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.
15th Anniversary Year
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 15th consecutive celebration is dedicated to the ideas – and ideals – 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 2023 CO-CHAIRS Scott Rechler
Robert B. Catell
CEO and Chairman, RXR
Chairman, Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center
CELEBRATION OF SUBURBAN DIVERSITY 2023 COMMITTEE Susan Poser President, Hofstra University Charles Riordan Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Hofstra University Cornell Craig Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Hofstra University
Eric Alexander Vision Long Island
Jeffrey Kraut Northwell Health
Gloria Baca Community Advocate
Linda Leaf LI Human Rights Activist
The Honorable Michael Balboni RedLand Strategies
Soh Young Lee-Segredo Educator Celebration Music Coordinator
Sandi Brewster-walker LI Indigenous People Museum The Honorable Jon Cooper Spectronics Corporation
Lawrence C. Levy Associate Vice President Executive Dean The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University®
Don Dreyer Disability Rights and Policy Consultant
Christopher Niedt Academic Director The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University®
Henry Holley Henry Holley Group
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®
Thomas J. Garry, Esq. Harris Beach PLLC
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 David Kilmnick LGBT Network
Bernard Macias AARP Pavneet Mehra Citi Kirit Panchamia Panchamia CPA PC Hotelier Marge Rogatz Community Advocates Inc. Robert Suarez Bethpage Federal Credit Union Zahid Syed Nassau County Commission on Human Rights
Tu e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 2 3 , 6 p . m .
Mohinder Taneja Community Advocate Celebration Founding Chair Freda Wagner, Esq. Mediator and Consultant Tai Wang WAC Lighting Company
95644:8/23