The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners Monday began the month-long celebration of Women’s History Month with its annual tradition of recognizing exceptional female leaders in the community as “Women Warriors”. As part of the tradition that Commissioner Viviana Janer began in 2015, each of the five commissioners recognizes one Woman Warrior for their significant impacts.
“March is recognized Women’s History Month in the United States, a time to honor the courageous women who have fought for equality, justice, and opportunity,” said County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington. “Osceola County remains committed to advancing gender equality, and we are proud to honor five remarkable women whose dedication, compassion, and transformative leadership have left an enduring mark on our community.”
The honorees are:
Bettina Grzeskowiak, founder of Embrace of Celebration (recognized by Commissioner Peggy Choudhry)—a nonprofit organization that started as an act of kindness during the Covid-19 pandemic that now serves more than 10,000 individuals each week. “What started as a simple act of kindness has become food, basic necessities and community support,” Choudhry said. “She took it upon herself to help and encourage people.”
“Commissioner Choudhry helps connect us to help so many people, so I am grateful,” Grzeskowiak said.
Margarita Soto, Voices of Silence founder (Commissioner Viviana Janer)—said “the best of her careers” came after retirement when she began supporting families of children and young adults with autism and special needs. She has changed the lives of many families, finding inspiration through her adopted grandson.
“These are very special individuals in our community who makes it happen for them to be heard,” Janer said.
“When we together, we are more strong,” Soto said.
Nicole DeGennaro, local animal advocate (Arrington)— has combined her extensive education in animal science, occupational therapy, veterinary medical sciences, and shelter management to rehabilitate and train dogs with disabilities, serve in conservation efforts supporting African painted dogs, and volunteer annually in Namibia.
“Nicole is passionate about the voiceless victims of our community,” Arrington said of DeGennaro’s work with the animals of the community.
“It takes a village to make lasting change,” she said. “I encourage everyone to find something that lights your fire.”
Christina Morris, Osceola County Economic Development Director (Commissioner Cheryl Grieb)—she plays an instrumental role within advancing redevelopment in Osceola County in her 25 years with the county.
“This is a great honor. I’m from this community and love what I do, and am blessed to work with the people I know,” Morris said.
Kelly Trace, founder of Kissimmee-based digital marketing and content agency Reach (Commissioner Ricky Booth)—A fourth-generation Osceola County resident, she serves public and private sector clients across tourism, economic development, and community initiatives.
“If you’ve gone to a packed-house (Silver Spurs) Rodeo the past five or six years, it’s because of the amazing job of this woman,” Booth said. “Kelly is deeply dedicated to community service.”
“I feel empowered to help others because of a lot of people in this room and the support you offer,” Trace said.
