New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) recently participated in the 48^th Annual Legislative Conference Weekend hosted in Albany by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian (BPHA) Legislators. The annual weekend features dozens of workshops pertaining to issues affecting minority communities. Jean-Pierre participated in several workshops including those in the areas public education, school counseling, and maternal mortality. In addition, she co-sponsored this year’s Women of Color “PowHer Luncheon” in the Assembly Chamber, which featured a panel discussion and remarks from several distinguished guests

Several Long Islanders accompanied Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre to Albany, including Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis. At the Conference’s annual award ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Lewis was presented with the Caucus Community Service Award which is given in recognition of an individual who has played a vital role in the betterment of underserved communities of color; the individual has a proven track record in giving their time, energy, expertise and resources to this cause. In her role, Deputy Commissioner Lewis has developed comprehensive community-based initiatives to help combat gang violence and recidivism through intelligence-led and community-oriented policing. She has also piloted a support group called the Council of Thought and Action (COTA) for those previously incarcerated which has now spread to five sites in Chicago. Prior to being appointed Deputy Police Commissioner in 2012, Deputy Commissioner Lewis served 19 years as a Nassau County District Attorney where she created the first Nassau County Youth Part utilizing personal contacts to connect youth to their passion and away from criminality.

“Deputy Police Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis has dedicated her life’s work lifting up vulnerable individuals and being a positive role model to everyone around her,” said Jean-Pierre. “There is no one on Long Island more deserving of this award, and I was honored to have the privilege of presenting it to her.”

“The Suffolk County Police Department and I have enjoyed the support and resources provided by our Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre and I am personally very grateful for her continued support and the honor of being selected for the community service award,” said Deputy Commissioner Lewis.