Bill Text: SC H4896 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Patricia Harris, Black History Honoree
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 32-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-02 - Introduced and adopted [H4896 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H4896-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO HONOR THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF PATRICIA SOWELL HARRIS, PROMINENT AFRICAN AMERICAN AND GLOBAL CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER FOR MCDONALD'S CORPORATION.
Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives honors individuals who freely give of their time and resources for the good of others; and
Whereas, Patricia Sowell Harris, a native of McBee, stands high among their number, much admired for her years of unceasing effort to make the world a better place to live; and
Whereas, after receiving a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Personnel Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Harris began her career with McDonald's over thirty years ago as an administrative assistant in the Corporate Legal Department. She was quickly promoted to several positions within the Human Resources Department leading to her current role as Global Chief Diversity Officer where she leads a team responsible for the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies for McDonald's 31,489 restaurants in 118 countries worldwide; and
Whereas, under Harris' leadership, McDonald's has received media and civic recognition for its diversity efforts. Fortune magazine cited the company two years in a row as the No. 1 Company for Diversity as well as naming them one of the "Top 50 Places for Minorities to Work". Other magazines that have honored the company's diversity achievements include Essence, Hispanic Business, Latina Style, and Black Enterprise, which also named McDonald's as the top diversity company two years in a row; and
Whereas, in recognition for her personal work and dedication to the promotion of diversity, Harris has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, among them the National Restaurant Association's Salute to Excellence Award, the Chitrahar Cultural Academy's Unity Award, and Working Mother magazine's designation as one of the Top 10 Diversity Champions in the Country; and
Whereas, considered an expert in the field of diversity, Ms. Harris has held numerous leadership positions in many national organizations including founding member of the Women's Foodservice forum, founding member and past chair of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, Board President for the Network of Strength (formerly Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization), and chair of the NAACP ACT-SO Advisory Council; and
Whereas, Ms. Harris resides in Chicago, Illinois, and has one son, Dwayne, and a granddaughter, Cydnii, who both reside in Oak Park, Illinois; and
Whereas, her innovative mind, impeccable work ethic, and fearless voice has allowed Patricia Sowell Harris to lead confidently, tactfully, and with great effect as she strives to enact changes that benefit the citizens of both this great State and the nation as a whole. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the life and achievements of Patricia Sowell Harris, prominent African American and Global Chief Diversity Officer for McDonald's Corporation.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Patricia Sowell Harris.