BySenators Warnick, Becker, Schoesler, King, Short, Fortunato, Hawkins, O'Ban, Rivers, Walsh, Honeyford, Bailey, Wagoner, Zeiger, Holy, Wilson, L., Salomon, Brown, Das, Dhingra, Wellman, and Rolfes

WHEREAS, Indian Americans who call Washington state home are part of the 3.5 million individuals who make up the United States Indian Diaspora; and

WHEREAS, The youth of this community have preserved and helped the rich Indian culture continue to thrive; and

WHEREAS, The Miss India USA and Miss India Worldwide pageants, organized by the New York-based India Festival Committee, are cornerstones of instilling Indian values, traditions, and culture among Indian-origin youths; and

WHEREAS, The Miss India USA and Miss India Worldwide pageants are part of the oldest and largest events for the Indian Diaspora community; and

WHEREAS, Shree Saini, 22, of Moses Lake won the 37th annual Miss India USA pageant, where she represented Washington, competing with 52 contestants from across the nation; and

WHEREAS, Shree Saini went on to represent and win for the United States at the 27th annual Miss India Worldwide pageant, which included young women from the Indian communities in over 42 countries; and

WHEREAS, Shree Saini was told by her doctors that she could never dance after being installed with a pacemaker at the age of 12, but persevered through these challenges and volunteers her time to work with the American Heart Association; and

WHEREAS, Her efforts in promoting her two main charitable causes, heart disease and mental health, since the age of 15, have earned her the respect and admiration of those in her community; and

WHEREAS, Her advocacy for mental health and emotional well-being through thousands of articles and hundreds of speeches delivered in over 70 cities, 11 states, and 4 countries, has touched countless lives; and

WHEREAS, Her enterprise as Shree Investments in the city of George, Washington, is a recipient of over 500 certificates of appreciation from regional organizations over its 11 years of business, and the recipient of the Corporations for Communities Award and the National Association of Secretaries of State Medal;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize Shree Saini for her longtime advocacy and promotion of Indian culture, and commend her leadership and philanthropy in devotion to Washington State and the Indian community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Shree Saini.