Maxwell Frost: “I rise today to recognize extraordinary women from central Florida for their work and impact on the community that I…”

“I rise today to recognize extraordinary women from central Florida for their work and impact on the community that I proudly represent. Last month, our office celebrated these women at an in-district event, and I will continue that celebration here today. They are mothers, public leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers, educators, caregivers, and innovators. They are advocates and champions for communities that are often forgotten. They fight hard, and we see them. The first is Ericka Gomez-Tejeda, a community organizer for over 33 years in the central Florida area and a fighter for immigrant rights. Shirley Richardson Bradley is a retired educator of 38 years, a community trailblazer, and a historian. Roniece Weaver and Fabiola Gaines are the cofounders of Hebni Nutrition and authors of several cookbooks that have revolutionized healthy eating in our underserved communities. Michelle Sperzel is the CBO of Harbor House of Central Florida, and her work really helps local survivors of domestic violence. Jamilyn Salonga Bailey is the owner of Kaya and a recipient of Florida's first-ever Michelin Green Star, located in Orlando's Mills 50 district. Ossyris Bury is a first-generation Panamanian American majoring in aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida and a researcher and aspiring astronaut who has already made a lasting impact on her campus today.”