Recognizing and Congratulating State Representative Kesha Ram, on her historic election and inauguration as that only women of color and youngest legislator in the Vermont House of Representatives.

WHEREAS, On August 2, 1986, Vermont State Representative Kesha Ram was born in Los Angeles, California to a Jewish mother and Hindu father who had recently immigrated to the United States from India; and

WHEREAS, Kesha Ram developed an early passion for service, winning her first election in the fifth grade and earning a reputation throughout her childhood as an energetic and dedicated activist for her community; and

WHEREAS, Kesha Ram's record of advocacy and excellence continued at the University of Vermont, where she graduated magna cum laude and became the first person of color to hold the position of Student Government Association President; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Representative Ram initiated a lively grassroots campaign for State Representative in the Vermont House of Representatives, as a 21-year-old, knocking on every door in her Burlington-based district twice and bridging the gap between her college campus and the community surrounding it; and

WHEREAS, On November 4, 2008, Kesha Ram defeated an incumbent politician to become a Vermont State Representative on the same day Barack Obama was elected to become President of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Representative Ram has emerged as a leader on numerous issues of importance to Vermonters and the country at-large, committing her time to green job creation, early childhood and higher education affordability, reduction of environmental toxins, tribal rights and recognition, accessible health care and equity in landlord-tenant relations; and

WHEREAS, Representative Ram supplements her legislative work by serving as legal advocate for Women Helping Battered Women, assisting victims of domestic violence in the courtroom throughout family and criminal legal proceedings; and

WHEREAS, Representative Ram's leadership and service have earned her several titles of distinction, including Lola Aiken Scholar, Morris K. Udall Scholar, Ronald E. McNair Scholar, University of Vermont Tower Society Member, Harry S. Truman Scholar, Oxfam “Sister on the Planet” Climate Change Ambassador, and Vision 2020 Delegate; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and congratulate Vermont State Representative Kesha Ram on her historic election and inauguration as the only women of color and youngest legislator in the Vermont House of Representatives.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to State Representative Kesha Ram as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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