2021 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 196
BY SENATOR HARRIS
A RESOLUTION
To commend Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries on becoming the new president and CEO of the
Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League.
WHEREAS, on May 10, 2021, the Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League Board of
Directors announced the selection of Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries as the new president and CEO
of the organization; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries brings to the Tri-County Urban League over
twenty years' experience in finance, global wealth management, and strategy; and
WHEREAS, since 1998, Dr. Jeffries has held various leadership positions during her
tenure with Merrill Lynch & Co., such as financial advisor and a variety of management
positions, including serving as vice president and manager of the audit function for the
Capital Markets Bank operations based in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and she has held a
global supervisory role with oversight for nearly one trillion dollars in client assets; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Jeffries is also the founder and executive director of Girls Light Our
Way, (GLOW), a nonprofit organization which provides tools for mental, physical, and
nutritional wellness, self-efficacy, financial literacy, and social/cultural capital for girls in
Central Illinois; and
WHEREAS, through her hard work and dedication, Dr. Jeffries' career has been full
of accomplishments, which has been highlighted in local newspapers, business magazines,
and publications; and
WHEREAS, in selecting Dr. Jeffries, Mr. Glenn R. Ross, Board Chairperson, said
"On behalf of the Tri-County Urban League Board of Directors, we welcome Dr. Dawn
Jeffries to the Urban League movement. Dr. Jeffries is a proven leader. The breadth of her
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knowledge and experiences positions her well to lead the Tri-County Urban League as we
pursue the vision of creating equitable opportunities for success, empowering people, and
improving lives."; and
WHEREAS, the Tri-County Urban League President is responsible for daily agency
operations in conjunction with the board of directors, staff and volunteers, and providing
innovative leadership and vision to achieve the mission of advancing the regional economy
and quality of life in Central Illinois by promoting education and improving the
employability skills, self-sufficiency and social well-being of African Americans and people
in need; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Jeffries is an extraordinary and inspiring individual whose helpful
and devoted actions have consistently gone far and above the call of duty, and she merits a
special measure of commendation for the tremendous pride and honor she brings to her
family, mentees, and friends as she prepares to begin a new chapter in her life on June 7,
2021, as president of the Tri-County Urban League; and
WHEREAS, a Louisiana native, Dr. Jeffries is a graduate of St. Mary's Dominican
High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, Spelman College, and Benedictine University.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries on becoming the new president and CEO
of the Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Dr. Dawn Harris Jeffries.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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