The Ninth Judicial District held a ceremony in White Plains on May 21, 2026, to honor AAPI leaders. Justice Lillian Wan and Legislator David Imamura received awards for their historic roles in New York's legal and civic systems.

Justice Lillian Wan's path from Family Court to the Appellate Division

Associate Justice Lillian Wan has established a career defined by systemic firsts within the New York judiciary. According to the report, Justice Lillian Wan became the first Asian-American woman to serve on the New York City Family Court in 2012. A decade later, she further broke professional barriers by becoming the first Asian-American woman appointed to the intermediate appellate courts of New York State.

Beyond her appointments, Justice Lillian Wan has utilized her position to advocate for vulnerable families and improve child welfare. As a leader of the Asian American Judges Association of New York, she has focused on creating mentorship opportunities and increasing representation for AAPI professionals in the law. During the White Plains ceremony, Justice Lillian Wan noted that the judiciary must reflect the diversity of the communities it serves to maintain its legitimacy and strength.

David Imamura's role in Westchester legislation and redistricting

Westchester County Legislator David Imamura was recognized with the Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award for his pioneering role in local government. As reported by the source, David Imamura was the first Asian-American ever elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators. his influence extends beyond the county level, having served as the chair of New York State's Independent Redistricting Commission.

Legislator David Imamura has centered his legislative agenda on community empowerment, fair housing, and the protection of immigrant rights. In his address at the event, David Imamura highlighted the efficacy of collective action, citing how AAPI organizations have successfully mobilized to advance educational equity and public health initiatives across the region.

The judicial reach across Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester

The ceremony, coordinated by Helen Zhu of the Queens Supreme Court, underscores a broader effort to diversify the legal landscape of the northern suburbs of New York City. The Ninth Judicial District encompasses five key counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester. by honoring figures like Justice Lillian Wan and David Imamura, the district's Equal Justice in the Courts Committee is signaling a shift toward a more inclusive judicial philosophy.

Administrative Judge Ann Minihan argued during the program that a judiciary embracing diverse voices is better equipped to deliver fair outcomes for all residents .. This move reflects a wider trend across the United States where legal institutions are attempting to correct historical underrepresentation of AAPI individuals in high-ranking judicial and legislative roles to ensure the law is applied equitably across different cultural demographics.

The specific immigrant rights laws sponsored by David Imamura

While the ceremony celebrated the achievements of the honorees, certain details regarding their legislative impact remain unspecified. The report mentions that David Imamura sponsored legislation advancing immigrant rights and fair housing, but it does not name the specific bills or the current status of those laws. Furthermore, while Justice Lillian Wan's mentorship work is praised, the specific programs or numbers of mentees she has guided through the Asian American Judges Association of New York are not detailed.