New York, NY: Today, the Asian American Federation (AAF) hosted Deputy Mayor of Economic Justice Julie Su at its offices to discuss the Mamdani administration’s vision for a more equitable New York City for Asian American communities.
The meeting, organized and led by AAF, served as a vital conduit between the city’s highest-ranking Asian American administration official and community-based organizations on the front lines of economic justice. As the former U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor and a lifelong advocate for immigrant rights, Deputy Mayor Su shared her priorities for the administration while hearing directly from over 40 AAF member organizations regarding the unique challenges facing the city’s fastest-growing population.
“At AAF, we recognize our essential role in convening community leaders to ensure our voices are heard at the highest levels of city government,” said Catherine Chen, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Federation. “With the Asian American community facing significant economic strain and complex immigration hurdles, these conversations regarding equitable outcomes are more urgent than ever. We thank Deputy Mayor Su for her leadership and her commitment to a vision of New York that includes and supports Asian New Yorkers.”
The discussion covered a range of critical topics, including Su’s extensive history as a labor lawyer and champion for the working poor, the implementation of a city-wide economic justice agenda, how local government can respond to challenges faced by Asian communities, and strategies for sustained engagement between the Mayor’s office and the city’s 1.5 million Asian residents.
The event serves to deepen the partnership between the Mamdani administration and local Asian-serving organizations to ensure that the city’s economic policies are informed by the lived experiences of Asian New Yorkers.
“I'm grateful to have met with New Yorkers in the AAPI community who lead, serve, run our small businesses, and provide critical services for the city's residents,” said New York City Deputy
Mayor of Economic Justice Julie Su. “We spoke about the city's affordability crisis, immigration, the importance of a government that dreams big and delivers, and how to ensure City Hall actually reaches the communities who most need it. I look forward to continuing the conversation as we deliver a government that belongs to all New Yorkers.”
“On behalf of the Korean American Family Service Center (KAFSC), I warmly congratulate Deputy Mayor Julie Su on this important appointment,” said Jeehae Fischer, Executive Director of the Korean American Family Service Center. “As an organization serving immigrant survivors and families across New York City, KAFSC deeply values leaders who understand the importance of equity, safety, and culturally responsive support for all communities. Deputy Mayor Julie Su has long been a dedicated champion for working families, immigrants, and underserved New Yorkers, and we are excited to see her leadership in this new role. We look forward to the impact she will make and to working together toward a more just and inclusive city for all.”
"At Homecrest Community Services, we see every day how economic opportunity, worker protections, and language access directly impact the stability of immigrant families and older adults," said Wai Yee Chan, President and CEO of Homecrest Community Services. "We appreciate the leadership of the Asian American Federation and Deputy Mayor Julie Su in advancing economic justice and ensuring that community-based organizations remain strong partners in building a more equitable New York City."
"CPC congratulates Julie Su on her appointment as the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice," said Wayne Ho, President and CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council. “The Deputy Mayor has been a champion of workers, and we are strongly aligned in ensuring that New Yorkers of all backgrounds have dignified jobs with living wages, quality benefits, and safe conditions. We look forward to working with her so that all communities in New York City will have the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to live with dignity, thrive in their neighborhood and shape their future."
