2026 -- S 3007

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LC005971

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING SANDRA LAKE FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO

WOMEN AND COMMUNITIES IN RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Dimitri, Ujifusa, Appollonio, Murray, Famiglietti,
Thompson, Lauria, Valverde, and Raptakis

     Date Introduced: March 05, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     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 8th; 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.

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LC005971

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