Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-17

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

Context

On 2026-02-17, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ARLENE BLAKE, PMP, AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING ARLENE BLAKE, PMP, AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 32 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) [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. ____________________