Maria Regueiro
Maria Cristina Andreu (Regueiro) was born in Havana, Cuba. She came to this country as millions of others Cubans did looking for freedom and a new home. The Andreu family started their new life in New York in 1966. She attended City College of the City University of New York and became an electrical engineer while working a full time job at General Electric to help support the family. In New York she met her husband, her soul mate and best friend, Dr. Jose O. Regueiro. The family moved to Palm Springs North, Florida in 1973.
Maria Cristina worked for the Bell South Telephone Company until 1988. During that time she attended the University of Miami to pursue graduate studies in Middle Management. She was recognized as a meritorious graduate and was given a Certificate of Recognition by The College Registrar which recognizes higher education students for their activities and achievements.
Maria Cristina joined her husband’s dream of providing educational opportunities to the Hispanic population of South Florida which led them to open the first Florida National University in Miami-Dade County. Florida National University serves over 3000 students through three locations in Miami-Dade County, and online with distance learning, and has over 20,000 successful graduates.
Together, Maria Cristina and Jose Regueiro became an inseparable team until his death in April of 2009. She continues to fulfill their dream that started with a great deal of sacrifice and hard work. The State of Florida has recognized Maria Christina’s contributions to education for being instrumental in helping minority students achieve their educational goals. As President of Florida National University, Maria Cristina Regueiro strives to maintain the highest quality of education possible.
She has received numerous accolades and recognitions such as, Certificate of Appreciation by the Coalition of Hispanic American Women, the “Women of the Year” award from the Hialeah/Miami Springs Business and Professional Women’s Organization, Certificate of Recognition for Community Services from the Florida Association of Accredited Private Schools. Maria Cristina was honored by Strathmore’s Who’s Who in 2003-2004 for leadership and achievements. She was also awarded by Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and College (FAPSC), as the Administrator of the year of 2011-2012, and many more.
Maria Cristina is a vital presence in the community and has become an influential figure in education. She presently serves on the Mayor’s Educational Advisory Board (MEAB) for the City of Hialeah, and is a member of the Board of South Florida Workforce. Maria Cristina was a commissioner for the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education, and a member of the State of Florida Community Hospital Education Council amongst others in order to help the community and promote education.
Maria Cristina is a selfless, courageous and determined family woman whose mission in life has been to educate and help the community that she serves. Through Florida National University she is fulfilling her dreams and perpetuating her late husband’s mission.