Senate Resolution No. 1615

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Rhonda Shamin Binda, Esq. upon the
occasion of being recognized at the Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on March 22,
2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those exceptional leaders whose public service, civic
innovation, and commitment to justice reflect the enduring moral vision
and transformative legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rhonda Shamin Binda, Esq. upon the occasion of her recognition at the
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, to be held on
Sunday, March 22, 2026; and

WHEREAS, A visionary leader globally recognized for building smart,
safe, and compassionate cities, Rhonda Shamin Binda has distinguished
herself as a People's Choice honoree for her pioneering work advancing
public safety, civic engagement, and inclusive urban innovation; and

WHEREAS, Rhonda Shamin Binda currently serves as Special Counsel to
Public Safety and Emergency Management at the New York City Office of
Technology & Innovation, where she provides strategic leadership at the
critical intersection of technology, emergency preparedness, and
community protection; and

WHEREAS, Her record of executive leadership includes service as
Chief Executive Officer of the People's House at the Gracie Mansion
Conservancy, where she successfully led the reopening of Gracie Mansion
following the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring public access and civic
programming at full capacity; and

WHEREAS, As Queens Deputy Borough President, Rhonda Shamin Binda
played a pivotal role in pandemic response and recovery, helping guide
Queens from being the epicenter of the crisis to becoming the most
vaccinated county in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Rhonda Shamin Binda's distinguished federal service
includes serving as a United States diplomat under President Barack
Obama, working in the West Wing of the White House under President Bill
Clinton, and contributing to national policy through her work with the
United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and

WHEREAS, Born in the South Bronx and raised in Queens, New York,
Rhonda Shamin Binda's life and career reflect a steadfast dedication to
public service and community empowerment, further exemplified through
her leadership as National Political Director for the Association of
South Asian American Labor; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her governmental service, Rhonda Shamin
Binda is committed to academic mentorship and civic education, serving

as an Adjunct Professor at CUNY Medgar Evers College and Queens College,
shaping the next generation of leaders; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished scholar, Rhonda Shamin Binda is a graduate
of Duke University and Georgetown University Law Center and was honored
as a Lord Rothermere Scholar at Oxford University, reflecting academic
distinction and global perspective; and

WHEREAS, Rhonda Shamin Binda continues her grassroots leadership as
Queens County District Leader for Richmond Hill, Queens, advancing civic
participation and neighborhood advocacy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rhonda Shamin Binda, Esq. upon the occasion of her recognition at
the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, and to commend
her for her visionary leadership, public service, and steadfast
commitment to justice and community advancement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rhonda Shamin Binda, Esq. as a lasting expression of the
highest respect and admiration of this Legislative Body.