Joshua Pierre Named 3rd Legislative District Champion of Diversity

Shirley resident Joshua Pierre was recently recognized by Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella as the 3rd Legislative District’s 2023 Champion of Diversity during a weekday mass at Focus Church in Shirley where Joshua serves as a Deacon.

In 2022, April was designated “Champions of Diversity Month” in Suffolk County, giving legislators the opportunity to recognize individuals and provide accolades to those who exhibit excellence in living and promote behaviors that demonstrate the appreciation of diversity, inclusion and cultural competence.

“When selecting the 3rd Legislative District’s inaugural honoree, Joshua Pierre was the first person who came to my mind,” said Legislator Mazzarella. “Josh’s involvement in our community has had a significant impact, especially through his charitable work, his service to his church, and his involvement with the police department.”

Suffolk County Legislator James Mazzarella (center) presents Joshua Pierre (2nd from right) with a Proclamation from the Suffolk County Legislature.

Joshua Pierre is a first-generation Haitian American who lives in Shirley and works at Arkwin Industries where he performs testing for the aerospace industry. Joshua serves as a Deacon on the Board at Focus Church in Shirley where he also spends much of his time volunteering as a youth leader. Through his work with Focus Church, he helped to organize an initiative known as “Feed the Hope” which has benefited those who are less fortunate for the past three years. In the first two years this initiative successfully fed around 500 families and this past year that number increased to serve just over 750 families with 60,000 pounds of food.

Joshua volunteers his services as a Community Ambassador that reports to Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harris. In this role, he serves as a liaison to the Suffolk County Police Department to address public safety concerns throughout the county. He also sits on an advisory board for the 7th Precinct where he assists with quality of life issues within his home community. Joshua is married to his wife Rosemarie, and together they have three children.

Diversity Month was initiated to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us. It is a time to understand our differences while honoring the common essence of humanity. The point of celebrating diversity is to respect and appreciate everyone, no matter where they come from.

Diversity Champions are visionary leaders who believe in, support and fight for a cause.

“Josh is a great example of everything that encompasses a true champion of diversity,” stated Legislator Mazzarella. “I look forward to continuing to work with him for many more years in our continued efforts to move our community forward.”