For 21-year-old Malenga Taylor, describing Holifield wasn't easy.

"I would say the correct word for her... unique." After another moment of thought, she settled on another description: "Rare. Definitely rare."

Taylor said Holifield reminded her of her late grandmother, someone whose kindness and presence were unlike anyone else she had known. After her grandmother died, meeting Holifield brought back that same feeling. Originally from Pittsburgh, Taylor said she felt Holifield's influence before they had even met. Her college roommate often spoke about "Ms. Joni," and those stories made a lasting impression. "I felt the impact and the love for me even before I met her," Taylor said. Now pursuing a degree with plans to become a criminal defense attorney, Taylor credits HeartSmiles with exposing her to experiences that broadened her goals. Through the organization, she traveled to New York, participated in educational trips, met professionals from different fields and found new ways to serve her community. "I love giving back to my community," she said.

Seventeen-year-old Renia Stansu has been involved with HeartSmiles since she was 7. She said Holifield consistently challenged her to think beyond what most children her age could. By the time she was 10, Holifield had encouraged her to start two small businesses, selling snowballs and later handmade keychains. As Renia's interests grew, Holifield continued to support her ambitions, helping her launch a youth violence prevention program by connecting her with teachers and other community resources. When Renia discovered an interest in dentistry, Holifield introduced her to professionals in the field, giving her opportunities to learn more about a potential career. "She connected me with a lot of people in dentistry," Renia said.

Sixteen-year-old Saqalish said HeartSmiles became a place where showing up never felt like an obligation. "It doesn't really feel like work. You feel like you're just coming into the house every day... spending time with my family." When asked about his goals, he first reflected on where he believes he would have been without Holifield's guidance. "If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would be here. I'd probably still be a bad child, being disrespectful to everybody, not going to school." Today, his plans are straightforward. "My main goal is to finish high school, graduate high school, and when I'm done with high school, go to college." The three young people also laughed as they remembered one of Holifield’s familiar sayings. "Don't be no BBE." When asked what it meant, they answered together: ‘Broke, Bum, Energy.’

Across every interview, different stories led to the same experience. Some remembered Holifield for opening doors, others for introducing them to careers, and others for encouraging them to do things they did not believe they could do. The details varied, but the language remained remarkably consistent. Repeatedly, they described someone who "spoke life" into them, expected more from them, and made them believe they were capable of more than they had imagined.