Senate Resolution No. 587 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING Tracyavon Ford upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York at its Celebration of Women Luncheon WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and WHEREAS, Tracyavon Ford has given not only of her time and energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Tracyavon Ford upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York to be recognized at its Celebration of Women Luncheon on Saturday, March 25, 2023; and WHEREAS, Each year New York State officially sets aside time to recognize the unique contributions that women have made to New York State and beyond; and WHEREAS, A member of Prince Hall Order Eastern Star since June 3, 2000, and elected Worthy Matron in 2013, Tracyavon Ford has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; she has also served as District Deputy Grand Matron, a board member for Camp Eureka, and a board member of the Prince Hall Medical Association; and WHEREAS, After receiving her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Adelphi University, Tracyavon Ford went on to earn her Master's degree in Social Work, and is a postgraduate Practice Fellow with a concentration in Clinical Supervision; and WHEREAS, A New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of T. Ford LCSW Consulting Services PLLC, Tracyavon Ford provides a variety of holistic mental health and wellness services in her practice, including consultation, clinical supervision, and training; and WHEREAS, Tracyavon Ford is also certified as a breathwork teacher, registered yoga teacher, mindfulness practitioner, and level II trauma professional; and WHEREAS, A truly successful woman in her field, Tracyavon Ford presently serves as the Vice Chairman of the New York State Office of the Professions State Board for Social Work; and WHEREAS, In addition to her private practice, Tracyavon Ford works in public education at Brooklyn Technical High School and is adjunct faculty at several local colleges and universities; and WHEREAS, Tracyavon Ford is a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructor by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and has certified over 500 people in Mental Health First Aid; she is also a trainer with the New York State Office of Mental Suicide Prevention Center; and WHEREAS, Receiving well-deserved awards for her community health advocacy and education, Tracyavon Ford was given citations from the Public Advocate, Bronx Borough President, and Brooklyn Borough President in the City of New York; and WHEREAS, Tracyavon Ford is the creator and host of "The Positive Professional Podcast," further spreading the narrative of positive self-talk; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Tracyavon Ford has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Tracyavon Ford upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York at its Celebration of Women Luncheon; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Tracyavon Ford.