2023 -- H 5138
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LC000440
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
CONGRATULATING AND THANKING DEBORAH L. PERRY FOR TWENTY-FOUR
YEARS OF LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO YWCA RHODE ISLAND AND
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Voas, Morales, Potter,
Kislak, Casimiro, Vella-Wilkinson, and Kazarian
Date Introduced: January 17, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, Deborah L. Perry gained the distinguished designation as the youngest 1
President and CEO of YWCA Rhode Island when she was appointed in July of 1999, at the age 2
of 36. She had previously served as the nonprofit's Development Director from 1997-1999; and 3
WHEREAS, During her tenure, Ms. Perry focused her talents and vision on increasing 4
the YWCA's assets, adding a panoply of innovative programs to address the needs and challenges 5
of many Rhode Island communities, and instituting numerous plans that have provided for the 6
long term financial stability and success of the organization; and 7
WHEREAS, Ms. Perry has achieved myriad advancements in YWCA programing and 8
services including the establishment of innovative programs for middle school girls, the 9
acquisition and revitalization of the YWCA/Nickerson Community Center in Providence, the 10
creation of media celebrating the aspirations and accomplishments of Rhode Island women, and 11
the formation of a statewide organization through the merger of Woonsocket-based YWCA 12
Northern Rhode Island into Central Falls-based YWCA Greater Rhode Island; and 13
WHEREAS, In addition, Ms. Perry served as the inaugural chair of the Sheila Skip 14
Nowell Leadership Academy and managed Gateway to Independence, which serves more than 15
100 veterans each year; and 16
WHEREAS, The Chair of the YWCA Rhode Island YWCA’s Board of Directors 17
fittingly praised Ms. Perry's accomplishments stating, "Deborah’s leadership, vision, 18
determination, as well as her unassuming ‘can do’ approach, have all served to increase the 19
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influence and impact of the YWCA"; and 1
WHEREAS, Deborah Perry's achievements and advancements for and with YWCA 2
Rhode Island have been beneficial to many, many Rhode Islanders and she is worthy of our 3
gratitude and recognition; now, therefore be it 4
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 5
congratulates and thanks Deborah Perry for her dedicated leadership and service to YWCA 6
Rhode Island on the occasion of her retirement as the organization's President and CEO. We 7
moreover wish her good health and continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further 8
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 9
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Deborah L. Perry. 10
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