ROCHESTER, NY, May 15, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Clianda A. Florence, MEd, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Florence has dedicated her career to advancing literacy and education, drawing inspiration from her grandfather's legacy as a civil rights icon. As the founder and CEO of Strength 2 Say since 2022, she has been instrumental in fostering community relationships and providing essential resources to the Rochester City School District. Her work with the parent academy focuses on enhancing literacy development for children, bridging the gap between school and home.

Ms. Florence's professional journey began as a teacher in the Rochester City School District and Buffalo School District Charter, where she honed her expertise in literacy with a family focus. Her commitment to education led her to become a coordinator for the Cultural Linguistics Department at the Buffalo Central Office, further solidifying her reputation as an expert in her field. From 2018 to 2024, she served as the chief executive officer of Strength 2 Say, where she addressed community needs by empowering individuals and offering tools to educators and families before assuming her current role.

Throughout her career, Ms. Florence's dedication to her industry has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the New York State Senate Award and the Senator Jeremy Cooney Commendation Award in 2024. She has also received the Burton S. August Senior Award for Community Leadership.

Enhancing her industry expertise, Ms. Florence is pursuing a doctorate in teaching curriculum at the University of Rochester. She currently holds a Master of Arts in educational administration from Brockport College, obtained in 2020, and a Master of Education in elementary education and teaching from Nazareth, completed in 2008. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Bennett College in 2003.

Active civically, Ms. Florence serves on the boards of Feminist Choosing Life and Reentry and Community Development. She is also an executive board member of the Rochester Area Literacy Council. Her volunteer work with the Church of Christ reflects her foundational faith and commitment to service.

Complementing her primary career work, Ms. Florence is also a prolific author and presenter. She has written "It Happens" and "The Essence of My Soul" and hosts the podcast "Let's Get L.I.T" on WDKX. Her presentations at events like the Philadelphia School District conference, UB Teaching Black History Conference and the National Literacy Conference highlight her dedication to sharing knowledge and advocating for literacy.

Reflecting on her career, Ms. Florence credits much of her success to her faith in God and the support of the Church of Christ. Life's challenges, along with guidance from mentors and her community, have built her resilience and her students' struggles have also inspired her drive to make a difference. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys writing poetry, reading, traveling, exploring new cultures, attending church and spending time with her family, including her three children.

Looking ahead, Ms. Florence envisions opening an all-boys academy for sixth to eighth-grade students and their families, providing comprehensive support services like mental health care, health care access, mentorship programs and educational opportunities for parents. Additionally, she plans to establish a family resource center to facilitate communal learning activities and create a consortium for literacy learning from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Through these initiatives, she aims to continue her grandfather's legacy by effecting systemic change within her community through literacy advocacy.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #