Political Quotes

“In honor of Black History Month, I recognize Valparisa J. Baker. Valparisa J. Baker, a native Floridian, most recently served as the chief diversity officer at Polk State College. Prior to her recent retirement, Ms. Baker was employed with the college since 1988, where she held multiple positions of advancement. Ms. Baker has a master's degree in higher education from the National-Louis University, a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida, and an associate's degree from Polk State College. Ms. Baker has a strong commitment to her church, the New Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as an active first lady. Ms. Baker serves as the chairperson for the education scholarship ministry, adviser for the women intermediate ministry, pastor's aide ministry, and media ministry. Ms. Baker is the newly appointed vice president for the ministers' wives and ministers' widows of the First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association. Ms. Baker has received numerous citations and awards from area organizations. Most recently, she received the 2021 Drum Major for Justice Award presented by the Haines City NAACP, was the 2021 Juneteenth honoree for the Juneteenth Observance Lakeland Committee, as well as the 2018 Distinguished Citizen for the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America. Ms.…”