LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the prestigious
Mother's Day Award by the National Action Network and Gateway Christian
Center

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips upon the occasion of her desig-
nation as recipient of the prestigious Mother's Day Award by the
National Action Network and Gateway Christian Center, to be celebrated
at its Government Gala Awards Ceremony, on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at
Jericho Terrace, Mineola, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to women who have demonstrated
exemplary works, services, and commitment to the people of their commu-
nities; Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips truly deserves this
honor for her contributions to the people of South Florida and her
neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Michelle E. Richards was born on July 9, 1967, to Gwendolyn
and Roy Richards in Jamaica; she later earned her Bachelor's degree in
Business Administration in Kingston, Jamaica; and
WHEREAS, For several years, Michelle E. Richards-Phillips was employed
by two major banking institutions in Jamaica, holding several different
managerial titles; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, Michelle E. Richards-Phillips moved to the United
States and began working as a Personal Banker for Bank of America; she
quickly rose through the ranks and held the esteemed position of Bank
Account Executive in charge of 17 banking centers and their loans; and
WHEREAS, Michelle E. Richards-Phillips was then promoted to the lead-
ership role of Vice-President of Mortgages; in 2010, she left Bank of
America to pursue other aspirations; and
WHEREAS, Today, Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips has embarked
on a new career speaking to individuals and organizations about managing
their finances using a Biblical perspective; she empowers people by
assisting them in becoming financially secure; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Michelle E. Richards-Phillips was baptized in her
church, and was later ordained into the ministry as an Evangelist in
2006; and
WHEREAS, As an Evangelist, Michelle E. Richards-Phillips and her
husband Minister Ralston Phillips established Visions International
Ministries in 2008; this vital organization has donated substantial
funds to the homeless; and
WHEREAS, Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips was nominated for
the distinguished Local Heroes Award from the Bank of America Foundation
for her philanthropic works; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Minister Ralston
Phillips, and her three daughters, Shawnelle, Ashley, and Mikala, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the prestigious Mother's Day Award by the
National Action Network and Gateway Christian Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Evangelist Michelle E. Richards-Phillips, the National Action
Network, and the Gateway Christian Center.