Hauppauge: At the April 4th general meeting, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D) introduced Cup Café, a Huntington Station-based business, as the 2023 Champion of Diversity for the 18th Legislative District. Cup Café’s founder and CEO, Debora Thivierge, was on site to accept the honor.
As per Resolution No. 844-2022, the whole month of April is designated as “Champions of Diversity Month,” and each Suffolk County legislator is to choose an appropriate honoree. The resolution specifies that the “…awardee will be one that represents openness in thinking, embraces our differences, brings awareness to diversity and inclusion in our community, and demonstrates commitment to the principles of diversity through participation in activities that promote inclusion and respect for diverse racial, cultural and ethnic differences….”
“Cup Café is a company that practices what it preaches when it comes to prioritizing diversity, by providing vocational opportunities for individuals of varying abilities,” said Bontempi. “The company takes its commitment even further by donating profits to assist those with developmental disabilities, such as autism.”
“Seeing so many businesses embracing the importance of diversity is a major leap forward for our society,” added Bontempi. “Everyone has something to contribute to the workforce, some people just need a little more help finding their niche. Ostracizing people for their differences is just not acceptable anymore. It is quite fitting that Champions of Diversity Month coincides with Autism Awareness Month.”
To learn more about the Champions of Diversity program and its 2023 awardees, visit: https://scnylegislature.us/1503/Champions-of-Diversity.