SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 179 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Dr. Sandra Braham, the recipient of the Adelante Con Ganas Award for February 2009; and WHEREAS, Dr. Sandra Braham is the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region, the largest YWCA in the nation, with more than 600 employees, an annual budget of more than $30 million and a $7 million foundation; and WHEREAS, Having held this post since May of 2006, Dr. Braham has focused on ensuring the success of the region's programs for homeless women and children, health and wellness services, racial justice, leadership training, credit counseling, and a host of other programs; and WHEREAS, Dr. Braham formerly served as Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Assistant Vice President for Outreach Programs at The University of Texas at El Paso, securing more than $18 million in federal and state grants focused on low-income youth; she chaired the President's Advisory Committee on Diversity for three years and established a freshman seminar course on diversity; and WHEREAS, Dr. Braham has been honored with numerous awards for her outstanding work; and WHEREAS, As a former foster care youth and the daughter of a schizophrenic mother, Dr. Braham truly understands the difficulties faced by persons from less-than-fortunate backgrounds, and today she is a role model for many whose lives she has touched; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commend Dr. Sandra Braham for her many contributions to the City of El Paso and extend to her congratulations on receiving the Adelante Con Ganas Award; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Shapleigh ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2009. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate