HONORING TAMIKA HOLLEY AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

HONORING TAMIKA HOLLEY AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E142] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING TAMIKA HOLLEY AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Friday, February 21, 2025 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Tamika Holley was born on September 12, 1975, in Orlando, Florida, to Charlotte Gray and Bishop Gary Gray, both from Osceola County. She graduated from Osceola High School. She is the mother of three children, the grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters, and the extraordinary wife of 25 years to Bishop A.L. Holley. For the last 20 years, Tamika has worked in the Marydia community, where she grew up. She has a passion for changing the lives of our youth and exemplifies outstanding qualities when working with at-risk youth. She has strong communication skills and can effectively interact with at-risk juveniles and their families. Her patience and empathy for youth help her understand the complex issues faced by the youth today. She supersedes crisis management skills with her ability to respond to and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations quickly. Tamika has an associate degree in science in early childhood education, and she teaches a wide variety of activities designed to promote children's cognitive and social development before entering kindergarten. Some programs primarily focus on school and academic readiness, while her passion and love embrace the ``whole child,'' which makes her approach to working with early childhood children so creative. Tamika is also an active member of Kid Vision Network and the Florida League of Christian Schools. She also has experience working with children with special needs and teaching preschool and after-school. She's had the privilege of administrating a large childcare center for five years. She loves having the opportunity to guide and teach little minds. There is no better feeling than knowing you have helped to brighten a child's day and seeing their faces and expressions while they experience and learn new things. Tamika worked at the Osceola County Children's Home for five years. She is currently working with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Marydia Branch, and is the caretaker of the Marydia Community Center, where she creatively hosts monthly activities for the community and the surrounding areas. Some of the events she hosts annually include the Community Friendship Dance, an Easter Celebration, a community picnic for Water Day, Back-to-School events, a Fall Festival, and a Thanksgiving community dinner and turkey giveaway. Other programs include the Senior Coffee House and Marydia Community Garden. Tamika witnessed the incredible acts of kindness, resilience, and collaboration that make our neighborhoods unique. She has made a tangible difference in the lives of so many residents. Tamika has been the New Harvest Kingdom Covenant Church pastor for the past seven years following her father's demise. ____________________