WHITE PLAINS – The Westchester County Board of Legislators this week celebrated Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with an in-person ceremony recognizing the efforts of inspiring Westchester residents: Dr. Yung Yi Diana Pan of Hastings-on-Hudson, and Lili and Sam (Mun) Moy of Rye.
Dr. Pan, a beacon of academic excellence and community service, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering understanding and empowerment within diverse communities. Her illustrious career, spanning academia and activism, reflects her dedication to advancing social justice and inclusivity. The Moys, esteemed business owners and pillars of the Rye community, are renowned for their dedication to both business and philanthropy. They have exemplified resilience and generosity throughout their tenure. From revitalizing their family-owned dry-cleaning business to championing numerous charitable causes, the Moys have left an indelible mark on Rye and beyond.
“My wife, Lili and I are so honored to be here tonight, and grateful to be recognized for this award during your AAPI Heritage Month celebration,” Mr. Moy said. “We would like to thank our Legislator Catherine Parker for acknowledging our hard work throughout the Rye community, as well as at our Temple in Chinatown in New York City.”
The Board declared May 8, 2024 “Lili and Sam Moy Day” in Westchester County.
Dr. Pan warmly thanked the Legislator for the award.
“Like many of you, I wear multiple hats,” Dr. Pan said. “The one thread in my professional and personal lives is my advocacy for equity and representation. Growing up in Oregon, where it was over ninety percent white during my childhood, meant that not only did I not have role models who looked like me, I certainly did not learn about Americans of Asian descent. It wasn’t until I took Asian American Studies classes in college that I felt American, that I could own being an American, and that I could assert my American identity because I learned that people who looked like me, also contributed to the making of this country: The answer is inclusive education. To not have AANHPI studies in our curriculum demonstrates that we are okay with our friends and neighbors who look like me feeling less than, and not truly a part of American society.”
The Board declared May 11, 2024 “Dr. Diana Pan Day” in Westchester County.
