Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Wednesday, August 28, 2023 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mohammed Alomari Kelechi Anyaogu Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Iqbal Singh Vipul Tripathi Carmen Williams MEMBERS ABSEN T Dunia Arif Abbott Basal Naketa Jones Susan Kattula OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order – Carmen Williams 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes as amended: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Alomari. Approved 7-0 4. Communication from Citizens - None 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Department  Giallombardo stated that the Community Services Bureau will send an officer to future meetings per Sgt. Aaron Susalla. 6. Agenda A. Approval of Meeting Dates for F/Y 2023/2024  Giallombardo presented the tentative scheduled dates for the upcoming fiscal year. Alomari suggested changing the date of the February meeting to February 8, and changing the date of the March meeting to March 14, due to the date of the Cultural Exchange taking place on March 8, 2024. Giallombardo added that these changes will work better for all. There was no opposition, a revised schedule will be distributed next month. B. Building Bridges  It was decided to forego this agenda item for this month only. C. 2023 Diversity Distinction Awards Dinner  Giallombardo stated that she received the following nominations:  o Shawki Bahri, nominated by Sue Kattula o Ofelia Fermil, nominated by Willie Dechavez o Michelle Horgan, nominated by Vipul Tripathi o Aaron Kochenderfer, nominated by Emily Diaz-Torres o Ally Lee, nominated by Dechavez o Ariel Sanchez, nominated by Dechavez and Michelle Oh o Sangita Shastri, nominated by Dechavez and Iqbal Singh o Mayuree Wadhawan, nominated by Dechavez  Giallombardo stated that in the past, the committee has tried to limit the number of awardees as to not take away from the meaning of the award. She reminded members that the nominee should ideally live or work in Sterling Heights, but if not, should champion diversity in a way that directly benefits the residents of Sterling Heights.  Anyaogu stated that five awardees is a fair number. Dechavez added that he nominated five individuals, and stated that he didn’t think they’d be interested in getting their award pushed to 2024, should they not get selected. Williams agreed with Dechavez, adding that multiple nominees shouldn’t come from the same committee member, because it might not represent the committee as a whole. Alomari added that the reason that limit was set at five was to keep the award more valuble. Singh said that the person nominating should gather enough information on the nominee, and didn’t think there needed to be a set limit. Anyaogu added that having several nominees is a good reflection of the city and it’s residents, and said that maybe the committee should refine the criteria going forward. Williams said members should set parameters, and re-discuss the criteria. Elzhenni said that members submitting nominations should not assume that the nominee is going to get selected, and that the number of awardees shouldn’t matter as much as them meeting the criteria of the award.  Giallombardo stated that prior to next year’s nomination period, members will need to narrow down the criteria, and stay consistent when selecting awardees. She stated that criteria was set at the time the event was started, but over the years, the requirements have become lax and haven’t stayed consistent.  Members presented each nominee and voting took place. The following individuals received a majority of votes: o Shawki Bahri, o Ofelia Fermil o Michelle Horgan o Ariel Sanchez o Sangita Shastri o Mayuree Wadhawan  Elzheni stated that she secured Imam Elhussein for the invocation.  Dechavez stated that he has a group of Hmong children that will perform two numbers and a Thai dancer that will perform a solo.  Giallombardo stated that if any members would like to secure another group, there will be plenty of time, follow up with her.  Giallombardo said that ad work, and final ticket requests are due by Wednesday, Sept. 20.  Giallombardo stated that she will reach out to members regarding the presentation of the awards.  It was agreed upon that Committee members would be given one complementary ticket for the dinner. 7. Old Business:  None 8. New Business  None 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.