Miami Man Decorates Room in White House for Christmas

"It's my honor to represent the American community, the Latin community," Antonio Cabrera

A Miami man is helping the president and first lady celebrate Christmas.

Antonio Cabrera decorated one of the rooms in the White House for the holiday, after getting handpicked by Michelle Obama herself.

The East Room is the biggest in the home – and Cabrera is tackling the job of getting it ready for Christmas.

"My dream was to be working in the White House and I prepared myself in a professional way for the last couple of years," he said.

Last year, Cabrera worked there as an assistant. This summer, he sent First Lady Michelle Obama a portfolio of his work and plans for the Pennsylvania Avenue home if he was selected. Not only was he chosen to decorate the biggest room in the White House, he is the first Latin American to do so.

"It's my honor to represent the American community, the Latin community," Cabrera said. "I was very proud, also, to represent the designers."

Obama Photo Most Retweeted Ever

For the East Room, Cabrera went with reds and golds – even taking some handmade decorations from Miami to the nation's capital.

Mrs. Obama approved in a meeting with him, Cabrera said.

"She mentioned my name. She said, you are Antonio from last year and I am very proud to see you working and see you all week," Cabrera explained. "It's so wonderful. Really wonderful."

Cabrera is already working on plans for next year in hopes he will be selected again.

More Local News

Contact Us