On Thursday, June 22, AABANY’s Prosecutors’ Committee hosted its 9th Annual Reception at the New York County Lawyers Association. The Committee honored Deputy Chief Ellen Chang of the NYPD and Judge Danny Chun of Kings County Supreme Court for their exemplary record of public service.
Both honorees were among the first Asian Americans to hold such high offices in their respective fields. It was enlightening to hear about the challenges that both honorees faced as Asian Americans. Deputy Chief Chang began her career as a police officer at a time when only one percent of the force consisted of Asians. Likewise, as an immigrant, Judge Chun had to overcome racial stereotypes when he started as a District Attorney for New York County.
AABANY President Dwight Yoo presented them with plaques honoring their “inspirational success, appreciation of lifelong commitment to justice, public service and equality.” We would like to thank NYCLA as our hosts, and we also thank the following guest speakers for joining us:
- Catherine Christian, former NYCLA President and Special Assistant to the DA for External Affairs, DANY
- Bridgette Rohde, Acting US Attorney, EDNY
- Bridget Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor
- Joan Loughnane, Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney, SDNY
- Jesse Sligh, Executive ADA, Queens County
- Leroy Frazer, Chief of Staff, Kings County
- Nitin Savur, Executive ADA, NY County
- Brian Lee, Chief of District Court, Nassau County
- Cicely Harris, EEOC Officer and Diversity Inclusion Lead, Bronx County
We would also like to thank the Prosecutors’ Committee, with special thanks to Helen Ahn, Jim Lin, Kin Ng, and Matthew Yi for organizing the event.