[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 106 (Friday, June 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MARIA LAWRENCE AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                      FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Maria Lawrence is a visionary leader, 
community advocate, and accomplished financial executive based in 
Florida's Ninth Congressional District. As co-founder and chief 
financial officer of Serving Children and Reaching Families, LLC 
(SCARF), she has been instrumental in expanding access to mental health 
and family support services throughout Central Florida. Based in 
Kissimmee, SCARF is a CARF-accredited organization dedicated to helping 
at-risk youth and families thrive.
  With over 15 years of experience in financial leadership, Maria has 
built a reputation for driving operational excellence, securing 
government contracts, strengthening internal controls, and improving 
revenue cycle processes. Her work has helped SCARF achieve full 
compliance in numerous federal and state audits, positioning the 
organization for long-term sustainability and growth. Maria's 
professional background includes serving as an information technology 
supervisor at Devereux Florida and managing a major capital project for 
Jacobs Engineering. Earlier in her career, she worked in financial 
compliance on Wall Street, where she was selected by the NASD to assist 
with regulatory audits following a firm closure.
  Outside of her professional life, Maria is deeply committed to 
community service. She has volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank 
and the American Heart Association and participated in international 
mission work, including supporting church development efforts in 
Venezuela. Maria holds both a Master of Business Administration and a 
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern 
University. She also maintains certifications in Microsoft Engineering 
and Lean Six Sigma. Through her financial expertise, servant 
leadership, and heart for service, Maria continues to shape stronger 
communities and create meaningful change for families across Florida's 
Ninth Congressional District.

                          ____________________