Senate Resolution No. 478

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Dr. Andrise Bass upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition at the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on
March 9, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and humanitarian efforts
have profoundly shaped communities, promoted equality, and advanced the
cause of global peace and justice; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Andrise Bass upon the occasion of her designation for recognition at
the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, to be held on
Sunday, March 9, 2025, in celebration of Women's History Month under the
theme "Women of Destiny"; and

WHEREAS, A visionary leader, mentor, author, and global advocate,
Dr. Andrise Bass has dedicated her 29-year career in the private and
nonprofit sectors to creating opportunities, fostering social equity,
and promoting international peace and development; and

WHEREAS, As the Founder of the Humanitarian Focus Foundation in
2009, Dr. Andrise Bass has spearheaded transformative initiatives to
uplift marginalized communities, expand educational access, and promote
human rights across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Her pioneering literacy program in Haiti, which impacted
over 1,600 children, earned her an Honorary Mention from Walden
University, while her commitment to education equity has reached
communities in the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Gambia, Peru,
Uganda, and Guinea, ensuring that students worldwide have access to the
resources necessary for success; and

WHEREAS, A champion of social justice, Dr. Andrise Bass has been a
staunch advocate for human rights, social development, peacebuilding,
immigration reform, and migration assessment, founding the Institute of
Public Policy & Diplomacy Research to advance these causes and empower
individuals to build a more just and peaceful society; and

WHEREAS, Her unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and
public policy has earned her recognition from U.S. Presidents Donald
Trump and Joe Biden, as well as Nobel Peace Prize Winner and former Vice
President Al Gore, further affirming the impact of her advocacy on
national and international levels; and

WHEREAS, A trailblazer in diplomacy and governance, Dr. Andrise Bass
has led efforts to support Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) while actively challenging
legislation such as the Peacebuilding Act (H.R. 1111) to ensure policy
reforms that uphold human dignity and justice; and

WHEREAS, Her global impact in peace and conflict resolution has been
recognized with two Honorary Doctorate Degrees, underscoring her
commitment to humanitarian work and leadership; and

WHEREAS, As a United Nations consultant, Dr. Andrise Bass has led
cross-border initiatives, serving as Chair of the NGO Sustainable
Development NY and working closely with the UN Department of
Communication and the Youth and Capacity Building Department,
solidifying her influence on global policy and diplomacy; and

WHEREAS, A respected educator, mentor, and motivational speaker, Dr.
Andrise Bass has authored books on leadership, business, and sustainable
development diplomacy, inspiring individuals to pursue excellence,
advocate for equity, and cultivate the next generation of global
leaders; and

WHEREAS, In her role as the Global Peace Ambassador Country Director
for the United States, Dr. Andrise Bass continues to promote
international peace efforts, support humanitarian causes, and champion
social impact initiatives that uplift communities worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Andrise Bass is also a proud member of The American
Society for Public Administration (ASPA), further amplifying her
dedication to public service, policy advocacy, and institutional reform;
and

WHEREAS, Guided by her firm belief that "Education is not just a
key; it is the master key that opens countless doors of opportunity,
unlocking the potential for a brighter future for all," Dr. Andrise Bass
continues to serve as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and transformative
leadership; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Andrise Bass upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala,
commending her for her extraordinary contributions to humanitarian
service, education, diplomacy, and social justice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Andrise Bass.