Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Chair: Veronica Pillar, Legislator

Vice Chair: Iris Packman, Legislator

CEDO: Leon Holden

Members

Irene Weiser (Legislator)
Rachel Ostlund (Legislator)
Samantha Allmendinger
Nicholas Bennett
Robert Brown
Rachel Graham
John Halaychik
Lillian Isacks
Dr. Jennifer Majka
Christopher Sponn

This Advisory Committee meets the 4th Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

An updated schedule, as well as meeting agendas and minutes from April 2011 to present are now available on the Legislature Meeting Portal.

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne Strength in Diversity Award

The Strength in Diversity Award seeks to recognize individuals, community groups, non-profit organizations, and businesses within the Tompkins County boundary that have demonstrated outstanding achievements; a sustained commitment to the pursuit of cultural diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; and advocacy of basic civil and human rights in our community.

Know someone who fits this description? Nominate them for the award via this online form! (Paper form(PDF, 98KB) available)

A full description of the award and its selection criteria can be found.

Previous Recipients

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne (2021)

Tompkins County Values Recognition

Is there a particular Tompkins County employee who especially exemplifies integrity, respect, equity, or accountability? We would like to recognize them! Please nominate them for recognition with this brief form.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

in 1977, Representatives Frank Horton, and Norman Y. Mineta, introduced a United States House of Representatives resolution to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. Later,a similar bill was introduced by Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga to change from a week to a month, and on May 1, 2009, President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation which recalls the challenges faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and celebrates their great and significant contributions to our society, and the vast diversity of languages, religions, and cultural traditions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander(AANHPI) humans strengthens the fabric of American society.

From the arrival of the first Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants to those who arrive today, as well as those native to the Hawaiian Islands and to our Pacific Island territories, all possess the common purpose of leading a life bound by the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have endured, and overcome, hardship and heartache. In the earliest years, tens of thousands of Gold Rush pioneers, coal miners, transcontinental railroad builders, as well as farm and orchard laborers, were subject to unjust working conditions, prejudice, and discrimination. Even in the darkness of the Exclusion Act and Japanese internment, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have persevered, providing for their families and creating opportunities for their children. And amidst these struggles, AANHPI Americans have contributed in great and significant ways to all aspects of society. They have created works of literature and art, thrived as athletes, and prospered in the world of academia, and people of AANHPI heritage have played a vital role in our Nation’s economic and technological growth by establishing successful enterprises and pushing the limits of science. They are serving in positions of leadership, within the government, more than ever before. And along with all of our great service men and women, they have defended the United States from threats at home and abroad, serving our Nation with valor. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have persevered despite anti-Asian sentiment that surged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of racism, misinformation and xenophobia.

The theme for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026 is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” which highlights the importance of leveraging collective action, sharing community stories, and acting as bridge builders to foster resilience and connections, and Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders make up approximately 11% of residents in Tompkins County, contributing to the intellectual, academic, literary, cultural and economic vibrancy and diversity of our community, with art, businesses, shops, restaurants, and festivals celebrating cultures, cuisines, and events from regions across Asia and the Pacific.