Since 2015, when County Commission Viviana Janer spearheaded the exercise, Osceola County has annually named a group of “Woman Warriors”— those known for their positive contributions to the community.
“These are women who have left a lasting mark on Osceola County,” Janer said. “Their accomplishments stand as a powerful reminder of the profound place women have in shaping a brighter future for all in Osceola County.
In honor of Women’s History Month—just prior to the ceremony the board accepted a proclamation for Women’s History Month—each of the five county commissioners nominated a Warrior. Here’s the 11th edition of Woman Warriors, who were announced at Monday’s County Commission meeting.
Judge Gabrielle Sanders-Morency (nominated by Janer): She has served the county as a Civil and Criminal Judge since 2019, and served as a trial lawyer prior to serving on the bench.
“Judge Sanders-Morency’s commitment to public service has earned her numerous accolades, such as the Distinguished Judicial Service Award and the Vanguard Award for Trailblazer in Justice and Mentorship,” notes from the county said.
”This is a huge honor,” she said. “As a young prosecutor in Osceola County, I didn’t realize how much I would fall in love with this county. As a judge, although I’m not able to advocate so much, I do give those the opportunity and voice, and want everyone to leave my court, regardless if the decision is for or against you, feeling respected. That’s where I take joy.
Arabella Weaver (nominated by Peggy Choudhry): Alongside her husband, Wesley, Arabella founded the Intercession City Heritage Foundation to improve the quality of life in Osceola County, focusing on education, social services, and preserving the community’s historical heritage. These efforts include restoring the 1925 Bishop Osie England home as a historical site. She has worked in various social service roles, including as a Case Coordinator for Guardian Ad Litem and Director of Social Services at North Florida Healthcare.
“Her efforts have improved the quality of life for Osceola County residents,” Choudhry said. “It is needed to assist with basic services.”
Marilyn Cortes-Lovato (nominated by Brandon Arrington): She has served as the Director of Visual Arts at Osceola Arts in Kissimmee since 2014, bringing over 30 years of experience to Osceola’s fine art industry. Her “Time for ARTisNOW” public mural program is visible all through the community, forging connections through collaborative, meaningful art projects.
“She works tirelessly to uplift the artists of Osceola County and across Florida, and give them opportunities,” Arrington said. “Marilyn is committed to using art to address social and economic disparities, inspiring a deeper understanding of community and culture.
“This is a wonderful city,” Cortes-Lovato said. “I’m just excited to bring outreach to the arts all over Osceola County, and for everyone just to enjoy all the wonderful programs Osceola Arts has to offer.”
Pastor Tamika Holley (nominated by Cheryl; Grieb): The lifelong resident of Osceola County leads the New Hope Community Church of Marydia (New Harvest Kingdom Covenant Church). Her service to the Marydia community includes organizing events such as food and clothing distributions, holiday dinners, health fairs, and youth programs and working on projects like the Marydia Community Garden, the Coffee House senior program and new Boys and Girls Club of Marydia.
“She’s opened doors and helped me get accepted in the community,” Grieb said. “She’s the one when you’re growing up and do something wrong, and yells, ‘Don’t make me call your (family)!,’ and I respect her for that. Tamika’s deep commitment to the community continues to foster resilience and unity in Marydia and the surrounding areas.
Deana Johnson Taylor (nominated by Ricky Booth), is a fourth-generation lifelong resident of Osceola County who served as a key figure in the family business—the legendary The Catfish Place—rising to a managerial role and successfully maintaining the restaurant’s legacy after her father’s passing. She also volunteers at her children’s school and the Silver Spurs Rodeo.
“Balancing family, business, and community service, she continues to make a lasting impact on everyone around her,” Booth said. “She’s not only a leader, but an exceptional example for young women. Young women in our community should look up to Deana because she has worked so, so hard to make that restaurant successful for so many years; if it wasn’t for Deana we wouldn’t have so many great, great memories there.”
