[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

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                            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.

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