The below is based on a press release:
QUEENS, NY – Today, April 2, the New American Voters Association Political Action Committee (NAVA PAC) announced its endorsement of District Attorney Melinda Katz for reelection as Queens District Attorney and City Council Member Linda Lee for reelection in District 23. The formal announcement was made at the Richi Rich Palace in Queens, NY, on April 2, 2023, at 2:00 pm.
NAVA PAC, established in 2007, is a city-wide political action committee committed to empowering New Americans and ensuring that immigrants’ rights are protected. NAVA educates new immigrant communities throughout New York State and galvanizes them to the voting polls. NAVA is dedicated to increasing voter turnout in local, state, and federal elections. While promoting outreach through partnerships with ethnic and community-based media, and organizations that focus on new American voters from underrepresented minority groups.
Upon receiving the endorsement District Attorney Katz stated, “I’m so honored to have the endorsement of the New American Voters Association. Their voices are so important in our diverse borough, all it’s communities, and in helping make our criminal justice system fair and equitable. I look forward to continuing to work with them over my next four-year term as we continue to protect our immigrant population from crimes against the vulnerable and to keep Queens families across our county safe.”
Similarly, Council Member Lee stated, “I am thankful to receive the endorsement from the New American Voters Association. This endorsement means so much to me, especially after so many years of working and fighting for immigrant communities in New York City. Thank you so much to Dilip Nath and NAVA for all of the important and essential work you do for our communities. I will continue to be a voice for all our new Americans here in NYC.”
Dr. Dilip Nath, President of NAVA, remarked, “Honorable Melinda Katz has ushered in a new era of justice as Queens DA. She has shown a community centered approach to leadership during her entire distinguished career in public service. She has shown that she listens to the New American and immigrant communities and will do whatever it takes to ensure their rights. The New American community enthusiastically endorses her.”
Julieanne Yanez, Esq., Executive Director of NAVA, remarked, “Linda Lee has shown during her first term in office a keen awareness and understanding of the challenges our new Americans face in integrating into society and realizing their full potential. She hones her focus on bridging the gap for our new Americans by providing equitable access to resources such as public and mental health, as well as workforce development. Her unwavering dedication to the new Americans gives us great pride to endorse Linda Lee for City Council.”
The event also marked the installation of NAVA’s Officers and Board for the 2023-2024 term, with District Attorney Katz having the honor of swearing them in. The gathering brought together local leaders, including Senator Roxanne Persaud, Senator John Liu, Assembly Member David Weprin, City Council Member Lynn Schulman, Lois Marbach, Robert Zimmerman, and Former City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, all who extended their gratitude and emphasized the importance of NAVA.
NAVA also introduced Elizabeth Crowley as the leader of its Advisory Council. With her extensive experience and passion for supporting New Americans, Crowley will play a pivotal role in steering NAVA towards new heights. Under her guidance, the Advisory Council will work collaboratively with the Board to develop strategies, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen NAVA’s impact within the community. This collaboration will enable NAVA to continue its vital mission of empowering and protecting the rights of immigrants.
For more information about NAVA, please visit https://navausa.org/