AANHPI Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities across the country. It is also an important reminder that these communities are not a monolith – encompassing people with roots in dozens of countries, cultures, languages, and lived experiences.
Today, more than 25 million people in the United States identify as AANHPI. Over the last decade alone, the Asian American population grew by nearly 40%, while the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population grew by almost 30%. As these communities continue to grow, representation at every level of leadership matters more than ever.
That representation is already making a difference through Emerge alums who are stepping up to lead, advocate, and serve their communities.
In Virginia, Irene Shin has become a powerful voice for working families, reproductive freedom, and equitable policy solutions. In California, Helen Tran made history as the first Asian American elected mayor of San Bernardino, bringing lived experience and community-centered leadership to city hall.
Maryland Delegate Lily Qi has continued to champion immigrant communities, education, and economic opportunity while breaking barriers as one of the first Chinese American women elected to the Maryland General Assembly. And in Connecticut, Representative Maryam Khan fights for access to quality education, funding community infrastructure, and inclusion in decision-making, as the first Muslim member of the Connecticut House.
As AANHPI communities continue to grow across the country, so too must opportunities for leadership, visibility, and representation. Because when our leadership reflects the full diversity of America, our democracy becomes stronger for everyone.
– Cecilia Yoon
Manager for Grassroots and Development Support, Emerge
Emerge America
www.emergeamerica.org
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