HR1738: HR1738 Olusola, Tonya Armstrong; outstanding leadership in agriculture, community empowerment, and service to underserved communities; recognize

26 LC 129 1394 House Resolution 1738 By: Representatives Scott of the 76th, Schofield of the 63rd, and Davis of the 87th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Tonya Armstrong Olusola for her outstanding leadership in1 agriculture, community empowerment, and service to underserved communities; and for2 other purposes.3 WHEREAS, Tonya Armstrong Olusola is a visionary farmer, communi ty advocate, and4 agricultural leader whose life's work reflects an unwavering commitment to using the land5 as a pathway for healing, education, and transformation within communities; and6 WHEREAS, she is the founder of SugaFoot Farms (SFF) and a dedic ated leader with7 PHP2Thrive, Inc., two mission-driven initiatives that integrate agriculture, wellness, and8 empowerment to support youth, families, and underserved communities through innovative9 and impactful programming; and10 WHEREAS, through the work of SugaFoot Farms, Tonya Armstrong Ol usola has created11 meaningful, hands-on farm experiences rooted in regenerative agriculture, food education,12 and responsible land stewardship, providing individuals with opportunities to reconnect with13 the land while learning sustainable agricultural practices that strengthen both families and14 communities; and15 H. R. 1738 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1394 WHEREAS, her visionary leadership includes the development of a therapeutic farm16 environment designed to support children with special needs, offering nature-based learning17 opportunities, sensory engagement activities, and healing exper iences that nurture18 confidence, connection, and personal growth, demonstrating how agriculture can serve as a19 powerful tool for both wellness and community development; and20 WHEREAS, through her leadership with PHP2Thrive, she has expand ed her impact by21 implementing programs that promote empowerment, life skills, leadership development, and22 holistic support for individuals and families seeking opportunities for personal advancement23 and community stability; and24 WHEREAS, Tonya Armstrong Olusola's dedication to agricultural excellence and education25 is further demonstrated through her participation in nationally recognized leadership26 programs, including the 2020 Soil Health Academy, where she deepened her knowledge of27 regenerative soil practices and sustainable farming systems; and28 WHEREAS, she continued to advance her expertise through the 2021 NCAT Women, Land29 & Livestock Program, equipping herself with the tools and training necessary to strengthen30 agricultural opportunities for women farmers and promote responsible land use; and31 WHEREAS, from 2022 to 2023 she served as a National FoodCorps Service Member and32 a member of FOLOC, where she supported food systems education and community-based33 agricultural initiatives aimed at improving food access and agr icultural literacy in34 communities across the nation; and35 WHEREAS, her leadership continued to grow through her participation in Farm Commons36 programming in 2023, and most notably through her completion of the 2024 Farm Commons37 H. R. 1738 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1394 Legal Ecosystem Fellowship, where she worked to advance knowledge and understanding38 of legal structures, land access, and sustainable agricultural development to support farmers39 and community-based organizations; and40 WHEREAS, through her tireless work, Tonya Armstrong Olusola has demonstrated that41 agriculture is more than the cultivation of crops-it is the cul tivation of people, hope, and42 opportunity, and her commitment to service has strengthened communities, inspired future43 generations of farmers, and expanded opportunities for individuals to experience healing and44 empowerment through the land; and45 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstandi ng accomplishments,46 leadership, and service of this remarkable woman be appropriately recognized.47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that48 the members of this body commend Tonya Armstrong Olusola for her exceptional leadership49 in agriculture, community empowerment, and educational outreach, and extend their sincere50 appreciation for her dedication to improving the lives of others through innovation, service,51 and stewardship of the land.52 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized53 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to54 Tonya Armstrong Olusola.55 H. R. 1738 - 3 -