About

She is a graduate of Adelphi University, the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, and holds a certification in conflict resolution from Cornell University. Ms.Perdomo-Ayala is the Administrator to the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook University's Medical Center. At Stony Brook, she also serves as advisor to the Latin American Student Organization, is a member and Chair of the advisory board of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Center, is a member of the Multicultural Women's Alliance and serves as a member of the University's President and Provost Diversity Council.

She has worked extensively in the community as a member of the National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers, the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc., and the Suffolk County Executive's Hispanic Advisory Board, and she is a board member, former President, of the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk, Inc. Ms. Perdomo-Ayala has received numerous awards and honors, including the "Woman of Distinction" award from La Union de Mujeres Americanas in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Bethel AME Church of Setauket for her outstanding service and commitment to the community.

In 2011, she was honored with a Special Recognition Award by Adelante of Suffolk County, Inc., for their 45th Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade. She received recognition from Stony Brook University for her 29 years of service to the institution, and in October, 2013 she was honored by the SUNY Chancellor with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service in the State University system. She was a recipient of the New York State Social Worker of the Month Award, was named Local Hero by Bank of America, and was named Distinguished Social Worker by the National Association of Social Workers.

In May 2013 she was inducted into the Class of 2013 - Top Advocates for Latino Empowerment on Long Island. In 2018, Lynda was honored as the 2018 Woman of Distinction county-wide by the Suffolk County Women's Advisory Board and the Suffolk County Legislature. Due to her activism, she was profiled in a project entitled "Politicos con Sabor," a documentary filmed for El Centro de Estudios Puertorriquefios and Public Broadcast.

In addition, she represents the Human Rights Commission on the Suffolk County Women's Advisory Commission serving the women of Suffolk County. She is an educator, mentor, and a committed activist for all underserved communities, and she continues to be motivated and encouraged by the need to improve the quality of life and well-being of many diverse populations, particularly women and youth.

Curtis also organized the first Fair Housing Summit, which taught and informed legal professionals, town officials, town and private attorneys, and surrounding housing agents on Fair Housing and Fair Housing violations Most notably through the TSHA, Curtis co-developed, with a for-profit developer, the Town of Southampton's first affordable housing complexes, which have become an example for all affordable housing projects throughout the East End.

Curtis continues to be the voice educating the community on fair housing, rental rights, and rental discrimination. Before working for the TSHA, Curtis worked for HSBC Bank as a Sr. Premier Mortgage Broker. On top of his work at the TSHA, Curtis currently serves as a Deacon for the First Baptist Church of Riverhead. Additionally, he sits on the board of directors for the Southampton Cultural Center, where he works to expand and diversify its performances and programs. As a commissioner, he has been the expert on fair housing and housing discrimination, speaking often on the topics.

A graduate of Huntington High School (1959), Princeton University (B.A., 1963), and Cornell Law School (J.D., 1966), Judge Asher also served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain. Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Asher practiced law for over 35 years, including a significant tenure as a certified Major League Baseball agent, representing players in high-profile arbitration cases.

He has held leadership roles in numerous civic organizations, including the Huntington Planning Board and the Huntington Chamber of Commerce. In 1984, he was one of the first ten recipients of a Congressional Achievement Award for outstanding community service and has also received the Kiwanis International Hixon Award. A long-standing member of the Suffolk County Bar Association since 1969, Judge Asher has served on various committees including Elder Law, Solo and Small Firm, and Pro Bono. He co-chaired the Entertainment & Sports Law Committee and chaired the District Court Committee. He is a two-time recipient of the Pro Bono Recognition Award.

Judge Asher resides in Huntington with his wife Sylvia, with whom he will celebrate 47 years of marriage. They have two daughters, Gigi and Lara.

In addition to real estate, Bokhari owns multiple Midas Automotive franchises and leads Alliance Health Solutions International, LLC, a healthcare consulting and innovation firm. He previously served as Vice President at Gentiva Health Services, leading enterprise transformations resulting in over $100 million in financial impact. Ijaz holds a Master of Engineering Administration from George Washington University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore. He is also President of the American Muslims of New York and serves on multiple corporate and advisory boards, including XyberMed Corporation and Fastnet Software, Inc. A long-time resident of Fort Salonga, Bokhari is known for his leadership, public service, and community advocacy.

She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Hofstra University and a Juris Doctor from Touro Law School. With over 25 years of experience in family, criminal, and civil law, Calla also serves as a part-time hearing officer for the Town of Smithtown and was appointed as a court mediator in 2023.

In 2019, she donated a kidney to her sons’ classmate and now advocates for organ donation through LiveOnNY. Calla’s career and personal values reflect a deep commitment to justice, education, and community service. She and her husband Guy Calla have two sons, both alumni of St. Anthony’s High School and the University of Alabama.

She also served a six-year term as Trustee on the Southampton Village Board. She was the first African-American elected as Trustee in the Village of Southampton. Ms. Cannon is active in the community and has served on several community and civic boards. She currently serves as Chairperson on the Town of Southampton Housing Authority Board. She also is a member The League of Women Voters, NAACP (Eastern Long Island Branch), Jack & Jill of America (Suffolk County Branch) and serves on the Commission's Awards, Education, Housing and Social Media Committee.

She is known for driving organizational growth, expanding revenue, and advancing strategic goals with precision and purpose. Dr. DeDonato’s expertise in strategic planning and operational leadership has earned her widespread recognition, including being named one of Long Island’s Premier Business Women by the Herald (2019) and a Power Woman in Business by Schneps Media (2017). Deeply committed to service, she currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Brookhaven, empowering women in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to re-enter the workforce. She is also an engaged volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County and a Board Member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Long Island. Additionally, she serves on the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission.

Her many accomplishments with various nonprofit organizations have occurred over a long period including various leadership capacities as Iali President 2016, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Executive Member, and Chair of several ad-hoc committees, India day Parade Chair 2015 and 2016. She takes pride in serving in leadership positions with many social, non-profit organizations such as Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) (Board of Director, Treasurer), Jain Center of America (JCA), Jain Samaj of Long Island (JSLI) (Board of Director), Gayatri Pariwar of Long Island (GPLI) (volunteered teaching Hindi and vedic math), Long Island Multi Faith Forum (LIMFF), India Day Parade (IDP), India Association of Long Island (IALI) (only broad-based community organization in Long Island operating since 1976), Suffolk County Indian Committee and has contributed tremendously to their success and fundraising, including many international conventions.

During her professional career with Real Estate, Sony, Time Warner, JP Morgan Chase, and IBM as Global IT Team Manager, she has won many service "Gold Stars" taking a lead role in promoting and practicing the great Indian values of 'Unity and Harmony among Diversity with Respect' which is important and close to her heart and hopefully to all. She firmly believes that she can extend those values throughout the community and thereby strengthen it by bringing us all closer together for the longer-term. Her goal is to focus on 'Young and Women's Empowerment with Leadership' which she believes is essential for the betterment of the Indian-American community.

Her involvement includes Chair of India Day Parade (2015-2016); President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Executive Member, and Chair of several ad-hoc committees since 1998; Chair of Cultural and Newsletter Committees; volunteered in Thanksgiving, Diwali (festival of lights), Christmas and Food Drives for the homeless; Chair of India fest (10,000 people attended and 52 vendors participated); volunteered with Senior Citizen Committee and volunteered with Women Forum. She serves as the Co-Chair of the Commission's Education Committee and is a member of the Social Media Committee.

In 2005, Dr. Mantia, in conjunction with Stony Brook University and the First Baptist Church of Riverhead, received a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for Project Care, a program to develop computer home monitoring for chronic medical conditions. Dr. Mantia was also appointed to the NY State Department of Health's Medicaid Advisory Committee by the NY State Senate and Governor George Pataki. Dr. Mantia volunteers his time to serve his community as the Hauppauge Volunteer Fire Department's Surgeon who oversees all medical response and protocols for the Emergency Medical Response Teams and defibrillator programs.

In July 2008, Dr. Mantia was appointed as a Deputy Fire Coordinator-Medical Doctor for the County of Suffolk. In 2008, he was also selected for appointment to the position of Critical Incident Police Surgeon for the Suffolk County Police Department. His appointment followed successful completion of critical training in FEMA Incident Management, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Police Department field operations and protocols, and certification as a Field Physician by the Suffolk County Department of Health Division of EMS. Dr. Mantia has been acknowledged as a "Hometown Humanitarian" by the Suffolk County Legislature and was named the 2012 Physician of Excellence by the Suffolk Regional Emergency Medical Services Council. Dr. Mantia serves as Chair of the Commission's Awards, Health and Housing Committees.

She was appointed to the Commission in 1997 and is the Commission's liaison to the Southold Town Anti-Bias Task Force. Throughout her career, Dr. Peabody has worked to fight inequality and to support the empowerment of disenfranchised, stigmatized and oppressed individuals and communities. As a graduate student, she did her internship with the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission and the Sayville Project, an advocacy/empowerment community based program that assists people who have been involved in the public mental health system. Dr. Peabody was awarded a National Institute of Mental Health Traineeship and Clinical Training Fellowship which supported her work training and developing an advocacy/empowerment practice curriculum for graduate social work students working in the public mental health system. Dr. Peabody joined the faculty of Stony Brook University's School of Social Welfare in 1989. Since that time, Dr. Peabody has chaired and served on many committees and working groups charged with working for human and civil rights. For example, she served as the advisor to the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Social Worker Caucus, she co-chaired the Suffolk County and NYS NASW Lesbian & Gay Issues Committee, co-chaired the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Faculty Staff Network and served on the Steering Committee for the President Clinton's Initiative on Race at Stony Brook. She served on the University President's Advisory Council on Diversity. Dr. Peabody also has served in various leadership capacities with community-based anti-bias organizations. She has served as chair and Vice-Chair of the Southold Town Anti-Bias Task Force and as Co-Chair of the Administration of Justice Committee of the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission. In addition, Dr. Peabody has maintained a psychotherapy practice for the last 15 years, working predominantly with women and lesbians. She lives with Diane, her recent spouse and partner of 26 years in Orient Point, NY. She has 2 stepsons, David, a social work administrator with a large agency serving the greater New York area and Eric, a paralegal, part-time filmmaker and film festival organizer.

A certified educator and Rutgers University alumna, she began her career in public schools across three states before joining YES. Under her leadership, YES has grown from a small local agency into a multi-division organization offering programs in prevention, direct services, and mental health. Pfeiffer spearheaded the development of YES’s licensed OMH Article 31 Mental Health Clinic and expanded partnerships with numerous school districts and community agencies. MaryAnn has served in a leadership capacity on numerous local and countywide councils, including the Islip Heroin/Opioid Task Force, Islip Unity Council, and the Suffolk County Youth Services Project Directors Association. Her contributions have earned her the Islip NAACP Malcolm X Award, Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Award, Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award, and the Urban League of LI’s Point of Light Award, among others.

He earned a B.S. in Accounting from S.U.N.Y. College at Old Westbury in the year 2000. He received his Juris Doctor from Touro Law in 2005. He is a Member of the Nassau Lawyers Association, Nassau County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association. Mr. Rodriguez serves on the Commission's Administration of Justice and Immigration Committees.

Born in Greenville, North Carolina, and raised in Wyandanch, Pastor Ross has dedicated his life to ministry, public service, and mentorship. A United States Marine Corps veteran and former detective in the Suffolk County Police Department, he served in both the Special Victims and Homicide Sections until his retirement in 2023. He previously held leadership positions in Long Island-based manufacturing companies and studied at Farmingdale State College. Pastor Ross continues to serve the community with his wife of over 40 years, with whom he shares two children and two grandchildren.

Having grown up during China's Cultural Revolution, Dr. Wang learned about the importance of education and the need to take risks to satisfy intellectual desire at an early age. Dr. Wang holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a Masters of Library and Information Science, and an Ed.D. Dr. Wang, who was born in Northern China, gained corporate and academic experience in the United States and in Taiwan. Her corporate experience includes serving as an information coordinator for McKinsey & Co. There, she prioritized client services information requests from around the world. Later she went on to serve as a Consultant for the Taipei City government where she defined the role and direction of the International Commission, formulated strategic plans and directed international programs. After serving as the Director of a library in Pennsylvania, Dr. Wang became an Instructor at Fu-Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. From 2002-2009 she was Director of International Student & Scholar Services at Dowling College. Currently, Dr. Wang is Associate Dean for International Admissions at Stony Brook University. Dr. Wang's memberships and professional activities include a Fulbright Life Membership, Association of International Educators (NAFSA), Rotary International and Women's International Network. She is also the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship, and a Woman of the Year award from the Islip Town Council. Dr. Wang serves on the Commission's Education Committee.

He was initially appointed Chairperson of the County's Anti-Bias Task Force by former County Executive Patrick Halpin, and has been appointed Chair (and later Co-Chair) of the Task Force for each of the subsequent years by County Executives Robert Gaffney and Steve Levy. He serves as Chief of Chaplains for the Suffolk County Police Department, the Chiefs of Police Association, the Police Association, and serves as chaplain to many local hospitals and senior facilities. He received his undergraduate degree from New York University, and his graduate degrees and ordination from the Hebrew Union College in New York. He was the recipient of the District Attorney's Distinguished Citizen Award, and Chaplain of the Year 1987 and Rabbi of the Year 2007 awards, given by the New York Board of Rabbis. In 2009, he received the Lehman-LaGuardia Award for Civic Achievement. In 2003, he was appointed to the Board of the Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity, and Human Understanding. He is the longest sitting member of the Islip Town Board of Ethics. He is Chair of the Islip Town Anti-Bias Task Force and Chair of the Suffolk Center for the Holocaust, Diversity and Human Understanding.

Mrs. Davis has a record of service with the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, the Heart and Diabetes Associations, and the Uganda Children's "Tour of Light," which raises money for AIDS awareness. She is the Founding Vice Chair of The Witness Project L.I., Breast Cancer in African American Women, L.I. Cancer Care, and also a trustee of the SUNY Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc., founder/first President of Eastern Shore, The Links, Inc.; co-founder/first President, Sigma Psi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; past board Chair of Benincasa Family Services, Inc., Amityville, N.Y.; a member of the NAACP; and founding officer of the Coalition of 100 Black Women Suffolk County. She has received numerous awards for leadership and humanitarian services, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Meritorious Service Award, First Baptist Church of Riverhead; "Paving the Way To Success',' A Leader Making A Difference, American Diabetes Association; Partners in Preaching Leadership, Sisters of St. Dominic, Amityville, N.Y.; Outstanding Woman in the Town of Babylon; Frederick Douglas Memorial Award, Islip Chapter L.I. Council of African American Republicans; the 2007 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award, and the National Outstanding Secondary Educators of America Award. She was elected 2007 trustee of Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; received the 2009 Suffolk County Republican Women's Political Volunteer Award; and the 2010 New York State Senate's Woman of Distinction Award. Mrs. Davis is an active member of St. Mary's Church in Amityville, and is a member of the Commission's Administration of Justice, Awards, Education, Housing and Health Committees.

She has served on the Board of the Middle Country Library Foundation, Renewal Resources Board, and the Long Island Task Force on Literacy. In 2006, working with other advocates, helped establish a Network of Women with Disabilities to increase access to health care through print material, health literacy, and physical accessibility to health providers' offices. Ms. Del Monte is an active member of the Commission's Awards, Education, Family, Women and Children's Human Rights, Health, Housing, Immigration and Junior Human Rights Committees, and chairs the Employment Committee. Ms. Del Monte is a past member of the Insurance Committee of the Suffolk County Minority Health Action Coalition; the Diversity Committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of LI; and, the Suffolk County Women's Advisory Council. Ms. Del Monte is a member of the Community Leaders Advisory Committee of the Stony Brook University Medical Center, as well as the President's Multicultural Advisory Council at SUNY Stony Brook. In September 2010, Ms. Del Monte became a Literacy Volunteer and recently joined the Steering Committee of the Community Family Literacy Project of the Mastic, Moriches and Shirley Community Library.

She also worked professionally as a literary manager, running the Young Playwrights Inc. national playwriting competition from 2008-2013. Elizabeth is currently a facilitator and curriculum designer for the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, where she serves as graduate program director and assistant professor of practice. She finds the skills of analysis and feedback she honed as a theater artist directly applicable to facilitating experiential learning for scientists and medical professionals, and pulls from her over 17 years of academic and professional teaching and teaching mentorship to create powerful learning experiences for Alda Center workshop participants and students. As a Commissioner, Elizabeth is working to strengthen the SCHRC's relationship to the youth in our communities and currently serves on the Education Committee.

As the founding director of the Asian American Center Bridge, Dr. Mar has been an advocate for Asian American Studies, a sponsor of over fifty conferences and special events promoting education about the contributions of Asian Americans to the arts, academia, and as activists for social justice nationally and internationally. As a member of the American Philosophical Association, Professor Mar was instrumental in the formation of the Committee on Asian and Asian-American Philosophers and Philosophies. As a member of the Philosophy Department at Stony Brook University, Professor Mar logic, critical thinking, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of language, and philosophical issues in Asian American history. Gary Mar has been the recipient of the Outstanding Professor Award from the Alumni Association, the Chancellor's and President's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Chancellor's and President's Award for Excellence in University Service. He has won a Pew Scholars Fellowship as well grants from the Allstate Foundation and the Organization Chinese Americans to conduct workshops on hate crimes. Honored with community awards from the Organization of Chinese Americans, the New York City Council, as well as other organizations, Gary Mar is currently a Vice-Chair of the Community Advisory Board for public television WNET13/WLIW21. Dr. Mar Co-Chairs the Commission's Education Committee and is also a member of the Immigration Committee.

He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the School of Medicine at Hofstra University and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the New York Institute of Technology NYCOM School of Medicine. Dr. Rehman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is a Past President of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) and the past Chairman of IMANA's Board of Regents. He has also served as the Chairman of IMANA RELIEF and continues to be a Member of that Committee. Dr. Rehman is a past President of Masjid Darul Quran - The Muslim Center of Long Island (the largest Mosque on Long Island) and presently, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Mosque. He has been a past President of the Islamic Association of Long Island - the Selden Mosque. Dr. Rehman is a Member of the Suffolk County Inter-Faith Anti-Bias Task Force and the Town of Islip Anti-Bias Task Force. He is a member of the Bay Shore Interfaith Council, and an Honorary Board Member of the Suffolk County Coalition against Domestic Violence. Dr. Rehman was a recipient of the Suffolk County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Public Service Award. He also has received Suffolk County Community College's Salute to Excellence Community Service Award. In 2012, he was awarded the Ghandi Award by the Shanti Fund. Dr. Rehman has also received the Bharat Guruv "Pride of India'' Award. Dr. Rehman was also appointed to the American Muslim Advisory Board to the County Executive as well as the Public Advisory Board to the Suffolk County Commissioner of Police. Dr. Rehman serves as a Board Member of FOF Relief and Education with relief activities in Asia and Africa. He is also on the Board of the Muslim Foundation of America. In 2014, Dr. Rehman was appointed as a Board Member of The Suffolk County Girl Scouts Association. Dr. Rehman was also appointed as the Chairman of MDQ Academy: Suffolk County's only full time Islamic school. Dr. Rehman believes that "The enjoyment of Human Rights is not exclusively for any select people or race BUT for all the Human beings who inhabit the planet. I see a basic goodness in each and every person that encourages me to work for them." Dr. Rehman serves on the Commission's Health and Immigration Committee and Chairs the Family, Women and Children's Human Rights Committee.

Dionne was one of the first professionals to receive her Diversity Certification CCDP/AP, from Cornell and also holds a Management Development Certificate from Harvard University. Ms. Walker-Belgrade received an M.B.A. in Finance from Adelphi University, and a B.S. in Business from SUNY New Paltz. Before founding her own consulting business, she held positions in the Long Island area as Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Affirmative Action/Equity and Diversity, Director of Financial Aid and Financial Auditor and Budget Analyst. She conducts training seminars and lectures locally and abroad on Global Diversity, Affirmative Action, Financial Aid and College Admissions and Scholarships. Ms. Walker-Belgrave was the recipient of the Long Island Urban League's Trailblazer Award, and has been recognized by many area organizations for her dedication and leadership. She has taken leadership roles in various mentoring programs, community-based organizations and educational initiatives. Throughout the years, she has been an active participant and supporter of many civic, cultural and educational organizations including, but not limited to, the American Association for Affirmative Action, New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association, Long Island Next Generation Housing Committee, Erase Racism, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the Long Island Urban League and in 2011 she was appointed to the County Executive's African-American Advisory Board. She also chaired New York State's Regional Affirmative Action Officers. Ms. Walker-Belgrave is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and she is a member and former Trustee of Living Hope Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where she also served as Christian Education leader and is currently the External Affairs Liaison. She serves on the Commission's Awards, Education and Employment Committees.

As Rabbi of Kehillath Shalom Synagogue, she supports the mission of building a Community of Peace within and beyond the walls of the synagogue. Previously, she served as Director of Jewish Life and Learning at Sid Jacobson JCC, where she infused and animated the community with the richness and relevance of Jewish wisdom and tradition. As Associate Rabbi at Yale Hillel, she created domestic and international service-learning programs and as Director for Domestic Affairs and Rabbinic Consultant at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Philadelphia, she led the Jewish community's public policy advocacy initiatives and facilitated inter-group and inter-faith relationships. Rabbi Lina is committed to building strong, safe, connected, community. A new Commissioner, she serves on the Administration of Justice and Housing Committee. She has served on the leadership of Boards of Rabbis in each community she has lived, and is Immediate Past President of the Long Island Board of Rabbis. She is Secretary of the Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force and is on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors of Reconstructing Judaism. A New Yorker born and bred, Rabbi Lina has three grown daughters, Sarah, Liora, and Yael, and is married to retired school psychologist Dinah Mark. They live with a menagerie of dogs and cats.