2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25102910D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 637

Offered February 11, 2025

Commending Corliss Udoema.

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Patrons—Reid and Martinez; Senator: Srinivasan

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WHEREAS, Corliss Udoema, a passionate philanthropist in Prince William County, has dedicated her life to the service of others, leveraging her own success as an entrepreneur to support and uplift veterans, seniors, and other members of her community; and

WHEREAS, Corliss Udoema grew up in North Carolina and gained an appreciation for the importance of hard work and responsibility at a young age; in addition to working several odd jobs in her youth, she would often bring her prized record player to a local community center, charge 15 cents for a choice of song, then donate the proceeds to help people in need; and

WHEREAS, Corliss Udoema worked as an employee of the United States Marine Corps, the United States Army, and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command; she was also a member of the board of directors of Willing Warriors, a nonprofit organization that provides retreats for veterans recovering from service-related illnesses or injuries; and

WHEREAS, after 30 years of government service, Corliss Udoema established Contract Solutions, Inc., which has grown into a multi-million dollar company under her leadership and earned a host of awards for its innovative solutions to staffing, training, and technology issues for public and private clients; and

WHEREAS, while Contract Solutions, Inc., has generated a significant amount of philanthropic support for veterans, Corliss Udoema was driven to do more and established Agape Love in Action (ALIA) in March 2015; and

WHEREAS, as president of ALIA, Corliss Udoema has created innovative programs like Business Battle Buddies, which offers mentorship and coaching for other veteran entrepreneurs; Wisdom Meets Technology, which provides computer literacy programs for seniors; and Hope in a Bag program, which provides food and hygiene products for people without stable housing; and

WHEREAS, Corliss Udoema and ALIA have also raised funds to support other organizations supporting veterans and active-duty service members and have made contributions to a shelter for homeless veterans; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Corliss Udoema, affectionately known as “Mama U,” celebrates her birthday every year by hosting her Bless Others During June initiatives that support a variety of worthy causes; and

WHEREAS, among numerous awards and accolades, Corliss Udoema has been selected as one of the top corporate philanthropists by Washington Business Journal for seven years, and has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have completed more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service in their lifetime, from President Joseph R. Biden; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Corliss Udoema for her accomplishments as a successful entrepreneur and generosity as a philanthropist; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Corliss Udoema as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her achievements in service to people in need throughout the Commonwealth.