For most of her life, Mrs. Holland has been passionate about education. One of her earliest memories as a child was seeing beautiful Ruby Bridges going to school wearing a pretty dress, bows in her hair, carrying her bookbag, bringing her brilliant mind ready to learn. Ruby was surrounded by four, tall white men wearing suits keeping her separated from a group of angry white people who didn’t want her there. Phyllis knew then that whatever they were teaching in that school could change children’s lives.

As a young woman, Phyllis began an after-school program at the local church after learning that many of the children who lived on her block in Brooklyn, who attended the nearby public school, had been held over in second grade. The program was primarily focused on reading and math but every weekend she would take the children on trips. From the movies to museums, cultural events, shopping, or just playtime in the neighborhood. Always encouraging learning and the value of new experiences. She witnessed first-hand the change in their approach to learning, the building of their confidence, and their joy of understanding. They went on to overcome their doubling back to become productive citizens working in the fields of nursing, education, law, and government. 

After she married, Phyllis became the mother of Russell, and the teaching and learning experiences became daily.  Throughout her son’s formative years, she enrolled him in art classes at Pratt Institute, athletic programs like Jr. Knicks, math, and science at the Leta Hollingworth Center, Teachers College, and Columbia University. By age 10, Russell would spend his summers at camps on the East Coast from New Jersey to Maine growing in confidence, ability, and talent.  By his teen years, he was a well-seasoned scholar who would spend most of his summers engaged in enrichment activities in academics, arts, and athletics throughout the U.S. making friends, learning new ideas, gaining knowledge and skills, and defining his own successes.

Mrs. Holland continues her work by sharing her proven blueprint with others. Keeping her promise to pay it forward. Encouraging families and their children that with a plan, a purpose, and perseverance all things are possible.