Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 6 p.m.
2024 HONOREE AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Zaki Hossain Founder, Modern Packaging CEO, Pintail Coffee Inc.
HONOREES
Yong Hwa Ha Founder, Esther Ha Foundation President, Solomon Agency Corporation
Robert Vitelli CEO, LGBT Network
Craig M. Rustici, PhD
The Dr. Mervin Livingston Schloss Distinguished Professor for the Study of Disabilities Professor of English, Hofstra University
Presentation of Bethpage Federal Credit Union High School Diversity Essay Scholarship Award Multicultural Performances
Cover Image: Horizons, 2008, Milt Masur, bas relief/collage, overpainted with oil, on panel. From the Collection of Embracing Our Differences, Long Island: A Project of the Center for Social Justice and Human Understanding.
printed on recycled paper
C ELEBRATION OF SUBURBAN DIVERSITY 2024 COMMITTEE and
THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR SUBURBAN STUDIES AT HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY ®
cordially invite you to attend the
An Inspiring Evening of Multicultural Entertainment, Awards, Artwork, and Esteemed Speakers
Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 6 p.m.
Crest Hollow Country Club Woodbury, New York
Hearty multinational-inspired hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour followed by the awards program and delectable desserts.
Business Attire • Ethnic Dress Encouraged Proceeds benefit diversity-related scholarships, research, and community-based initiatives.
Please visit hofstra.edu/shc for any protocols in place at the time of the event. We look forward to celebrating with you!
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.
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 16th 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 2024 CO-CHAIRS
Robert B. Catell
Chairman, Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center
Susan Poser
Tariq Khan Niats Realty Corporation
CELEBRATION OF SUBURBAN DIVERSITY 2024 COMMITTEE
President, Hofstra University
Charles Riordan
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Hofstra University
Cornell Craig
Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
Hofstra University
Lawrence C. Levy
Associate Vice President Hofstra University
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 ®
Eric Alexander
Vision Long Island
Gloria Baca
Community Advocate
The Honorable Michael Balboni
RedLand Strategies
Sandi Brewster-walker
LI Indigenous People Museum
The Honorable Jon Cooper Spectronics Corporation
Don Dreyer
Disability Rights and Policy Consultant
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
David Kilmnick
LGBT 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
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
Mohinder Taneja
Community Advocate
Celebration Founding Chair
Freda Wagner, Esq.
Mediator and Consultant
Tai Wang
WAC Lighting Company