[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ARLENE BLAKE, PMP, AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                    FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 17, 2026

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Arlene Blake, PMP, a community 
visionary, workforce development advocate, and champion for women's 
economic advancement in Central Florida. She is the founder of Women on 
the Rise International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to 
building economic mobility for women through financial literacy, career 
development, entrepreneurship, and personal wellness. Over the past 
decade, she has transformed Women on the Rise into a career and 
leadership hub serving hundreds of women across the region.
  Arlene's work focuses on addressing barriers that prevent women from 
thriving, including childcare, technology gaps, lack of mentorship, and 
limited access to culturally aligned support networks. In 2024, she 
secured the organization's largest program investment to date, 
expanding a career development initiative that has helped women 
increase earnings, secure higher-paying jobs, launch small businesses, 
and gain the financial confidence needed to build long-term stability 
for themselves and their families.
  Her contributions to the community have been recognized widely. 
Arlene has been featured in the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council's Legacy 
of Excellence Exhibit as a Phenomenal Black Woman in Central Florida, 
named a Rising Star by the Citrus Club, and honored with the Noble 
Knight Award from the University of Central Florida College of 
Community and Innovation. She has been recognized by the Orlando 
Business Journal as both a Woman Who Means Business and one of the Most 
Influential People in Orlando, and was named Woman of the Year by 
Orange Appeal Magazine.
  Beyond her nonprofit leadership, Arlene is the founder of Just Start 
It, LLC, where she supports organizations and professionals in 
improving systems, strengthening performance, and expanding community 
impact. She remains committed to advancing women's economic well-being, 
strengthening families, and ensuring Central Florida remains a region 
where women can rise, lead, and build lasting legacies.

                          ____________________