Senate Resolution No. 417
BY: Senator PARKER
HONORING Dr. Samarth Joseph upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition at the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on
March 9, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have
profoundly impacted communities and uplifted future generations; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Samarth Joseph upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, to
be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in celebration of Women's History
Month under the theme "Women of Destiny"; and
WHEREAS, Born in Haiti, Samarth Joseph immigrated to the United
States at the age of 17, overcoming challenges to achieve academic and
professional success, graduating from Westbury High School before
dedicating her life to youth advocacy, education, and community
development; and
WHEREAS, As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ESPOIR Youth
Programs Incorporated, established in 2012, Dr. Samarth Joseph has
created life-changing opportunities for young people and families
throughout the Town of North Hempstead and Nassau County, offering hope,
education, and essential resources to prevent at-risk behaviors and
promote personal empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Under her visionary leadership, ESPOIR, meaning "hope" in
French, has provided counseling services, case management, and social
support to youth ages 6 to 21, offering assistance in areas such as
anger management, substance abuse, relationship conflicts, mental
health, educational advocacy, and parenting skills training, ensuring
that families can navigate life's challenges with strength and autonomy;
and
WHEREAS, The ESPOIR After-School Enrichment and Advantage Program
has expanded academic and cultural opportunities for children in the
Westbury School District, providing tutoring in language arts, math,
science, and social studies, along with enrichment courses such as
piano, Zumba, swimming, African dance, STEM education, and peer
mediation training, ensuring a holistic approach to youth development;
and
WHEREAS, Through ESPOIR's commitment to higher education, Dr.
Samarth Joseph has awarded the William Pruitt Scholarship to outstanding
Westbury High School students, including the 2023 Valedictorian Berlinda
Pierre-Louis, reinforcing the importance of academic excellence and
perseverance; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Samarth Joseph's belief in broadening horizons for
young people has led ESPOIR participants and their parents on
educational excursions to historic and influential sites such as NASA in
Greenbelt, Maryland; The White House in Washington, D.C.; The Liberty
Bell and The Mint in Philadelphia; and The United Nations in New York,
providing them with invaluable exposure to the world beyond their local
communities; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her work with youth, Dr. Samarth Joseph has
extended financial literacy and economic empowerment to adults in the
Westbury community, offering real estate and stock market courses to
equip them with the tools for long-term success; and
WHEREAS, For over 11 years, ESPOIR's Food Pantry has provided
critical nutrition assistance to families in need, ensuring that the
Town of North Hempstead residents have access to healthy and sustainable
food options; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong advocate for education and social change, Dr.
Samarth Joseph is a lifetime member of the United Nations Association of
the United States of America and The Empire Who's Who of Executives and
Professionals, as well as a member of Epsilon Rho Chapter; and
WHEREAS, She further serves her community through board leadership
roles with Advantage Care Health Centers and the Westbury Carle Place
Chamber of Commerce, continuing to influence public health and economic
initiatives; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her unwavering service, Dr. Samarth
Joseph was inducted into the Town of North Hempstead Women's Wall of
Fame on June 23, 2023, a testament to her extraordinary contributions to
community service, youth empowerment, and social advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Samarth Joseph is also an entrepreneur and author,
owning El Olam's Exquisite Properties and writing the "It's Not Over
Yet" book collection, further inspiring individuals to overcome
obstacles and achieve their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Samarth Joseph's tireless efforts to educate, uplift,
and empower others exemplify the spirit of the Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, celebrating those who create pathways for
opportunity and positive change; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Samarth Joseph upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards
Gala, commending her for her unparalleled contributions to youth
empowerment, education, and community service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Samarth Joseph.
