District Attorney Cacace Launches Hate Crimes Advisory Board
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace has announced the creation of a new Hate Crimes Advisory Board—the first initiative of its kind in the DA’s Office. The Board will serve as a bridge between the District Attorney’s Office and community stakeholders, with the shared goal of combating hate and bias across Westchester County.
The 13-member Board will meet quarterly with DA Cacace and her Hate Crimes Unit to raise concerns from their communities and highlight emerging trends. This exchange will help the DA’s Office better track hate-related incidents, both criminal and non-criminal, and respond more effectively.
The members are volunteers who bring diverse expertise and perspectives. The Board held its inaugural meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025.
“Building an advisory board solely devoted to eradicating hate was a promise I made to Westchester residents on the campaign trail, and yesterday’s meeting marks the fulfillment of that commitment,” said DA Cacace.
“The rise in hate incidents has shaken all of us, but it has especially harmed communities that are most often the targets of violent offenders. The voices represented on this board are broad and diverse, and their direct input will strengthen our ability to protect every resident of this county. I am deeply grateful to those who have volunteered their time to help us make Westchester safer and more inclusive.”
Advisory Board Members
Michael Sabatino – A Yonkers resident of over 40 years, Michael serves as Director of the city’s Human Rights Office. A longtime LGBTQ and human rights advocate, he sits on the Westchester County LGBTQ Advisory Board and the Governor’s Hate and Bias Council. He and his husband, Robert Voorheis, were litigants in a marriage equality case that advanced LGBTQ marriage recognition in New York.
Maureen “Moe” Blackmore – Director of Respite Programs at Wagon Road Camp, Maureen has dedicated more than two decades to working with people with disabilities, first-generation youth, and other often-overlooked communities. She lives in Pleasantville with her wife, Emily, a teaching artist.
Awilda Alvarado – A lifelong Westchester resident, Awilda retired in 2024 after 35 years as a Spanish-speaking probation officer. She now serves as a deputy communications director in the DA’s Office. Awilda is active in Greenburgh and serves on several community organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Westchester Rockland Guardians Association, and the African American Heritage Festival Celebration Coalition.
Luis Armando Muniz Jr. – A Yonkers native and retired White Plains Police Sergeant, Luis is president of the Yonkers Hispanic Cultural Foundation. He co-founded the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association and has served on both city and county Hispanic advisory boards. He was also a responder to the September 11 attacks.
Hon. Justin Brasch – A White Plains City Council member, Justin has over 30 years of public service experience. He has served on the White Plains Planning Board, the Westchester County Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, and the Executive Committee of the New York State Democratic Party. He is active in his faith community, including the Hebrew Institute and Young Israel of White Plains.
Zead Ramadan – A civil rights advocate and longtime Westchester resident, Zead is founding chair of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. He has served as board chair of CAIR-NY and is active with the Hudson Valley Islamic Community Center and multiple interfaith and civil liberties coalitions.
Talia Pierson – A senior at Yorktown High School, Talia founded the nonprofit Lights of Tomorrow to foster community among Jewish youth and allies and to combat antisemitism. She has written extensively and spoken at events across Westchester on antisemitism, Holocaust remembrance, and the October 7 massacre.
Mayo Bartlett – Principal attorney at the Law Offices of Mayo Bartlett, PLLC, and former chief of the DA’s Hate Crimes Unit, Mayo helped shape New York’s first comprehensive hate crime legislation. He has held leadership roles with the Westchester County Bar Association, Black Bar Association, and Human Rights Commission. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and one of City & State’s Westchester Power 50.
Joanne Dunn – Executive Director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, Joanne works to provide alternatives to incarceration for young people. Her advocacy has earned multiple awards, including the 2024 President’s Award from the Westchester Black Bar Association.
Harry Singh – Originally from New Delhi, Harry is a licensed real estate broker with more than 30 years of experience. A recognized community leader and philanthropist, he serves on the Westchester County Human Rights Commission and the Fair Housing Board.
Mitchell Tarnopal – With a career in equal employment investigation and training, Mitchell has long worked to counter discrimination through education. A veteran advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ rights, he believes strongly in the moral responsibility to stand up for others.
Manuel Mercader – An attorney specializing in real estate litigation and transactions, Manuel has worked with top law firms and now represents developers, brokers, and clients across New York City and Westchester.
John Khader – A lifelong Yonkers resident, John founded Top Class Limousine in 1988 and later established Mediterranean People and Communities (MPAC), a coalition advocating for social justice, equality, and accountability for underrepresented communities in Westchester.
