LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Adjoa Esinam Gzifa upon the occasion of
her designation as a 2014 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that women of every
economic, ethnic, and religious background have made significant
contributions to their community and to the State of New York, and that
it is appropriate to recognize them and to publicly acknowledge their
endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, each year the New York State Senate honors
outstanding women who make our world and our lives better; this Legisla-
tive Body is, therefore, justly proud to recognize and commend Adjoa
Esinam Gzifa upon the occasion of her designation as a 2014 New York
State Senate Woman of Distinction; and
WHEREAS, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa has contributed significantly to both her
chosen profession and to her community and truly merits this high honor;
and
WHEREAS, A native New Yorker, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa is the 14th child of
the late Eva and Willie Henry; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Accounting from York College, City University of New York in 1988, as
well as a Master's of Art degree in Urban Studies from Queens College in
1995; and
WHEREAS, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa is the Director of The Workforce Education
Center, Division of Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia Communi-
ty College in Long Island City, New York; she is also an adjunct lectur-
er at York College; and
WHEREAS, As an educator, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa is committed to providing
quality education to youth enrolled in the various programs at LaGuardia
Community College; she develops curriculums and guidelines for all of
the youth programs under her supervision, and is actively involved with
the Summer Youth Employment Program which provides summer employment to
1,700 youth; and
WHEREAS, Active within her community, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa is a board
member of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, a lifetime member of
the York College Alumni Association, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter; she was inducted into the Chi
Alpha Epsilon Honor Society in October of 2006; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she served five years as President of the York
College Alumni, Inc., and has held an office on the Executive Board
since 1988; she is a member of the Queens General Assembly, an appointee
to the Public Advocate's Civic Leader Board, and a member of the Board
of Directors of the New York Association of Training and Employment
Professionals; and
WHEREAS, An avid volunteer, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa provides leadership for
the Toys-for-Tots program hosted by the York College Alumni Association,
prepares meals for the elderly in her community, and feeds the homeless
on Thanksgiving Day; and
WHEREAS, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa's advocacy extends beyond the United
States; she has traveled to Ghana for more than 20 years where she works
with children in villages, providing tuition, books, clothing, and most
of all hope for the future; she extraordinarily, with the help of a
colleague, built a school for more than 600 students enrolled in the
Oshiyie D/A Primary School in Ghana through an organization they founded
called Future Scholars of the World, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Adjoa Esinam Gzifa is the proud recipient of numerous awards
and accolades some of which include: National Association of Equal
Opportunity in Higher Education Distinguished Alumna Award; York College

Alumni Distinguished Alumna Award, Heroic Women's Award from Borough
President Helen Marshall; the Guy R. Brewer Community Service Award;
National Association of University Women, Long Island Branch, Hilda A.
Davis Award; National Association of Negro Women, Educator's Award; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three children, Sheridan,
Carleene and the late Kelvin, and nine grandchildren, Lamar, Gerrard,
Jordan, Joshua, Kianai, Jade, Jennifer, Karizma and Jaden, as well as
two great-grandchildren, Merrick and Kelvin, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Adjoa Esinam Gzifa has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Adjoa Esinam Gzifa upon the occasion of her designation as a 2014
New York State Senate Woman of Distinction; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Adjoa Esinam Gzifa.