New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli hosted a reception in celebration of Lunar New Year on Thurs., Jan. 30 in Brooklyn, New York. Photos of the event, including the individuals and groups that DiNapoli honored for their contributions to New York, are available.

• Maggie Gu, owner of Park Asia restaurant and host of Lunar New Year celebration, immigrated to the US when she was 16 years old. In 2004 Maggie opened Park Asia in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Maggie is an active supporter of the local community and its organizations through many charitable and fundraising events held at her restaurant.
• Honoree IWen (Irene) Chu, chief of staff to Assemblyman Peter Abbate,Jr., has been an advocate in the Asian American community in Brooklyn, going back to her work as a journalist for one of the largest Chinese-language newspapers in the U.S. With her extensive background in immigration issues, she has always had a passion for helping others. She serves on several community boards.
• Honoree Sharon Lee, acting Queens Borough President, has served in several capacities through New York City. As Queens Borough President Katz’s Communications Director, she worked on several key initiatives, including the redevelopment of LaGuardia and Kennedy Airports. Lee also previously served as senior advisor and press secretary to then-New York City Comptroller John Liu.
• Honoree Jenny Lam Low, director of the community engagement division at New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson’s office, facilitates communication between the Speakers office, The City Council and the constituents of New York City. She has held multiple positions at JP Morgan Chase and spent decades serving on multiple board positions in the community.
• Honoree Fire Department of New York Phoenix Society was founded in 2012 by David Lin, the FDNY’s Candidate Physical Abilities Test & Fitness Awareness Program Training Coordinator, Captain Steven Lee, Captain Man Wai Law and Deputy Chief Sophia Kwok. The Phoenix Society’s goal was to strengthen the relationship between the Asian American Community and the FDNY, as well as recruit individuals interested in professional and personal growth. Its mission was also to expand their presence within the community by hosting family-oriented events and continuing to network and provide public service. In 2013 the Phoenix Society was officially recognized by the New York City Fire Department and continues to grow in the community.