Long Island’s multicultural diversity is the key to our social and economic survival. The ability of people from different races, religions, and regions to live and work together is crucial to our prosperity. Diversity is everybody’s business – and good for everybody’s business. The growing number of newcomers, often from faraway lands, are the new students, patrons, and entrepreneurs who can revive and sustain our economy. Getting to know one another is essential to our success – especially amid the disparities and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dedicated to funding diversity-related scholarships and research at The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® (hofstra.edu/ncss) and our many community partners, the annual Celebration of Suburban Diversity has brought together Long Islanders from across the multicultural spectrum, as well as individuals with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ communities. This 14th consecutive celebration is dedicated to the idea – and ideal – that we cannot leave anyone behind and that we can be stronger for our differences if we come together to appreciate them. The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® is a nonpartisan research institution dedicated to promoting the objective, academically rigorous study of suburbia’s problems, as well as its promise.
Celebration of Suburban Diversity 2022
CELEBRATION OF SUBURBAN DIVERSITY 2022 CO-CHAIRS Scott Rechler
Robert B. Catell
CEO and Chairman, RXR
Chairman, Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center
CELEBRATION OF SUBURBAN DIVERSITY 2022 COMMITTEE Susan Poser President, Hofstra University
Eric Alexander Vision Long Island
Charles Riordan Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Hofstra University
Gloria Baca Community Advocate The Honorable Michael Balboni RedLand Strategies Sandi Brewster-Walker LI Indigenous People Museum David L. Calone LI Emerging Technologies Fund The Honorable Jon Cooper Spectronics Corporation Resi Cooper Consultant Don Dreyer Disability Rights and Policy Consultant John R. Durso LI Federation of Labor Thomas J. Garry, Esq. Harris Beach PLLC Henry Holley Henry Holley Group Dafny Irizarry Long Island Latino Teachers Association Jessica K. Kalra, Esq. David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Tariq Khan Sentar Fuel Company Inc. Niats Realty Corporation
Cornell Craig Chief Diversity and Inclusion Offcer, Hofstra University Lawrence C. Levy Associate Vice President Executive Dean The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® Christopher Niedt Academic Director The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® Deborah Tinnirello Senior Assistant Dean The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® Ina Katz Administrator The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University®
David Kilmnick Long Island LGBT Services Network Jeffrey Kraut Northwell Health Linda Leaf LI Human Rights Activist Soh Young Lee-Segredo Educator Celebration Music Coordinator Bernard Macias AARP Pavneet Mehra Citi Joseph Milizio, Esq. Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP Kirit Panchamia Panchamia CPA PC Hotelier Marge Rogatz Community Advocates Inc. Zahid Syed Nassau County Commission on Human Rights Mohinder Taneja Community Advocate Celebration Founding Chair Freda Wagner, Esq. Mediator and Consultant Tai Wang WAC Lighting Company 92585:8/22
Tu e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 9, 2 0 2 2 , 6 p . m .