In a moving tribute during Monday’s Board meeting, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognized five outstanding women as the County’s 2026 “Women Warriors,” honoring their extraordinary leadership and lasting impact across the community.
The recognition, held March 2 in celebration of Women’s History Month, continues a tradition established in 2015 that highlights one honoree from each commission district — women whose dedication, resilience, and compassion have strengthened Osceola County in meaningful ways.
“March is Women’s History Month in the United States, a time to honor the courageous women who have fought for equality, justice, and opportunity,” said Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington. “Osceola County remains committed to advancing gender equality, and today we are proud to honor five remarkable women whose dedication, compassion, and transformative leadership have left an enduring mark on our community.”
District 1: Bettina Grzeskowiak
What began as a simple act of kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a lifeline for thousands. Bettina Grzeskowiak, known affectionately as Bettina G, founded Embrace of Celebration after recognizing the growing hardships faced by local families.
From handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to now serving more than 10,000 individuals each week, Embrace provides food, basic necessities, and support to six schools and seven extended-stay hotels throughout Osceola County. In 2025, Bettina was named Volunteer of the Year by the Osceola School District, and her nonprofit was recognized as a top partner by Second Harvest Food Bank. Her unwavering heart for service continues to uplift families countywide.
District 2: Margarita Soto
For Margarita Soto, retirement marked the beginning of what she calls “the best of her careers.” Inspired by her adopted grandson, Soto immersed herself in understanding autism and navigating complex support systems to advocate for families who often felt overlooked.
After relocating to Central Florida, she founded Voices of Silence Org in Kissimmee in 2017. The organization offers workshops, monthly informational meetings, and specialized programs — including an initiative at the Buenaventura Lakes Library — that help young adults build independence, confidence, and social skills. Her work has transformed lives and empowered families across the region.
District 3: Nicole DeGennaro
Blending science, service, and compassion, Nicole DeGennaro has built a career dedicated to bridging the gap between people and animals. She holds degrees in animal science, occupational therapy, and veterinary medical sciences with a concentration in shelter management from the University of Florida.
Her doctoral research examined the effectiveness of service dogs for veterans with disabilities, and she helped develop a collaborative program between Brevard County Animal Services and the county jail to increase shelter adoptions while equipping inmates with vocational skills. A respected leader in the Central Florida rescue community, DeGennaro also supports conservation efforts for African painted dogs and volunteers annually in Namibia.
District 4: Christina Morris
With more than two decades of service to Osceola County, Christina Morris has helped shape the region’s economic future. Serving as Economic Development Director since 2022 — and part of the County team since 1999 — Morris has led initiatives that drive business recruitment, retention, redevelopment, and expedited permitting.
She has played a pivotal role in advancing redevelopment along the West and East U.S. 192 corridors and in supporting NeoCity, the County’s 500-acre master-planned technology campus focused on advanced microelectronics packaging. Morris also serves on the boards of Experience Kissimmee, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, and The Hope Partnership, reinforcing her deep commitment to community growth.
District 5: Kelly Trace
A fourth-generation Osceola County resident, Kelly Trace has built her career around authentic storytelling and strategic communications. As Founder and CEO of Reach, a Kissimmee-based digital marketing and content agency launched in 2014, she has helped more than 200 clients across Central Florida and beyond connect meaningfully with their audiences.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Trace leads a 15-person team that has launched more than 80 websites while supporting tourism, economic development, and community initiatives. Beyond her professional success, she remains deeply engaged in civic service, serving on multiple boards and advisory groups that advance workforce development and regional engagement.
The 2026 Women Warriors stand as a powerful reminder that leadership takes many forms — from grassroots compassion and family advocacy to economic development and conservation efforts.
Through their vision and service, these five women continue making a positive difference in and around Osceola County.
