The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING LETITIA HANKE
______
HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, March 26, 2021
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Letitia Hanke, whom I have named the 2021 Woman of the Year in Sonoma County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
Ms. Hanke was born in San Pablo and moved to Lake County at the age of five. As a new student entering a homogeneous community, she was often bullied. Though these experiences hurt her, she learned to channel her emotions into creative pursuits. At the urging of her elementary school music teacher, she picked up the trumpet. By the age of nine, she was playing with the high school band, and more important had found a community of friends who stuck up for her. Carrying this passion through her middle and high school education, she decided to attend Sonoma State University in 1993 to pursue a degree in Music Performing and Recording Arts.
Working full-time at a roofing company to pay for school, she quickly rose through the ranks. Despite having no background in the construction industry, the owner of the business offered his mentorship and the chance to purchase the business from him. Stepping away from her final year of school, she pulled the cash together and became CEO of ARS Roofing, Gutters, and Solar.
As one of the few women, and even fewer Black women working in the roofing industry, she found herself once again subject to adversity as a newcomer. Reminded of the power of the community that advocated on her behalf, she founded the LIME Foundation to help underrepresented youth accomplish their dreams. Made up of the Nextgen Trades Academy, the Senior Activities Program, and the Turner Arts Initiative, LIME has trained and placed over 100 youth in construction trades, increased quality of life for seniors through nutrition and exercise classes, and provided youth the opportunity to pursue their creative passions through summer camps and after school arts programs.
Our community is immeasurably better for all of Ms. Hanke's contributions and it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her here today as Sonoma County's 2021 Woman of the Year.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 57
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