[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E620-E621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SANDRA FATMI-HALL AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                      FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Sandra Fatmi-Hall is the founder and executive 
director of the United Foundation of Central Florida. Inc. (UFCF). In 
2014, she turned her lifelong dream of starting a non-profit 
organization into a reality, aiming to positively transform families 
and individuals through early intervention and educational resources.
  Sandra's comprehensive approach focuses on addressing the needs of 
families, education, and mentoring in our community. Collaborating with 
neighborhood organizations, school administrations, and students, she 
has made significant strides in transforming schools and increasing 
graduation rates.
  Driven by her commitment to higher education, Sandra established an 
educational scholarship program that has awarded over $l82,500 in 
scholarships. Through Future Leaders United (FLU), she has guided 180 
students to graduation, with 168 now attending college, 10 serving in 
the military, and 2 participating in workforce development programs. 
Beyond FLU, Sandra has mentored over 500 students preparing them for 
life after high school. The FLU Program focuses on 7 key pillars: 
college readiness, career preparedness, health and wellness, leadership 
development, S.T.E.A.M. education, life after high school, and 
financial literacy. It stands as the most extensive and well-rounded 
after-school program at Maynard Evans High School.

[[Page E621]]

  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandra recognized the urgent 
need in communities and revitalized her food distribution program. 
Through this initiative, she has distributed over 3.7 million meals in 
the Central Florida region. Sandra's efforts, alongside the efforts of 
her board of directors, have contributed over 49,080 volunteer hours 
and programmatic services, resulting in an economic impact of over 
$4,907,965 within the communities UFCF serves.
  Sandra's unwavering dedication has earned her over 50 awards for 
community service and philanthropic work. She currently serves as the 
immediate past president of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce 
of Florida and as the president of the Pine Hills Community Council, 
representing the interests of over 86,000 residents in the Pine Hills 
community. Sandra holds a bachelor's degree in business administration 
and is happily married to her best friend, Dennis Hall.

                          ____________________