William Floyd Board of Education Trustee Jennifer Ng Heitman was recently recognized by Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella as the 3^rd Legislative District’s “Champion of Diversity” during the April general meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature. Mrs. Heitman was selected for exhibiting excellence in her community by promoting behavior that demonstrates the appreciation of cultural competence, inclusion and diversity. In 2022, the Legislature designated the month of April as “Champions of Diversity Month” in Suffolk County, giving legislators the opportunity to recognize residents making a difference in their communities.

“When selecting the 3^rd Legislative District’s honoree, Jennifer Ng Heitman was an obvious choice,” said Legislator Mazzarella. “Jennifer’s involvement in our community has had a significant impact through her work with the William Floyd School District, her involvement with the Boy Scouts, and her service to the community at large.”

In addition to serving the school community as a Board of Education trustee since 2021, Mrs. Heitman has been a long-time community volunteer in various aspects. She has provided support to local athletic organizations for children in the community, participated in efforts by multiple beautification and conservancy groups, and has been instrumental in various organizations such as Cub Scout Pack 88, Boy Scout Troop 29, the William Floyd Alumni Association and more. She can often be spotted joining her fellow Tri-Hamlet residents at local food drives and community clean-ups. Jennifer and her three siblings, all William Floyd graduates, sponsor the CJEJ Ng Family Scholarship annually for a graduating senior who has overcome adversity and hardship and demonstrates academic success. This scholarship is a way of paying forward the community support that her family received when they were students.

“Jennifer Ng Heitman is an amazing leader who continues to make a positive difference in our school community,” said Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “She serves countless hours volunteering her time and effort ensuring our schools and community are the best they can be. We are fortunate to have her serving on the Board of Education and in our community.”

Additionally, in 2015, Jennifer, along with her husband, Joel, and her oldest son, Max, who was eight at the time, were the catalysts for the creation of the Floydbots, a competitive robotics program at the elementary school level. Jennifer and Joel served as volunteer mentors for the Floydbots from 2016 to 2020. As of 2024, the robotics program has expanded to five elementary schools, one middle school, and has continued in the high school. Additionally, as a result of the program’s expansion and success, the district was selected to host a regional FIRST Lego League competition for more than 25 Long Island elementary and middle schools this past January. Jennifer is also proud to be a partner at a law firm that has achieved Mansfield Rule Plus Certification as recognition for all the ways the firm is doing its part to build a more inclusive legal field by ensuring that its leadership pipeline includes all sources of qualified talent.

Mrs. Heitman is a first-generation American who grew up in Shirley and is a graduate of William Floyd High School (Class of 1991), Colgate University (Class of 1995) and Hofstra Law School (Class of 1998). She started her career as a prosecutor with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office and transitioned to private practice in 2001. She resides in Shirley with her husband, Joel, and their two children, Max and Darren.  

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 their communities.

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