SR878: SR878 Cissé, Hajja Ayisha Jeffries; condolences

26 LC 112 3760 Senate Resolution 878 By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Wicks of the 34th, James of the 28th, Mangham of the 55th, Jackson of the 41st and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé served with distinction as Vice President of Global2 Affairs and Senior Policy Advisor to the President of the African American Islamic Institute3 (AAII) under the leadership of the Honorable Shaykh Imam Tidjan e Aliou Cissé and4 previously alongside its Founder, the Honorable Shaykh Imam Hassan Aliou Cissé; and5 WHEREAS, through her visionary leadership at AAII, whose mission is to lead sustainable6 development promoting education, healthcare, the empowerment of women and children,7 poverty alleviation, and peace, she managed a portfolio of 35 global partnerships advancing8 humanitarian initiatives across Africa, the United States, and Europe; and9 WHEREAS, her efforts facilitated historic collaborations, inclu ding partnership with10 AmeriCares resulting in the distribution of more than $1 billio n in medicine and medical11 supplies throughout Africa via the Institute's Shifa Al Asqam Social Medical Center, funding12 support for the Fayda Radio Station in Medina Baye totaling $60 0,000, and a $250,00013 Mobile Clinic Public Health initiative in collaboration with th e United States Embassy in14 Senegal and United States Doctors for Africa titled "Building Bridges: Making the Possible15 from the Impossible"; and16 S. R. 878 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3760 WHEREAS, Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé faithfully represented AAII as its principal liaison17 to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, elevating th e organization's global18 advocacy and strengthening international partnerships for sustainable development; and19 WHEREAS, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, she later made Atlanta, Georgia, her home,20 serving in the administration of the late Mayor Maynard Jackson as Budget Policy Analyst21 and Legislative Review/Governmental Affairs Liaison, contributing her expertise to public22 policy and municipal governance; and23 WHEREAS, she was a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, earning a24 degree in economics, and further distinguished herself by obtaining a Master of Arts from25 the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urb an Policy at The New26 School; and27 WHEREAS, she was recently named Chief Strategy Officer of Darultul Kitabi wal Hikmati,28 an international non-governmental organization chaired by Imam Shaykh Ahmad Tijani,29 Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque of Medina Baye, where she was po ised to expand her30 strategic leadership in service to global communities; and31 WHEREAS, within her Atlanta community, she was a devoted civic leader, serving as32 Co-Chair of the Congressman John Lewis Commemorative Plaza and the John Lewis Task33 Force, consultant to Nasrul Ilm America and Camp Butterfly Girls, charter member of the34 ASMA Society, Global Muslim Women's Fund, The Shura Council, an d the Sufi Society;35 and36 S. R. 878 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3760 WHEREAS, she was a steadfast supporter of the High Museum of Art, the Dance Theatre37 of Harlem, and AID Atlanta, reflecting her lifelong dedication to culture, the arts, and public38 health advocacy; and39 WHEREAS, throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous honors and awards40 and served as a mentor to emerging leaders in political activis m, inspiring countless41 individuals through her example of faith-driven service, intell ectual excellence, and42 compassionate leadership; and43 WHEREAS, her life's work strengthened international partnership s, uplifted vulnerable44 communities, empowered women and youth, and advanced peace and sustainable45 development across continents.46 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body47 honor the life and legacy of Hajja Ayisha Jeffries Cissé, celeb rate her extraordinary48 contributions to global humanitarian efforts and civic leadersh ip, and extend their deepest49 sympathy to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed to know her.50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed51 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Hajja52 Ayisha Jeffries Cissé.53 S. R. 878 - 3 -