[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 57 (Friday, March 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LETITIA HANKE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 26, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Letitia Hanke, whom I have named the 2021 Woman of the Year in Sonoma 
County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made 
important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in 
Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and 
Innovation or Community Service.
  Ms. Hanke was born in San Pablo and moved to Lake County at the age 
of five. As a new student entering a homogeneous community, she was 
often bullied. Though these experiences hurt her, she learned to 
channel her emotions into creative pursuits. At the urging of her 
elementary school music teacher, she picked up the trumpet. By the age 
of nine, she was playing with the high school band, and more important 
had found a community of friends who stuck up for her. Carrying this 
passion through her middle and high school education, she decided to 
attend Sonoma State University in 1993 to pursue a degree in Music 
Performing and Recording Arts.
  Working full-time at a roofing company to pay for school, she quickly 
rose through the ranks. Despite having no background in the 
construction industry, the owner of the business offered his mentorship 
and the chance to purchase the business from him. Stepping away from 
her final year of school, she pulled the cash together and became CEO 
of ARS Roofing, Gutters, and Solar.
  As one of the few women, and even fewer Black women working in the 
roofing industry, she found herself once again subject to adversity as 
a newcomer. Reminded of the power of the community that advocated on 
her behalf, she founded the LIME Foundation to help underrepresented 
youth accomplish their dreams. Made up of the Nextgen Trades Academy, 
the Senior Activities Program, and the Turner Arts Initiative, LIME has 
trained and placed over 100 youth in construction trades, increased 
quality of life for seniors through nutrition and exercise classes, and 
provided youth the opportunity to pursue their creative passions 
through summer camps and after school arts programs.
  Our community is immeasurably better for all of Ms. Hanke's 
contributions and it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her 
here today as Sonoma County's 2021 Woman of the Year.

                          ____________________