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Legislature Celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander Month By Noting Achievements Of Two Residents

Legislator Paul Presents Akiko Uchiyama Wolham & Jane CC Nguyen With Distinguished Service Awards 

The Rockland County Legislature celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by honoring two local residents during a ceremony led by Legislature Vice Chairwoman Dr. Aney Paul.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) is an annual observance that provides an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the community in our nation’s history. It is one of the fastest growing communities in the country, with New York state home to more than 1.6 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Akiko Uchiyama Wolham and Jane CC Nguyen were each presented with a Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their personal achievements and contributions to the community. The DSA is the County Legislature’s highest award.

“It is a true privilege to recognize these women because they are not only devoted professionals, but people who give back to the community, helping to enrich our county and making Rockland a better place for all,” said Legislator Paul, an Asian American who was born and raised in India.

Akiko Uchiyama Wolham is a high school Japanese language teacher with 34 years of experience in language education. She has taught in public schools in Wisconsin, Connecticut, and for the past 28 years, in the Clarkstown Central School District.

Ms. Wolham has led numerous international exchange programs fostering connections between American and Japanese students and taken groups of Clarkstown students and faculty to Japan many times. She considers it a privilege to work with such outstanding students and supportive families who appreciate and value the importance of cultural exchange and the study of the Japanese language and culture.

Ms. Wolham also takes particular pride in the dedicated members of the Mugen Taiko Japanese drum team at Clarkstown North and South High Schools. Outside the classroom, she enjoys practicing taiko drumming and performing at cultural events throughout New York and New Jersey.

Jane CC Nguyen is a dedicated local realtor with over 20 years of experience, recognized as one of the Top Ten Agents monthly and among the Top 14 Agents of 2024 at Coldwell Banker Realty in New City.

Born in Hong Kong and bilingual in English and Chinese, she graduated from Pace University in 1988. She is a long-time Rockland County resident and the mother of three.

Ms. Nguyen is passionate about promoting AAPI Heritage events and supporting her community. Additionally, she works as a freelance bilingual interpreter and is a nature enthusiast who loves traveling, local cuisine, and animals. An avid tennis fan, she dreams of attending major tournaments and is guided by strong moral values in her personal and professional life.

The AAPI community is made up of culturally and linguistically diverse people, representing populations from many countries and islands. Despite the many challenges Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have faced throughout history, they have continuously worked to overcome social, economic, educational, and cultural obstacles; to uproot harmful and painful stereotypes; and to seek their rightful place in daily American life.

“We acknowledge the many challenges faced by members of these communities, as well the sacrifices they have made in order to create brighter futures,” Legislator Paul said. “We stand alongside them in celebrating their numerous achievements and contributions. Their determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all.”

 The Rockland County Legislature celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by honoring local residents Akiko Uchiyama Wolham and Jane CC Nguyen during a ceremony led by Legislature Vice Chairwoman Dr. Aney Paul, who was joined by Legislator Toney L. Earl.

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