Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
As a native New Yorker who grew up in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Kevin Law-Lee knows the value of community. He also knows when to seize an opportunity to serve, as he did in 2018 when he joined NYCHA from the private sector.
“Public service offers me the opportunity to contribute to the greater good by addressing social issues, promoting equality, and creating a safe and productive environment for the public,” said Mr. Law-Lee. The move to NYCHA, he said, was influenced by his “deep motivation to make a positive difference in our communities.”
As an Associate Labor Relations Analyst in the Financial Planning and Analysis department, Mr. Law-Lee works with NYCHA’s central and property management offices to ensure budgetary needs are met. That involves revising budgets, ensuring onboarding meets budgetary requirements, and making modifications for additional funding.
“My core responsibilities include providing support to the management team with financial assessments through daily monitoring of funds and report analysis,” he said. “I work closely with the borough and central office departments to better understand their respective business models and gain insight into new initiatives and programs.”
Highlighting the “helpful leadership, positive environment, and great learning experience” he’s experienced so far, Mr. Law-Lee said working at NYCHA also gives him a sense of community that “emulates how I feel about my own neighborhood. Everyone at NYCHA works as a team, and it shows in our work.”
Mr. Law-Lee’s love for community is particularly evident in his neighborhood. Following the rise in anti-Asian attacks during the pandemic, he founded an organization, Protect Chinatown, aimed at engaging and supporting the often marginalized Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.
“We provide security and confidence to anyone who is fearful of walking alone through a 24-hour chaperone system and community patrols,” he said of the organization’s work. “To boost our safety efforts, we also regularly donate personal alarms to anyone in need.”
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, cultures, and heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. For Mr. Law-Lee, the commemoration provides a platform to raise awareness and promote understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of AAPI communities.
“By learning more about the cultural traditions, languages, and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we can gain a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of American society,” he said. “The month also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing issues of discrimination, prejudice, and xenophobia that many Asian American and Pacific Islander communities continue to face. By raising awareness of these issues and working to promote inclusivity and equity, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.”
As part of its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month commemoration, the Chinese-American Association (CAA) at NYCHA will host a joint recruiting session with other fraternal organizations at the Authority; the May 11 event will be held in the 90 Church Ceremonial Room under the leadership of the Employee Engagement Department.
“We hope the member drive will attract more talents to the Association and its board,” said Qi (Linda) Zhang, President of the CAA and NYCHA’s Interim Director for Accounts Payable and Utility Management. “The planning of CAA programs in the coming year is focused on introducing the rich culture, launching community events to help people in need, and organizing talks to promote members’ professional development and mental and physical health.”
For more information about the May 11 event, please contact
Qi (Linda) Zhang (ext. 6677), Anna Lee (212-218-1146), or Remington Lo (ext. 3623).
