The Ninth Judicial District — encompassing New York City’s northern suburbs in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties — recently hosted “The Power of Unity: Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage” in White Plains.
Presented by the District’s Equal Justice in the Courts Committee, the May 21 program brought together judges, court staff, community members, and local leaders to celebrate AAPI heritage and recognize two trailblazers whose work has advanced justice and representation across New York State.
This year’s honorees, Hon. Lillian Wan and Westchester County Legislator David Imamura, each embody that commitment through their groundbreaking leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.
Lillian Wan, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department, speaks to guests before the 9th Judicial District Equal Justice in the Courts Committee presented “The Power of Unity: Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage.” Wan, and David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator, were recognized during the event at the Supreme and County Court of Westchester in White Plains, NY on Thursday, May 21, 2026.Lorenzo Ciniglio/OCA
Justice Wan, whose early passion for child welfare launched her legal career, made history in 2012 when she became the first Asian American woman to serve on the New York City Family Court bench. Her deep experience in protecting vulnerable children shaped her judicial approach and paved the way for further historic achievements.
In 2022, she again broke barriers as the first Asian American woman appointed to New York State’s Appellate Division, a milestone for representation within the state’s mid-level appellate courts. She has also served as president of the Asian American Judges Association of New York, continuing her advocacy for diversity within the judiciary.
David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator, speaks to guests before the 9th Judicial District Equal Justice in the Courts Committee presented “The Power of Unity: Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage.” The event recognized award recipient Hon. Lillian Wan, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department and David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator during an event at the Supreme and County Court of Westchester in White Plains, NY on Thursday, May 21, 2026.Lorenzo Ciniglio/OCA
Imamura, meanwhile, became the first Asian American elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, representing a significant step forward in the county’s civic representation. He brought extensive experience in law and policy, including chairing New York State’s Independent Redistricting Commission, and has remained an outspoken advocate for immigrant rights, fair housing, and community empowerment.
His service reflects a longstanding commitment to ensuring government institutions reflect and respond to the communities they serve.
Joseph A. Zayas, Chief Administrative Judge, speaks to guests before the 9th Judicial District Equal Justice in the Courts Committee presented “The Power of Unity: Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage.” The event recognized award recipient Hon. Lillian Wan, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department and David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator during an event at the Supreme and County Court of Westchester in White Plains, NY on Thursday, May 21, 2026.Lorenzo Ciniglio/OCA 
(L-R) David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator, Joseph A. Zayas, Chief Administrative Judge, and Hon. Lillian Wan, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department attend the 9th Judicial District Equal Justice in the Courts Committee’s “The Power of Unity: Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage.” The event recognized award recipient Hon. Lillian Wan, Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Second Department and David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator during an event at the Supreme and County Court of Westchester in White Plains, NY on Thursday, May 21, 2026.Lorenzo Ciniglio/OCA
Ninth Judicial District Administrative Judge Ann Minihan welcomed attendees to the event, highlighting the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to equal justice and the importance of elevating diverse voices within the courts.
Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas presented Justice Wan with the Trailblazer in Judicial Excellence Award. Legislator Imamura received the Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award from New York Court of Claims Judge and Westchester County Acting Supreme Court Justice Walter Rivera.