Senate Resolution No. 565

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Allison Dunn upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a 2023 Women-N-Motion
Empowerment Award by the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Allison Dunn upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a 2023
Women-N-Motion Empowerment Award by the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program to be celebrated at its Awards Brunch on
Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Simpson Restaurant and Bar, Brooklyn, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Founded by Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB)
Entrepreneurial Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to
reach levels of great success through hard work and determination,
proving to be inspiring role models to their community and peers; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in conjunction with the observance of Women's
History Month, this auspicious occasion features several outstanding
women who are leaders, motivators, business professionals, innovators
and entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, Allison Dunn is a resident of Brooklyn, New York, and a
seasoned entrepreneur, author, speaker and mentor for women in business;
and

WHEREAS, A Black woman hailing from Jamaica, Allison Dunn has a deep
entrepreneurial spirit, and has been able to shapeshift her business
pursuits following the various economic and societal challenges over the
years; and

WHEREAS, After working at an investment firm and then as a marketer
in an architectural firm, Allison Dunn set her sights on her own
business ventures; she launched Neat Rules, a home organizing
consultation business, and authored a popular children's book based on
the lifelong skill of organization, Khison is Having Company; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman went on to found Hibiscus Brew, a
thriving community restaurant and meeting spot where she can share
healthy habits, help build friendships, and provide nutritious and
beneficial foods and beverages to her neighborhood customers; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Allison Dunn has mentored countless women and girls,
empowering them to use their skills and assets for success; she has also
mentored small business owners and was a guest speaker to recent

graduates of the Kauffman FastTrac class to discuss entrepreneurship;
and

WHEREAS, Allison Dunn has given tirelessly of her time and energies
to help shepherd other women and people of color, and to encourage
others to follow their passion and embrace their own entrepreneurial
spirit; and

WHEREAS, Allison Dunn holds a Bachelor's degree in International
Relations and after stints in both investment banking and marketing, she
now focuses her time on her businesses, writing career, raising her son,
and serving her community and the people in it; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman's many business accomplishments
have been featured on Fox 5's special television series, "Caribbean in
the City," that has won an Emmy, and in print in The New York Post,
NewsBreak, Travel Noire, The Infatuation, and Amsterdam News; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, her cafe, Hibiscus Brew, was nominated by
Refinery 29 for "99 Days of Design," a program working to empower small
businesses through graphic design support; NewsBreak called the cafe a
"pandemic success story," while The Jamaica Gleaner described it as "an
adorable, tropical cafe...paradise in the middle of a concrete jungle";
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Allison Dunn has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Allison Dunn upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
a 2023 Women-N-Motion Empowerment Award by the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Allison Dunn.