About
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission advises the Howard County Executive on policy initiatives and advocates on issues that affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Consisting of 24 members, AAPI hosts public quarterly meetings and presents biannual reports. AAPI organizes cultural events and has informative discussions on emerging issues. It is with the hope that these conferences will foster stronger relationships between the AAPI and the community. The Commission is dedicated to creating a safe place where AAPI residents feel valued and heard in the community.
2023 AAPI Heritage Month Festivals
TUESDAY, MAY 9TH | 6:30-8PM
Making Us Visible: A Community Conversation about AAPI Advocacy
• Miller Branch Library – Howard County Library System in partnership with the Asian American Educator of Howard County, The Chinese American Parent Association, Howard County Chinese School, the League of Korean Americans, and the Kaur Foundation.
• Register and learn more at https://bit.ly/visibleaapi
SATURDAY, MAY 13TH | 4-8PM
Maryland Multicultural Music Festival – East Meets West
• Smith Theater at Howard Community College – Howard County Chinese Cultural Center
• Get tickets and learn more at https://bit.ly/3Ls2jZF
SUNDAY, MAY 14TH | 12-4PM
Holi Celebration
• Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods – Inner Arbor Trust in partnership with Indian Origin Network of Howard County and International Women’s Network.
• Reserve a spot and learn more at https://bit.ly/3oKeedD
SATURDAY, MAY 20TH | 3-4:30PM
Japanese Children’s Day Dance Party
• Harper’s Choice Village Center – Misako Ballet Company
• Get tickets and learn more at https://bit.ly/4498l9M
SATURDAY, MAY 20TH | 6:30-8:30PM
Transpacific Origins: Celebrating the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Diaspora
• Howard County Center for the Arts – Office of Human Rights & Equity in partnership with The 3rd
• Reserve a spot and learn more at https://bit.ly/OHREaapi2023
SUNDAY, JUNE 11TH | 12-5PM
AAPI Festival
• County Executive Calvin Ball in partnership with Inner Arbor Trust
• Get involved and learn more at https://innerarbortrust.org/aapi
Chair: Dr. Lanlan Xu
Vice Chair: Mr. Dhaval Shah
Secretary: Ms Lily Peng
Mr. Sameer C. Ahirrao
Mr. Koko Aiolupotea
Ms. Misako Aoki
Ms. Grace Chang
Mr. Jin "JC" Chung
Dr. Naresh C. Das
Mrs. Kimberly Eggborn
Mr. Sanjay G. George
Mr. Sanjeev Gholap
Dr. Tomoko Hoogenboom
Dr. Razia Kosi
Ms. Diane Li
Ms. Saffiyah Gonzales Madraswala
Ms. Young Ran Smith
Mrs. May-Fong Tsay
Ms. Jodie Wang
Mrs. Helen Won
Dr. Yang Yu
Ms. Kui Zhao
Yolanda F. Sonnier, Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator
Joanna Chen, AAPI Liaison to the Office of the County Executive
Dr. Denise Boston, Executive Secretary
Alex Na, Recording Secretary
AAPI Commission meetings are held quarterly on the 2nd Tuesday of every other month. All AAPI Commission Meetings are open to the public, so please attend, participate, and share!
Meeting dates:
Tuesday, March 14th from 5:30-7:30pm – Orientation
Tuesday, April 11th from 5:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, June 13th from 5:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, August 8th from 5:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, October 10th from 5:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, December 12th from 5:30-7:30p