Westchester County's Asian American Advisory Board Holds First Meeting

First monthly meeting of 2021 held January 21 

  Celebrated traditions, philosophy and customs weren’t the only connection bringing together Westchester County’s Asian American Advisory Board. The group held its first meeting of the year on January 21, brainstorming ways to help shape policies impacting their community.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed off on the creation of the board as a part of his continued dedication to ensuring everyone living here has a voice in County government.

Latimer said: “We want our neighbors to give insight on matters of policy in Westchester. We want to make sure everyone’s voices are heard and the County reflects the robust diversity building communities here.”

The members of Westchester County’s Asian American Advisory Board are leaders in their fields including medicine, research and law. Many of the men and women making up the board have been longtime Westchester residents calling neighborhoods in Mount Kisco, Pelham, Irvington and New Rochelle home.

Member Lillian Wu, a Chappaqua resident said: “I am proud to serve on County Executive Latimer’s Asian American Advisory Board. Westchester is an increasingly diverse place. It is important for all of us, especially during these difficult coronavirus times, to work together to build an engaged, connected and inclusive Westchester.”

The fourteen member board represents countries like Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines and Japan. Asian Americans are among the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States and make up 6.5% of the population in Westchester County, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Statistics.

Jin Whang, a local activist and member of the board said: “My hope is for the Asian American Advisory Board to work with our Westchester leaders in undoing the indivisibility facing our communities against the national backdrop of the national dialogue on inclusivity and racial justice.”

Applicants for the Asian American Advisory Board are still being encouraged. Westchester County is also seeking members for the Arab American, Hispanic and African American Advisory Boards.