma família e comunidade carinhosas que nutriram meu crescimento. Por isso, me comprometi a investir minhas habilidades e talentos para melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar da minha comunidade e de todos os residentes que chamam Orlando de lar. ”
Bakari Fuasi Burns was raised in the Richmond Heights neighborhood and has long resided in the Isles of Catalina in Orlando’s District 6. Bakari attended Orange County public schools, Eccleston Elementary, Carver Jr. High, Memorial Middle, and Jones High School where he graduated with honors. As a recipient of a Walt Disney World Scholarship to attend any public college or university in the State of Florida, Bakari selected Florida A&M University. Bakari graduated from the Florida A&M University, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and a Master of Public Health (MPH) focused on Health Policy and Management. Committed to developing his business acumen, Bakari subsequently attended the Crummer Graduate School of Business, where he received the Martin Bell Scholarship that afforded him the opportunity to earn his Master of Business Administration.
During his more than 15 years of service as President and CEO, Bakari has led the growth of Orange Blossom Family Health from an organization with, 29 employees, and $1.5 million annual budget, serving just over 3,000 patients per year, to today where the organization serves over 20,000 patients annually, with 140 employees and an approx. $14.5 million budget. A significant indicator of the positive impact of Orange Blossom Family Health’s in the community, Bakari and his team, have over the last 15 years successfully advocated for and leveraged more than $40 million in federal funding, $12 million in state funding, $10 million in Orange County funding, and $3 million in City of Orlando funding. During this time, Bakari has led the charge of growing Orange Blossom Family Health’s operations to include six health care facilities, with the seventh facility opening in May 2019, on the corner of Ivey Lane and Old Winter Garden Road, in the Ivey Lane Community.
Bakari began his career in health care in Tallahassee where he served in various Bakari is the proud son of Barbara Page management and executive level posi- Burns and William F. Burns, Jr., and the tions at Bond Community Health Center. proud father of Addison and Adira. Bakari worships with his family at Mt. PleasIn October 2003, Bakari was blessed with ant Missionary Baptist Church, where he the opportunity to accept the position of also serves as a Member of the Board of President and CEO of the Health Care Center Trustees. for the Homeless, Inc., and fulfill his dream of returning to Orlando and giving back to Bakari is also a member of the Chi Tau the hometown that had given him so much. Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, The Health Care Center for the Homeless, Inc. Inc., does business as “Orange Blossom Family Health,” providing medical, den- “I have truly been blessed throughout tal, mental health, substance abuse and my life to have had a caring family and pharmacy services to people who are in- community that has nurtured my growth. sured, uninsured, under insured or who Because of that I have committed mymay be experiencing homelessness, and self to investing my skills and talents into particularly the residents of the City improving the health and wellbeing of my of Orlando living in zip codes 32805, community and all of the residents who 32811, 32839, 32801, 32818 and 32808. call Orlando home.”
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