Senate Resolution No. 527

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Nilka Thomas upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by One Hundred
Black Men, Inc. on February 21, 2019

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Nilka
Thomas upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
One Hundred Black Men, Inc., celebrated at its 39th Annual Benefit on
Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Sheraton Times Square Hotel in New York,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Nilka Thomas truly exemplifies the Gala's 2019 theme, "The
Power of Unity Builds Brighter Futures"; and

WHEREAS, One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York began in New York
City in 1963 as an organization of like-minded business, political and
community leaders which convened to capitalize on the collective power
of the community to address issues of concern, inequities, and choosing
to empower African Americans to be agents of change in their own
communities; and

WHEREAS, Nilka Thomas recently joined Lyft as Vice President of
Talent and Inclusion; in this capacity, she oversees recruiting,
inclusion and diversity, as well as employee relations; she will also
lead efforts to source and hire top talent, and ensure that inclusion
and diversity efforts are seamlessly integrated from the earliest
candidate touch points; and

WHEREAS, Nilka Thomas brings over two decades of experience to Lyft;
most recently, she was a vital team member at Google, where she played
an integral role in developing global recruitment efforts and business
growth strategy, and helped implement diversity and talent initiatives
across the Americas; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Nilka Thomas oversaw Google's underrepresented
community engagement efforts, and worked with Alphabet portfolio
companies to integrate a strong focus on inclusion and diversity at an
early stage; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Nilka Thomas upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by One Hundred Black Men, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nilka Thomas.