Mineola, NY - May 14, 2018 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran today announced the formation of a new Asian-American Advisory Board in Nassau County. The Advisory Board provides a forum for Asian-American communities to raise issues facing their communities. Curran introduced the board at an event marking Asian Heritage month.
“I’m honored to host the 2018 Asian-American Heritage Month celebration and announce an Asian-American Advisory Board to serve as a bridge between the county government and these ethnic communities.”
Founding board members will include the following prominent members of the County’s Asian American communities:
- Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, Hillside Mosque
- Dr. Isma Chaudhry, Chair, Islamic Center of Long Island
- Christine Leu, Chinese Center of Hempstead
- James Mun, President, Korean-American Association of Long Island
- Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Past President, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
- Ammad Sheikh, South Asian Sports Network
- Satnum Parhar, Past President, India Association of Long Island
Farrah Mozawalla has been appointed to the newly created position as Director for the Asian-American Advisory Board. Ms. Mozawalla, who has served as the Acting Executive Director of Minority Affairs (OMA), will work closely with colleagues at OMA, CASA, the Human Rights Commission and other County agencies to coordinate programs.
The board’s purpose will be to bring to the attention of the County Executive those issues that impact upon the Asian-American communities throughout the County of Nassau; seek community input on relevant issues that impact their communities; improve communications and cultural understanding between the Asian-American communities, government, and its residents; and address pertinent education, health, small business, and legislative issues.
According to U.S. Census data the Asian American community is among the fastest growing segments of the population in Nassau County. Today Nassau’s Asian American community stands at 9.7% of the overall population; up from 4.75% in 2000.
“This is a rapidly growing population within Nassau County and it is my hope this newly constituted advisory board will function to better promote minority business development, access to services, and encourage overall civic participation.”