Senate Resolution No. 417 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Dr. Samarth Joseph upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on March 9, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have profoundly impacted communities and uplifted future generations; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Samarth Joseph upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, to be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in celebration of Women's History Month under the theme "Women of Destiny"; and WHEREAS, Born in Haiti, Samarth Joseph immigrated to the United States at the age of 17, overcoming challenges to achieve academic and professional success, graduating from Westbury High School before dedicating her life to youth advocacy, education, and community development; and WHEREAS, As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ESPOIR Youth Programs Incorporated, established in 2012, Dr. Samarth Joseph has created life-changing opportunities for young people and families throughout the Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County, offering hope, education, and essential resources to prevent at-risk behaviors and promote personal empowerment; and WHEREAS, Under her visionary leadership, ESPOIR, meaning "hope" in French, has provided counseling services, case management, and social support to youth ages 6 to 21, offering assistance in areas such as anger management, substance abuse, relationship conflicts, mental health, educational advocacy, and parenting skills training, ensuring that families can navigate life's challenges with strength and autonomy; and WHEREAS, The ESPOIR After-School Enrichment and Advantage Program has expanded academic and cultural opportunities for children in the Westbury School District, providing tutoring in language arts, math, science, and social studies, along with enrichment courses such as piano, Zumba, swimming, African dance, STEM education, and peer mediation training, ensuring a holistic approach to youth development; and WHEREAS, Through ESPOIR's commitment to higher education, Dr. Samarth Joseph has awarded the William Pruitt Scholarship to outstanding Westbury High School students, including the 2023 Valedictorian Berlinda Pierre-Louis, reinforcing the importance of academic excellence and perseverance; and WHEREAS, Dr. Samarth Joseph's belief in broadening horizons for young people has led ESPOIR participants and their parents on educational excursions to historic and influential sites such as NASA in Greenbelt, Maryland; The White House in Washington, D.C.; The Liberty Bell and The Mint in Philadelphia; and The United Nations in New York, providing them with invaluable exposure to the world beyond their local communities; and WHEREAS, In addition to her work with youth, Dr. Samarth Joseph has extended financial literacy and economic empowerment to adults in the Westbury community, offering real estate and stock market courses to equip them with the tools for long-term success; and WHEREAS, For over 11 years, ESPOIR's Food Pantry has provided critical nutrition assistance to families in need, ensuring that the Town of North Hempstead residents have access to healthy and sustainable food options; and WHEREAS, A lifelong advocate for education and social change, Dr. Samarth Joseph is a lifetime member of the United Nations Association of the United States of America and The Empire Who's Who of Executives and Professionals, as well as a member of Epsilon Rho Chapter; and WHEREAS, She further serves her community through board leadership roles with Advantage Care Health Centers and the Westbury Carle Place Chamber of Commerce, continuing to influence public health and economic initiatives; and WHEREAS, In recognition of her unwavering service, Dr. Samarth Joseph was inducted into the Town of North Hempstead Women's Wall of Fame on June 23, 2023, a testament to her extraordinary contributions to community service, youth empowerment, and social advocacy; and WHEREAS, Dr. Samarth Joseph is also an entrepreneur and author, owning El Olam's Exquisite Properties and writing the "It's Not Over Yet" book collection, further inspiring individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential; and WHEREAS, Dr. Samarth Joseph's tireless efforts to educate, uplift, and empower others exemplify the spirit of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, celebrating those who create pathways for opportunity and positive change; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dr. Samarth Joseph upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, commending her for her unparalleled contributions to youth empowerment, education, and community service; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Samarth Joseph.