Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Bob Wesley was born in Marietta, Georgia, in 1953 to Martha ``Pete'' Wesley and Frank Wesley. Bob was the middle son among six siblings and was always different and quick-witted.

As a child who stood head and shoulders above other kindergartners, he immediately befriended the shortest kid in class. He convinced his brothers to play pranks on their mother, once taping over the speaker inside her phone, prompting a repairman visit and an eye roll from her. But while someone who didn't know him saw a goofy, funny jokester, he also showed an adult-like interest in government and protecting the rights of others.

He was stubborn. Rather than following the rules and cutting his long hair, Bob dropped out of Lakeland High School and enrolled in night school instead. He became a photographer and, for a short time, a traveling mechanic with a drag race funny car team, the Houston Hustler.

He then attended Polk County Community College and received his bachelor's in history at the University of West Florida. Bob found his passion when he pursued his interest in the law, freedom, and justice at Florida State University College of Law. He was then admitted to the Florida Bar and became a board-certified trial attorney. He eventually settled down in Orlando.

After decades as a successful defense attorney, Bob was elected as a Democrat for the Office of the Public Defender of Orange and Osceola counties in 2001. He was elected by the people and served in this role for 24 years, retiring in January of 2025. During his tenure as a public defender, Bob partnered with the community to help make justice equitable for all, regardless of race, status, or socioeconomic status. This was his legacy.

He gained national attention for his work to ensure professional clothing for his clients, those accused of crimes, those facing involuntary commitment for mental health and addiction, and children who appeared in delinquency cases. Bob hosted an annual clothing drive where he would greet people with smiles and jokes as they dropped off their clothes to be worn in court by his clients. He also created a community bail fund to help those without resources pay bail and be released from jail while awaiting trial.

Bob was an outspoken advocate against police profiling and harsher sentences for Black and brown people. He lobbied aggressively to reduce time behind bars for low-level, first-time offenders, fought for civil citations over arrests, and brought attention to issues with evidence handling and arrests of children in his circuit.

Mr. Speaker, Jim Handley retired from his roles at the Florida Cattlemen's Association after 27 years of service on April 15, 2025. Executive vice president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association and chief executive officer of the Florida Beef Council since 1998, Jim has also served as executive director of the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation, executive director of the Florida COW PAC, chief operating officer of the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board, and managing editor of The Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal.

Though Jim isn't one for fanfare, his contributions speak volumes. He has always led with heart--building genuine relationships and championing education, youth involvement, and public outreach. His guidance helped expand fundraising efforts, modernize facilities, and elevate Florida's cattle industry on multiple fronts. Jim's leadership has forged Florida into one of the strongest and most respected state associations in the country.

Throughout his career, Jim has also served on numerous volunteer boards, including the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET), the Florida 4-H Foundation, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, and the Florida Agriculture Council, among others. While he has received more awards than he would ever mention himself, one recent honor stands out. In 2024, he was both surprised and humbled by the establishment of the Jim Handley Endowed Professorship of Beef Sciences at the University of Florida. The endowment was created by the Florida Cattlemen's Foundation in recognition of Jim's unwavering commitment to the future of Florida's cattle industry, its people, and the quality of education coming from the state's flagship land-grant university.

Jim Handley retires, leaving a legacy of integrity, leadership, and loyal service to Florida agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, from a young age, Helena Nicole Rodriguez displayed leadership and charisma. She lived a life of service in her church and helping the less fortunate in her community. Growing up, Nicole was a leader and mentor to the youth congregation in her church. While in high school at Gateway High School, she received awards and commendations for her academics. She was also a member of the Gateway High School Osceola County District Champion Swim team in 2015.

Following high school, Nicole majored in marketing at the University of Central Florida. While in college, she joined her father, Juan Jose Rodriguez, in the marketing department at Michael T. Gibson, P.A. There, she founded the firm's social media efforts and served as the director for social media marketing. While at UCF, Nicole was very active in politics. leading voter registration drives and organizing UCF students to vote. During this time, she also participated with her father on several charitable missions, including trips to Honduras, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

After graduation, Nicole was hired and worked for Marriott and Oracle, two Fortune 500 companies. These positions took her to Hawaii and Austin, Texas. While with Oracle, Nicole was instrumental in having the company engage in charitable endeavors to help the less fortunate in her community. Prior to her passing, she left her position in management to dedicate more time to helping the less fortunate and volunteering at a homeless assistance program.

Nicole leaves a legacy of service and commitment to helping spread her faith and to helping the less fortunate. Although she left us at a young age, the impact of her efforts will last a lifetime. Many were touched by her kind spirit, her warm and affectionate smile, her deep faith in God, and her commitment to serving others. She was loved and cherished by her family and friends. While her life was short, her impact on this world was substantial. Nicole's memory will live on through her friends and family. Her contagious smile, her charisma, her personality, and her charitable heart will live on in our memories forever.

Mr. Speaker, Bobby Beagles diligently served the agriculture community throughout his career. Agricultural issues were always better served with Bobby as an advocate at the county, state, and national levels.

As a cattle rancher, Bobby early on recognized that ``what was good for all agriculture was good for his farm.'' in effect, he embraced the idea that ``all boats rise with the tide.'' As such, he embarked on a path of agricultural advocacy. Whether it be at a local community meeting or hundreds of county board meetings, Bobby was a voice to be reckoned with. He was unrelenting and tireless in representing agriculture.

His legislative advocacy at all levels of government was never- ending. It was no surprise when Bobby was asked to be then-Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Tom Feeney's agricultural liaison. He carried that privilege and honor to Washington, D.C., when Speaker Feeney became Congressman Feeney.

Bobby's heart was always about the youth--from the earliest days of buying animals at the county fair to timelessly encouraging auto dealerships and any number of businesses to purchase the kids' market livestock project. On a not-to-be-ignored side note, at the request of then-Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Bobby was asked to rewrite the livestock section of the zoning laws. These laws today allow FFA and 4H to house some of their agriculture projects at home.

His work with the youth led to numerous awards from the local FFA chapters as well as the state and national associations. He was honored to be awarded the Honorary Florida State FFA Degree and the American FFA Degree. In addition to those accolades, he was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Bobby served as Orange County Farm Bureau executive director for 13 years. Prior to that, he was a board member for 17 years. His work in this capacity has made him ``Mr. Agriculture'' in our area of the state.

In 2007, Bobby received the prestigious Jefferson Award. This award is given to an individual who has devoted their life to exceptional public service in any arena. He was nominated for this award by then- Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty and Orange County Extension. This represented a body of work that included procuring $12 million for the construction of a new extension office in Orange County.

This refrain is consistent with Bobby Beagles' character. In 2002, Bobby was awarded the Friend of Extension Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi State. This award traditionally recognizes individuals who have been true Friends of Extension. A year after receiving the Jefferson Award, Bobby received the Florida Farm Bureau's Distinguished Service Award. The award honors Florida agriculturalists for their overall contributions to farming at the local or state level.

Bobby Beagles was married to Vickie Beagles and had a son, Thomas Beagles, a daughter, Rachel Kelly, and five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Geraldine F. Thompson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up in the South Dade town of Perrine, Florida, where members of her family worked in agriculture and construction. She was married to the Honorable Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. She was the mother of three children--Laurise, Emerson III, and Elizabeth--and the proud grandmother of six granddaughters and one great-grandson. She enjoyed reading, writing, volunteering, and traveling.

She attended Miami Dade Community College. After receiving a scholarship to the University of Miami, she received an undergraduate degree in 1970 and a Master of Science from Florida State University in 1973. Geraldine F. Thompson served for six years as an Orange County Public Schools teacher. She later served for 24 years as an administrator at Valencia Community College, where she established the College Reach Out Program, which enabled thousands of low-income and disadvantaged students to fulfill their dream of going to college.

Senator Thompson developed a reputation as a respected local historian for compiling the history of African Americans in Central Florida and authoring the book ``Black America: Orlando, Florida.'' She developed a passion for the history of African Americans in Central Florida. She wrote a play based on her book called ``A Vote a Voice.''

Her passion led her to preserve one of Orlando's unique landmarks, the Wells'Built Hotel. During the days of segregation, it provided lodging to some of America's most prominent citizens, including Justice Thurgood Marshall, Ray Charles, and performers on the chitlin circuit. Today, that landmark is known as the Wells'Built Museum of African American History and Culture.

She served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012 and 2018 to 2022. She was elected to the Florida Senate in 2012 and served until 2016, and she was serving as the senator of Senate District 15 in Orlando at the time of her death. Significant legislation that she initiated and passed included bills to exonerate the Groveland Four, provide compensation to James Joseph Richardson, who was wrongfully incarcerated for 22 years, outlaw discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace, and a Specialty License Plate to benefit organizations that comprise the Divine Nine with 85 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the plate benefitting the organizations to support scholarships.

Career highlights, honors, and awards include: Having roads designated for Bob Billingslea, July Perry, Edna Hargrett, and Bessie Coleman; Resolution for George Starke and exoneration of the Groveland Four; Recipient of the 2022-2023 Humanitarian Award from the Orlando International Film Festival; 2021 Civil Rights Hall of Fame from City of Orlando 2022; Outstanding Public Official Award from Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County; 2019 MLK Humanitarian Award from Central Florida Steppers; 2022 Warrior for Democracy Award from The League of Women's Voters: 2022 Mountain Top Trailblazer Award from Cultured Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha; 2018 Drum Major Social Justice Award from Alpha Pi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; 2016 Legislative Advocacy Award from Democratic Women's Club of Florida Inc.; 2013 Mary Hatwood Human and Civil Rights Award from the National Education Association; 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award from Inter-Civic Council of the Southern Christian Leadership Council; 1996 Commitment to Excellence Award from Mid-Florida Chapter of NFBPA; 1992 Summit Award from the Women's Source Center; and Life Time Achievement Award from the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League.

Mr. Speaker, Louis G. Betz, Jr., a lobbyist and political strategist, lived his entire life in his beloved Tampa. Louis began his political life in 1992 as a campaign manager for a successful Hillsborough County Commission race. This led to the launching of Louis Betz and Associates, a full-service lobbying firm both at the state and local levels. Clients ranged from Fortune 500 companies to small start- up companies, as well as not-for-profits. His campaign experiences included local, state, and federal elections on both sides of the aisle. He worked proudly and tirelessly for his clients. He was always known for his integrity, perpetual optimism, and pure relentlessness.

Louis led the charge to pass the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, which allows cities and counties to implement and utilize red light camera safety programs. He believed this program, enacted in 2010, would save lives, and he was instrumental in the statewide implementation.

In 2011, working with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and various other organizations, Louis worked hard to help pass the landmark sexual assault legislation, Walk in Their Shoes Act, that expands the admissibility of collateral crime or ``similar fact'' evidence in cases where a person is charged with child molestation or a sexual offense. The Act also authorizes the use of service or therapy animals in courts hearing sexual offense cases.

In 2014, Louis proudly organized and brought back Hillsborough Day to the Florida Capitol to showcase the community to decision-makers in Tallahassee. This annual event still continues to this day.

In 2020, after a double lung transplant, Louis founded More Transplants More Life (MTML) dedicated to improving the processes to allow for more organs for transplantation to individuals waiting on the national organ transplant list and to provide support for patients and living donors.

Louis was also very involved in his community, serving on the Wellswood Civic Association (1988 to 1995), Tampa Homeowners Association of Neighborhoods (THAN, 1988 to 1996), Mayor's Blue Ribbon Panel, the University of Tampa Board of Counselors (1995 to 2002), Mayor's Blue Ribbon Panel, serving under Mayor Dick Greco (1995), Joshua House Board of Directors (1996 to 2006), Museum of Science and Industry Board of Directors (1997 to 2003), Cubmaster for his son's Cub Scout Pack (2004 to 2006), member of the Italian Club of Tampa and Florida State Fair Authority Board member (serving with State Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson). Louis also organized, along with state representative Ed Narain, Senator Arthenia Joyner's 50 year anniversary for practicing law (2020).

Louis' biggest passion was helping people. His heart and his brain rivaled in size. He thrived being challenged, hence his trademarked signature line, ``You Can't Beat Relentless''.

He dearly loved his country, the state of Florida, and his Tampa community. Most of all he loved his family--his high school sweetheart, Jill Ippolito Betz, his children. Victoria and Louis III, as well as his grandchildren. Family was always first, and as he always reminded everyone, ``I'm the happiest guy you will ever meet,'' and he lived it every day. Words to live by.

Mr. Speaker, Maureen ``Molly'' Ferguson is the director of government relations and grant management for Community Health Centers, Inc.

Guided by Community Health Centers (CHC) leadership and the mentorship received throughout her career, Molly has developed 20 years of healthcare advocacy experience, working with state and federal legislators, legislative aides, and key stakeholders to shape policies and funding opportunities that support Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). She collaborates with state and national associations to strengthen the collective voice of FQHCs and expand healthcare access. Since joining CHC in 2018, Molly has focused on building partnerships with government agencies, community organizations, and healthcare associations. Her experience in public and private funding has helped secure critical resources for healthcare services. She values strong relationships with grantor agencies, foundations, and corporate partners, ensuring sustainable support for FQHCs.

Molly's dedication to advocacy is evident in her work. Along with CHC leadership, she collaborated with Congressman Darren Soto's office to host former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at CHC- Meadow Woods Center and coordinated with federal staff for former Centers for Disease Control Director Mandy Cohen's visit to CHC-Pine Hills Center. She is an active member of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Florida Association of Community Health Centers, Central Florida Health and Hunger Task Force, Orange County Health Equity Task Force, and serves on the boards of Central Florida Area Health Education Centers and the Central Florida Disaster Medical Coalition.

A proud Pennsylvania native, Molly is one of seven children and part of a large extended family, including 20 nieces, nephews, and great- nieces. In 1979, her parents moved to Florida in search of greater opportunities. Their work ethic and dedication deeply inspired Molly, shaping her lifelong passion for advocacy, service, and expanding healthcare access for those in need.

Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, the halls of several Florida elementary schools have echoed with the enthusiasm of exceptional educator Julie DuBois. Two Orlando schools in particular-- Hillcrest and Hunter's Creek. She was twice honored as Teacher of the Year. This dedicated professional has spent her career nurturing the minds and hearts of Florida's young learners. Her passion for early childhood education is evident in every lesson plan and classroom activity they design.

At the heart of Julie's teaching philosophy is a commitment to developing young readers. Believing that literacy is the cornerstone of all learning, she has implemented innovative strategies to engage students with books from an early age. Through storytelling, phonics play, and interactive reading sessions, she has created a classroom environment where reading is not just a skill to be learned but a joy to be experienced.

The influence of this talented teacher extends well beyond her classroom walls. Colleagues frequently seek her advice on best practices for fostering literacy and creating inclusive learning spaces. Her dedication to continuous professional development ensures that they are always at the forefront of educational trends, ready to inspire both students and peers alike.

In an era when educators' roles are more critical than ever, this Orlando-based teacher stands out as a beacon of dedication and passion. Her two decades of service to Florida's elementary students have left an indelible mark on countless young lives, cultivating a love for learning that will last a lifetime. As she continues to shape the future of education, she remains a testament to the profound impact one teacher can have in the world.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira, a University of Central Florida faculty member and member of the National Academy of Engineering, is a pioneer in the areas of virtual reality (VR), interactive visualization, and digital twins. Her innovations have been instrumental in facilitating data analysis, decision-making, design reviews, and training and education. Her work evolved into standard tools used in industry, government, and academia. She is known worldwide for being the creator of the CAVE VR system, for transferring research into practice by spearheading Open-Source initiatives, and for supporting entrepreneurial initiatives to commercialize research. She is recognized for founding successful applied research centers: the Virtual Reality Applications Center at Iowa State University, the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise, and the Emerging Analytics Center at the University of Arkansas. Her research leadership has received recognition from major companies for increasing product safety and improving design and production processes that have saved time, lives, and millions of dollars. She enjoys intersecting her research with the arts and the humanities through dance performances and museum installations. She has been named among the top innovators in virtual reality and one of the top three greatest women visionaries in VR. She is the first person inducted into the National Academy of Engineering for immersive technologies and virtual reality, she is a member of the IEEE VR Academy, an IEEE Fellow, an ACM Computer Pioneer, an AWE XR Hall of Fame member, and a Modeling and Simulation Hall of Famer. She received the IEEE VR Achievement Award and the International Digital Media & Arts Society Distinguished Career Award, among many national and international recognitions. She serves on national and international technology boards as well as government technology advisory committees. Her life's work addressing large problems through interdisciplinary teams has become a key to innovation and is considered standard practice in driving American competitiveness in the global economy.

Mr. Speaker, Lizbeth Walker is the CEO of Qwalifize, LLC, the first technology staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Kissimmee, Florida. Her journey from a telemarketer to CEO is a testament to resilience, determination, and faith.

Before founding Qwalifize, Ms. Walker held various roles--selling magazines, cleaning facilities, and working in multiple facets of human resources and operations. These included managing thousands of workers across multiple divisions, helping decision-makers stay in compliance, and fulfilling hundreds of technology roles nationwide.

A layoff drove her to be bold, creative, and fully committed to her passion for staffing, and she transformed adversity into an opportunity to make a huge impact.

In 2018, Ms. Walker established Qwalifize, officially taking it full- time in February 2020. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, she remained steadfast in her vision, expanding her firm's offerings into government contracting.

Her leadership continues to drive innovation in staffing and consulting, ensuring businesses connect with the right talent for success. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Walker is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in youth personal and professional development. She dedicates her time to empowering the next generation through mentorship and community initiatives. As a proud mother of twin sons, she understands the importance of fostering opportunities for growth and education.

Ms. Walker is also a sought-after speaker, providing workshops on operations infrastructure, data-for-decisions, and niche recruitment strategies. Her expertise and passion have positioned her as a leader in workforce development, making a lasting impact on businesses and job seekers alike.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Lyudmila Sarder, M.D., is a highly esteemed internal medicine resident physician who has made remarkable contributions to the healthcare field across nine districts of Florida and the greater Central Florida region.

With years of experience treating patients for a variety of conditions in both hospital and clinical settings, she has dedicated her career to serving underserved populations with compassion and commitment. Through hands-on rotations at prestigious healthcare institutions, including HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Winter Haven Hospital, and Lakeland Regional Health, Dr. Lyudmila Sarder has gained invaluable expertise and national recognition for her dedication to advancing medical research. Her commendable efforts in addressing the financial barriers associated with cancer treatment have provided hope to countless patients and their families. She remains steadfast in her mission to pave the way for a more equitable healthcare system, ensuring that cost-effective treatments are accessible to those who need them most. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute has proudly unveiled findings marking a significant milestone in the field of cancer research, with Dr. Lyudmila Sarder playing a pivotal role in these advancements. As a dedicated health advocate, Dr. Lyudmila Sarder leads initiatives to expand healthcare access for uninsured and underserved populations. She works tirelessly to reduce health disparities by improving social determinants of health and enhancing community resources. She volunteers at Kissimmee Women's Health Center and Osceola Cancer Center, providing vital medical care to underserved populations in need. Additionally, she continues to serve as a resident physician for uninsured patients throughout Central Florida. Dr. Lyudmila Sarder co-authored the Amazon bestselling book, ``Intern Mastery: A Roadmap from Med School to PGY-1 Internal Medicine Excellence,'' a crucial guide for medical students transitioning into residency. She is also a member of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and serves as a judge for ACP student presentations.

Beyond her contributions to medicine and education, Dr. Lyudmila Sarder actively promotes sports and public health by participating in and volunteering as a physician for marathons such as the Hollis Cancer Marathon and Disney marathons. She is a core member of the Internal Medicine Academic Curriculum Board and Resident Recruitment and Selection Committee, mentoring medical students and shaping innovative educational strategies. Despite her demanding career, Dr. Lyudmila Sarder is also a devoted mother to two boys, balancing her professional and personal responsibilities with grace and determination. Her unwavering commitment to medicine, education, and advocacy continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals while improving the lives of countless patients in her community.

Mr. Speaker, Beth Knight is a driving force behind Osceola County, Florida's progress, with almost 38 years of unwavering dedication to public service.

As chief operating officer for Osceola County, she oversees daily operations, leading a workforce of more than 1,800 employees who serve a rapidly growing population of over 450,000 residents that hosts another 10 million visitors annually.

Ms. Knight's passion for public service was inspired by her father, Gordon Hedley, a World War II veteran who later served as a police officer in Detroit and Winter Haven. His commitment to duty and community instilled in her a profound sense of responsibility, which continues to guide her today.

Beginning her tenure with Osceola County in 1988 as a crime scene technician with the Sheriff's Office, Ms. Knight transitioned to the county government in 1997 as communications director. Her extensive experience in government operations has made her a transformative leader, driving initiatives that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in areas such as workforce development, public safety, transportation, and education--ultimately improving the quality of life for residents. Ms. Knight has played a pivotal role in carrying out landmark projects, including Osceola Prosper, a one-of-a-kind program that catapulted the county from 61st to 4th in Florida for college- going graduates.

She has been a key staff member supporting the advancement of NeoCity, a 500-acre technology district poised to revolutionize high- tech manufacturing. A respected figure in the community, Ms. Knight, served on numerous community boards, including the Osceola Chamber Foundation and Experience Kissimmee. She and her husband, Terry, have raised three children in Osceola County and have five grandchildren. A lifelong learner, Ms Knight holds a master's degree from the University of Central Florida, cementing her legacy as a leader shaping Osceola County's future and its mission to ``Be First to What's Next!''

Mr. Speaker, Angelique L. Perry, who prefers to be called Angel, is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Orlando, Florida, in October of 2009.

Since she was a little girl, she has always wanted to serve in public office. Both of her parents were New York State employees who were proud union members. The union experience put her on the path to ``always wanting to help others.''

Community advocacy was part of her childhood. She volunteered with her parents, tagged in with projects in college, and even opened her home in Watertown, New York, to any newly enlisted Army recruits who did not have a family of their own. She was happy to provide meals, someone to practice PT with, and much more.

In 2014, CWA Local 3108 President Steve Wisniewski offered her the opportunity to become a shop steward. After completing her certification training, she was asked to take on more responsibilities.

In 2015, she attended additional training by the Central Florida Labor Council, which helped cement her knowledge of the political and electoral process. CWA extended an offer for Angel to become an AFL-CIO labor delegate, and she was sworn in by the Central Florida Labor Council in May of that same year.

Once certified in organizing and teaching, her role included educating on civics, constitutional law, contract negotiations, labor rights, and how unions work on a day-to-day. As an AFL-CIO delegate, she completes screenings of political candidates who are seeking labor's endorsement, attends the Family Lobby Corps in Tallahassee, and participates in grassroots campaigning for candidates who passed labor's assessment. Even with all those tasks, she was not satisfied and desired to do even more. Angel volunteered to become a chief steward for CWA Local 3108, which she happily included in her responsibilities of representing several departments for her employer.

In 2016, realizing an overwhelming need for care, Angel created a charity dedicated to helping veterans adjust to civilian life. No matter the task, she does whatever she can to help whoever needs it. This was a passion in honor of her grandfather, Charles R. Hibbler Sr., who was a WWII veteran. It is important to her for veterans to have every advantage they are entitled to. This work must continue with military individuals as she had done when she lived in New York.

After a few years of labor advocacy, she decided to run for office within CWA Local 3108. Her campaign was successful, and the members elected her as their executive vice president in 2017. Angel is currently on her third term and continues to serve on over 20 contracts and help veterans as part of her daily work.

Mr. Speaker, Melanie Thomas of Saint Cloud, Florida is the public affairs officer for the Orlando VA Health Care System (OVAHCS), where she leads strategic communication efforts to enhance public awareness and engagement for Veteran healthcare services.

With a strong background in public relations, media relations, and strategic communication, Melanie plays a vital role in shaping the organization's messaging, fostering transparency and strengthening connections with Veterans, stakeholders, and the broader community.

In her role, Melanie oversees media outreach, crisis communication, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring that Veterans and their families are well-informed about the services and resources available to them. She collaborates with leadership, government agencies, and community partners to promote the mission of serving those who've served.

Driven by her servant leader approach and her commitment to effective communication, Melanie works diligently to amplify the voices of Veterans and highlight the impactful work of the Orlando VA Healthcare System. Her expertise in storytelling, branding, and stakeholder relations makes her an invaluable asset to advancing programming for Veterans and healthcare services.

Prior to her current role, she served as the public affairs officer for the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS), was a public affairs specialist and TCF intern for the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, and held a voluntary service assistant position with public affairs collateral duties at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Thomas holds a master's degree in business administration and an undergraduate degree in organizational communication with concentrations in public relations and rhetoric from Wilkes University located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, in 2016, a neurosurgeon removed an invasive meningioma--an aggressive, grapefruit-sized tumor--from Danielle McCarthy's brain. The tumor, lovingly named Loretta, formed on her brain's temporal lobe, and she was told she would never walk or speak again. However, her post-surgery condition was deemed a miracle by her doctors, and she began her slow recovery. Danielle would endure multiple major surgeries unrelated to her tumor over the next six years. During the height of COVID-19, destiny struck. Joey Perfito, her best friend and instrumental in Danielle's recovery, helped adopt a rescue puppy, already named Loretta. With the support of Joey and her strong-willed puppy, now named Loretta Josephine, Danielle relearned how to live and adapt to her new life. Together, they turned Danielle's hardships into triumphs. Danielle was determined to give back to those who saved her life: neuroscience and pet adoption. One thing Danielle remembered from her old life was fashion. Danielle and Joey created Loretta Josephine Boutique, an online shopping experience for women that gives back to the community. Through the boutique, Danielle donates her time to support those with brain trauma and pet rescue.

Both animal and health initiatives drive their vision daily as they continue to uplift and inspire others through community engagement. This prompted Danielle and Joey to start a nonprofit called Brain Warriors Foundation of America. The duo's budding nonprofit focuses on fundraising to further neuroscience research and give financial support to caregivers and patients suffering brain-related injuries. Danielle recognizes she's on borrowed time. She's grateful to be a voice for those who have lost their own battle and those who are currently struggling during their recovery. They encourage all to join Team Loretta Josephine Boutique as they continue to make a difference in Central Florida--the place they call home.