Senate Resolution No. 406 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Fay-Ann Lyons upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives of service to their community and their profession; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Fay-Ann Lyons upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program to be celebrated at the 18th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted & Black Awards Program on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Terrace On The Park in Queens, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by President/CEO of the NetLinkz Group, Inc., Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to reach levels of great success through hard work and determination, proving to be inspiring role models to their community and peers; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program acknowledges the talent, ambition, and achievements of African American and Caribbean professionals towards their continued pursuit of success; and WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program was launched in honor of Black History Month and shines a light on such accomplished individuals as Fay-Ann Lyons, who truly exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit; and WHEREAS, Fay-Ann Lyons was born to Caribbean singers Lynette Steele and Austin Lyons on November 5, 1980, in the town of Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago; known in her earlier years as the Lyon Empress, she quickly became a star within the Soca movement, and wrote and released several songs and albums, many of which have earned her numerous awards; and WHEREAS, In addition to her dominance in the music industry, Fay-Ann Lyons is a fitness enthusiast, launching her brand, AzaFit; a fashion icon and designer; and a philanthropist, who has humbly given back to people and organizations all over the world; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband Ian Alvarez and their daughter Syri, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and WHEREAS, This award recipient exemplifies the best of her community, by virtue of her energy, vision, and dedication, commanding the greatest respect among her friends and colleagues, and within the community at large; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and young people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Fay-Ann Lyons upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Fay-Ann Lyons.