[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 48 (Thursday, March 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING YULONDA BELL FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2022

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Yulonda Bell serves as Associate Dean for 
Student Services at Polk State College, where she listens to, learns 
from, and encourages people from all walks of life to achieve their 
dreams. Bell is a strong leader who does not seek the spotlight and 
prefers to work in the background providing guidance and support that 
fosters student success.
  Born and raised in Bartow, Bell was a teen parent who overcame 
obstacles to achieve her diploma and provide for her family. Her 
perseverance resulted in her achievement of an associate degree from 
Polk Community College, a bachelor's degree from Warner University, and 
a master's degree from Webster University--all while raising two sons.
  She first served Polk County Public Schools, followed by positions 
with the Florida Department of Children and Families, and finally Polk 
State College. She was the first in her family to achieve a college 
diploma, providing her with an understanding of the challenges that 
students of color and first-generation-in-college students face as they 
navigate higher education.
  She is a leader on campus. serving as an advisor to the Black Student 
Union, a founder of S.I.S.T.E.R.S. (Strong, Independent Sisters, That 
Encourage, Respect, and Survive), and a mentor for Polk State 
Basketball and STEM Club students.
  She also invests time as a member of the organizing committee for the 
City of Winter Haven Juneteenth Celebration, serving on the City of 
Winter Haven's Martin Luther King Committee, volunteering at the 
Neighborhood Service Center, and participating in Lift Lakeland to 
improve race relations and expand economic, education, and civic 
involvement.
  Bell lives Maya Angelou's quote, ``People will forget what you said, 
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you 
made them feel,'' as she plays an important role in supporting students 
and celebrating their achievements.

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