LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Nelly Gicho-Niyonzima upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition by the Ambassador for Christ
International Outreach Ministry and Gateway Christian Center on Sunday,
May 4, 2014

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession or
other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Nelly Gicho-
Niyonzima upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition
by the Ambassador for Christ International Outreach Ministry and Gateway
Christian Center at its 4th Annual Pastors and Women of Distinction
Appreciation Awards Gala on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Floral Terrace,
Floral Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, Nelly Niyonzima is being recognized for her exemplary work
and commitment to her community, which serves to empower others; and
WHEREAS, A native Kenyan, Nelly Niyonzima earned a master's degree in
Diplomacy and International Affairs and is working on her doctorate in
Pole Universitaire Euclide/Euclide University, focusing on human traf-
ficking; she is married to H.E. Ambassador Hermenegilde Niyonzima, the
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Burundi to the United
Nations; they are the proud parents of two beautiful children; and
WHEREAS, She is a Development specialist and her areas of expertise
include Diplomacy, Human Rights, Conflict and Transition, Governance,
Education, Ethics and Public Policy; previously, as a researcher, she
worked for the Department of International Development in Kenya and also
Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration of ex-combatants program in
the Republic of Burundi; and
WHEREAS, Nelly Niyonzima is the Founder and CEO of The Connected
Hearts Inc., a non-partisan organization which mobilizes people in
support of Zero-exploitation of women and children, the 2030 Agenda; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nelly Gicho-Niyonzima upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Ambassador for Christ International Outreach
Ministry and Gateway Christian Center on Sunday, May 4, 2014, noting her
unremitting and compassionate faith and her exemplary service to God,
man, and her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nelly Gicho-Niyonzima.