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Get to Know Monica Bliss (Hornick) Vazquez, TFA Class of 2002

When did you graduate from TFA?

2002

Where did you attend college?

I went to UCF and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work.

Please share any awards or academic or professional accomplishments.

I was the award-winning Poster Artist of the 49th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival

One of Monica’s pieces – Promise of Tomorrow

Please share about your career, family, and hobbies.

My husband, Rene, and I met at UCF and have been married for 16 years now. Together, we have 5 precious boys ranging in age from 9 months to 12 years old. We spend lots of time outside getting everyone’s energy out! To my surprise, at the age of 36, I woke up one day to discover I was an artist. I went on to be named the award-winning Poster Artist of the 49th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival in 2022.

My gift now allows me to create art that helps others commemorate their healing. In a world that is filled with noise and chaos, I help individuals and businesses remember the things that are most true about themselves through transcendent works of art. I memorialize stories of healing. I get to remind people of just how far they have come and invite them to cling to the truth of who they really are.

Please share about your current church home and involvement.

We attend Orlando World Outreach Church.

Rene and I served in El Salvador and Malawi, Africa on short-term mission trips and served for a year in Guatemala with the International Justice Mission. Locally, we have served with Summit Church for the past 20 years.

Monica, husband Rene, and their five boys.

How did TFA prepare you for the next steps in your life?

TFA not only well-equipped me academically for college (including standardized test-prep and college applications!) but also laid the foundational groundwork for a Biblically sound future.

What teacher(s) and/or coach(s) had the most impact on your life, why/how?

Dr. Toenge’s genuine smile is imprinted in my mind. His gentle nature and sincere care were a reflection of God’s love for each student.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about the impact or connections TFA has made in your personal and/or professional life?

I’m so grateful to have had the experience of an education at TFA!