Dr. Vikas Agrawal, 2nd right, with Legislator David Imamura, 2nd left, and BOL Chair Gashi
L-R- Legislator Emiljana Ulaj, honoree Keiko Niccolini, BOL Chair Vedat Gashi
Spotlights AAPI Leaders in Sustainability, Healthcare, Volunteer Service
The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 15 with a ceremony to honor Keiko Niccolini, an environmental justice change-maker and sustainability expert who has spearheaded recycling and climate smart programs in Croton-on-Hudson, and Dr. Vikas Agrawal, a neurologist, Ardsley School Board Trustee, and community volunteer.
Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) who convened the ceremony, said, “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the generations of Asian Americans whose leadership, service, and perseverance have strengthened Westchester County’s communities and our nation as a whole. This year, we are proud to honor Keiko Niccolini and Dr. Vikas Agrawal, two individuals whose work reflects a firm commitment to public service and dedication to improving the lives of others. Through their leadership in environmental justice and sustainability, and medicine and education, they embody the spirit of this year’s theme for AAPI Heritage Month, ‘Power in Unity,’ which reminds us of the importance of working collaboratively to create a more inclusive future. The Board is proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D–Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan) said, “It is a privilege to celebrate Keiko Niccolini, who is quite literally a force of nature in our community. We honor Keiko for her advocacy and her proven ability to unite people for the sake of our planet. From her hands-on stewardship of residential food scrap recycling programs to her work advising government officials, she has dedicated her life to ensuring a greener future for all. Keiko’s heritage of activism is a powerful reminder of how Asian American leaders are shaping a greener and more inclusive Westchester.”
Legislator David T. Imamura (D–Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) said, “Dr. Agrawal exemplifies what we mean when we talk about community ethos. Whether saving lives through his neurology practice or improving his friends’ and neighbors’ quality of life by being a force on the Ardsley School Board and in volunteerism that touches all aspects of cultural and recreational life, he has led by an example that all County residents can follow, but has in particular been a guiding light for the Rivertowns’ growing South Asian population. Thank you, Dr. Agrawal, for all you do and will continue to do.”