Mr. Alex Bonilla Hometown Hero Award Honoree, August 2025

Alex Bonilla is being nominated as the leader of Highways and Hedges Homeless ministry. This is a Christian based ministry based on Luke 14:23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” 


Alex works tirelessly not only to provide basic needs to homeless in the Orlando area, but to educate them as well with available resources. The bags distributed by this ministry include peanut butter jelly sandwiches, snacks, bottled water, Gatorade and material from organizations like SALT, Up, and Samaritan. They also distribute clothes and most importantly, Bibles. 


This ministry receives cash and groceries donations from volunteers as well as their time to prepare to go to the streets and distribute bags. Highways and Hedges has impacted countless lives through its program in the areas of Lake Eola and Paramore. 


Alex’s commitment is an inspiration to all around him and he is an example of a selfless, passionate and hard worker – his level of integrity also serves as an example to others.

 Mrs. Sonia Folkes Hometown Hero Award Honoree, July 2025

Sonia Folkes is a Faith Assembly Church Discipleship Teacher as well as Prayer Team leader, Care Team leader, Chaplain; as well as Church Lay Counselor ever since 2018. She is currently a homeschool teacher and was previously a school teacher until 2004.


During her time as a Prayer Team Leader and Journey of Faith (Discipleship) teacher, she has helped many people come to Christ, and encourages others to stay happy and keep moving forward in life. She and her husband are Church Counselors that help lost or depressed people to continue living, smiling, and becoming Jesus' loving, powerful, heavenly children.


The contributions my mother has made includes helping teach others, whether she is being a mother, teacher, leader, or volunteer at Faith Assembly. The impact my mother has made is significant. In both England and America, my mother has caused people's lives to be changed. She teaches kindness to others, obedience to God, how to grow in strength in Him, and how to heal human relationships. Everyone whose lives she (and her husband) touches are blessed!

This mother has inspired her daughter to be a positive example in her community by raising her child to be a Christian, kind, and respectable person. She and her family have also volunteered to give out food to the unfortunate (by working with Faith Assembly church and Second Harvest Food Bank, and Convoy of Hope), along with other helpful charities.


She is a mighty woman of God and amazing spiritual leader. She leads by example and practices what she preaches. Sonia and her husband Fitzroy teach their daughter how to pray for others, listen to their needs, and not to turn a blind eye to someone who needs help, counseling, or prayer. She teaches people how to have a wholesome outlook on life, and always see the best in others, good or bad. Especially how to do so with not-so-nice people. She also warns how to be wary of negative people; to not be taken advantage of in their kindness.


She selflessly and graciously treats strangers, friends and family with warmth and patience; giving wisdom, guidance, and time to whoever needs it. She is always contagiously joyful, passionate, and dedicated to God and others. She always uses her calling to teach others with excellence and deserved to have her impactful heart recognized!

Ms. Migdaila Maldonado Hometown Hero Award Honoree, June 2025

Migdalia Maldonado is the CEO/President of Feed and Fortify Community Organization, Inc., a non-for profit organization established in 2013. This organization has been impacting the Central Florida community in different areas, a few events throughout the year to reach out the community are: Back to School Drive (providing school supply to families in need), Warms Campaign (provides blankets to homeless), Holiday Angel Gifts (provides gifts for families that can’t afford them during Christmas). Another way that Feed and Fortify shares love with the community is through their food pantry to provide essential food items to families who may be struggling to put food on the table. In addition to the food pantry, Feed and Fortify provides financial assistance to families who are struggling financially, this can include help with utility bills, rent, and other essential expenses.

Migdalia deserves to be recognized for her courage, love, passion and dedication for the community, specifically, families in need and homeless. What makes her service truly valuable is her selflessness, she is always putting the needs of others above her own getting out of her comfort zone and never expecting anything in return and is always willing to go the extra mile. Migdalia shows courage by asking donations from different organization and she is never afraid of rejection. She helps communities that are considered less fortunate, even when her service is not acknowledge. She continuously shows passion by sacrificing personal life and possessions to be the one caring for others genuinely. The level of integrity of Migdalia is outstanding, never questionable in any area of her life. Since she has a financial background, she is able to maintain an accurate record of donations and how it is used in the community according to the donor. Her energy and enthusiasm while she does her ministry is contagious.

Mr. Mike Troisi Hometown Hero Award Honoree, May 2025

In our community, we have an inspiring hero who has dedicated his life to making a difference. After a distinguished career in law enforcement, specifically dealing with child removal DCF cases, he's now a devoted family man who raised his own children alongside his wife and currently fostering a special needs child. His unwavering commitment and deep compassion shine through in everything he does.

With a heart full of kindness, he consistently reaches out to support his colleagues and friends, whether through friendly conversations or practical help in times of need. He creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families facing similar challenges, ensuring that everyone feels included and understood. He fosters a sense of belonging that is so vital for those navigating difficult paths.

Understanding the complexities of new marriages, he takes time to mentor young men in his local church, offering practical tools and emotional support to help them build strong partnerships. His efforts to nurture strong relationships reflect the profound compassion he holds within.

Furthermore, he actively volunteers to assist families in need, leading initiatives that inspire those around him to embrace love and understanding in every interaction. Through his heartfelt actions and uplifting words, he creates a ripple effect of positivity that touches many lives, making a meaningful impact in our community.

He encourages everyone to make a difference, urging friends and neighbors to radiate kindness and support within their circles. This spirit of camaraderie ultimately cultivates a tightly knit community where everyone feels valued, uplifted, and empowered to contribute. His legacy is one of connection and compassion that will resonate for years to come.

Ms. Lisa Williams, Hometown Hero Award Honoree, April 2025

Ms. Lisa is the Founder and Director of LANES, a mentoring organization dedicated to empowering teenage girls. Since 1996, she has been actively engaged in the Central Florida area, inspiring young girls to become confident leaders in both their schools and neighborhoods.

Prior to incorporating LANES, she served in Girls Ministry at The Life Center church located in Eatonville, Florida. She has volunteered with Every Kid Outreach, Redeeming Light Community Services, Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Junior Achievement and the City Of Winter Park Recreation Department.

Her dedication to service reflects a genuine passion for uplifting others and making a lasting impact in the lives of those around her. Her impact continues to resonate in lives of LANES alumni, many of whom return to share their experiences and invest in the next generation of young women matriculating through the program.

Lisa is a true Hometown Hero, having earned the respect and admiration of all who have the privilege of knowing her.