Honoring Sandra Lake for Her Extraordinary Contributions to Women and Communities in Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Sandra Lake was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, and immigrated to the United States in 1999 with her three young daughters, bringing with her a strong spirit, faith, and dedication to community service; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, empowered by all of the support she received upon arriving in our state, Sandra established the Extraordinary Woman Award to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life, and became the first person in the state to formally organize an annual observance of International Women’s Day on March th; and

WHEREAS, The Extraordinary Woman Award grew into the Woman Development Institute (WDI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which this year marks 25 years of service dedicated to leadership development, educational workshops, and support for women, youth, and families throughout Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Under Sandra’s leadership as Founder and Executive Director, WDI has prioritized inclusivity by offering bilingual programs, translation services, and removing financial barriers in order that all members of the community have the opportunity to participate and benefit; and

WHEREAS, Sandra has built a distinguished career as an educator at the high school and university levels, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Science in Community Services, and has consistently demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming challenges as an immigrant; and

WHEREAS, Sandra is a loving mother to her three daughters, Glamirssy, Eivony, and Diandra, and proud grandmother of six. Together with her husband, Domingo, they have cultivated a family deeply engaged in supporting the mission of the Woman Development Institute; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by her Christian faith and by the example of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, Sandra continues to advance the empowerment of women and strengthen communities across Rhode Island; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors Sandra Lake for her outstanding leadership, tireless advocacy, and transformative contributions to women and families in the state; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Sandra Lake.