SR859: SR859 Edwards, Dr. Yolanda J.; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards for her military service in the United States Army, first from 1983 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2007, and for founding the nonprofit organization Her Waters, Inc. in January 2017. The resolution describes how Her Waters, Inc. expands access to fishing and fly-fishing programs for women in Georgia, including through an initiative called 'She Said YES to the Fly,' aimed especially at women veterans and Black women. The Senate resolves to commend Dr. Edwards and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide her with a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards for her military service and community leadership.
• States the Senate's official praise for her founding of the nonprofit Her Waters, Inc. in January 2017.
• Describes the nonprofit's fishing and fly-fishing programs and its 'She Said YES to the Fly' initiative for women.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Dr. Edwards.

This resolution directly names and honors Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards. It also references the participants in her nonprofit's programs, including women veterans and Black women involved in Her Waters, Inc.'s fishing and outdoor initiatives.

The resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect on Georgians generally. Its practical impact is limited to an official Senate acknowledgment of Dr. Edwards's service and community work, along with a commemorative copy provided to her.

• The whereas clauses recount Dr. Edwards's Army service from January 1983 to November 1996 and again from September 2001 to November 2007.
• The whereas clauses describe her founding of Her Waters, Inc. in January 2017 and its fishing programs for women in Georgia.
• The resolved clause has the Senate formally recognize and commend Dr. Edwards and wish her continued health and happiness.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Dr. Edwards.

1. 2026-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)Primary sponsor
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)

• Senate resolution
• military veterans
• community recognition
• nonprofit organizations