Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission

Help us celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! This year the Howard County Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission is looking for student artists (K-12) to celebrate the pride, hard work, and creativity of the AAPI community. Your art should show how AAPI individuals have helped write the story of the country over the last 250 years.

What can you create? You can share a story about your family, a special community member or celebration, or a moment in history. Your art can show things like:

• Resilience: How people stay strong during hard times.
• Tradition: Special customs passed down through families.
• Belonging: What it feels like to be part of a community.
• The Future: What "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" looks like going forward.

Who can enter? Only Howard County elementary, middle and high school students (public, private or homeschooled) are eligible to enter. First place winners at each educational level will receive a $100 prize.

How do I enter?

• Create an original 2-D artwork, like a drawing, a painting, or a photograph. Artwork must be the student’s original work; AI-generated or AI-produced works will not be considered. Tracing or copying from photographs or other artists’ works is not allowed. Do not include copyrighted, trademarked, or branded marks, images or phrases.
• Fill out the online entry form.
• Submit your original artwork by Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, at the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity, 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, Maryland, 21046.

The Asian American Pacific Islander Commission held a public hearing on October 15, 2024 at 5:30pm to vote on the adoption of the Rules of Procedure. 

 

Name & Role (if applicable)	Term Expiration
Kui Zhao, Chair	5/6/2027
Sameer C. Ahirrao, Vice Chair	3/6/2026
Aanya Contractor, Corresponding Secretary and High School Student Commissioner	6/30/2026
Dr. Razia Kosi, Ex-Officio, Howard County Public School System	No term limit.
Diane Li, Ex-Officio, Howard County Library System	No term limit.
Dr. Yang Yu, Ex-Officio, Howard Community College	No term limit.
Jeff Rubin, Human Rights Commission Liaison	6/2/2028
Dr. Lanlan Xu	3/6/2026
Dhaval Shah	3/6/2025
Misako Aoki	3/6/2025
Jin "JC" Chung	3/4/2027
Dr. Naresh C. Das	3/6/2025
Kimberly Eggborn	3/6/2026
Sanjeev Gholap	3/4/2027
Dr. Tomoko Hoogenboom	3/6/2026
Saffiyah Gonzales Madraswala	3/4/2027
Dr. Khin Rupa Maung	3/6/2026
Young Ran Smith	3/6/2026
May-Fong Tsay	3/6/2026
Jodie Wang	3/6/2025

Current Vacancies (Updated February 21, 2026)

• Luminus Representative
• College/Trade Student Representative (term concludes 6/30/26)
• Up to 1 additional AAPI Community Representative (per the Asian American & Pacific Islander Commission Rules of Procedure, the Commission is comprised of a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 25 members) 

Upcoming Vacancies (applications open)

• High School Student Representative (term runs from 7/1/26 to 6/30/27)
• College/Trade Student Representative (term runs from 7/1/26 to 6/30/27) 

• LaKeisha McClendon (she/her), Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator
• Petra Guiland (she/her), Executive Secretary
• Samiyah Hira (she/her), Recording Secretary
• Joanna Chen (she/they), Liaison to the County Executive

 

The Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every other month from 6-8pm. All AAPI Commission Meetings are open to the public. Please see the Commission's meeting agendas for information on how to attend in person or virtually.

2026 Meeting Dates:

• Tuesday, February 10
• Tuesday, April 14
• Tuesday, June 9
• Tuesday, August 11
• Tuesday, October 13
• Tuesday, December 8

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5-5:30PM: Opening Remarks 

• CEO Jennifer Jones, Howard County Economic Development Authority 

• County Executive Calvin Ball 

• Lt. Governor Aruna Miller 

• Lanlan Xu, AAPI Commission Chair

• Emcee: Sameer Ahirrao, Chair of Business and Economic Development Committee 

5:30-5:40PM: Keynote 

• Jimmy Rhee, Former Special Secretary of Small, Minority, & Women Business Affairs 

5:50-6:15PM: Start, Grow, Expand Panel 

• Moderator: Lanlan Xu, AAPI Commission Chair

• Abhik Saha, Founder & Director, Yudaguru Integrative Wellness 

• KC Hwang, Founder and Principal Broker of The W Group Commercial Real Estate (WGC) 

• Ping Wu, Owner of Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro 川知味 

• Bob Zhang, Director of International Business | Cybersecurity of the Howard County Economic Development Authority 

6:30-6:55PM: Business Finance Panel 

• Moderator: JC Chung, AAPI Commissioner

• Angella Aizire, Microloan Administrator, Howard County Economic Development Authority 

• Kristie Chung, Vice President, Business Banking, Relationship Manager at M&T Bank 

• Yui E. Jenkins, Marketing and Outreach Team Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration 

• May Jiang, CPA, CFP, CEPA, and Certified Value Builder 

7:00-8:00PM: Networking & Refreshments

Jimmy Rhee, Former Special Secretary of Small, Minority, & Women Business Affairs 

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Jimmy’s public service includes serving two governors as a political appointee (of Maryland and Virginia) on international trade, investment, and small business growth activities directly linked to job creation. He organized trade missions, fostered various economic development programs, and implemented the “National Export Initiative and Entrepreneur Program” in conjunction with the White House. 

With over 20 years of private sector entrepreneurial experience in enterprise creation, growth, and change management, Jimmy has an extensive record of directing turnaround situations across diverse industries, from manufacturing to software companies. In his current role, he empowers entrepreneurs to achieve their growth and liquidity objectives through investments and provides guidance to international businesses navigating the shifting geopolitical landscape. 

Jimmy serves as a board member for numerous organizations, including the Salinger Business School of Loyola University, Harbor Bank, and the Maryland Clean Energy Center. He earned degrees from Johns Hopkins University (MAS/MBA) and the University of Maryland (BS). He also attended the Georgetown National Law Center for two years and holds a professional certificate in energy from the Stanford University Center for Development. 

Moderator: Lanlan Xu, AAPI Commission Chair

Abhik Saha, Founder & Director, Yudaguru Integrative Wellness  

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Abhik Saha, LCPC, has led Yudaguru Integrative Wellness with a diverse team of integrative psychotherapists based in Ellicott City, MD since 2016. The practice offers holistic mental health services, with a special focus on supporting community-serving individuals such as teachers, nurses, doctors, parents and young adults in the Ellicott City, Howard County, and greater Baltimore metropolitan area. Guided by a philosophy of empowerment and social responsibility, Yudaguru provides a welcoming space for personal growth and positive change in the local community. “Who’s the Guru? Only You Can Decide!” 

 

KC Whang, Founder & Principal Broker of The W Group Commercial Real Estate (WGC)  

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Founder and Principal Broker of The W Group Commercial Real Estate, founded in 1991.  Commercial real estate and business broker, property management and business consultant since 1986.  Resident of Howard County since 1987, served on various non profit boards in Howard County, including Howard County Economic Development Authority, The Horizon Foundation, and Bridgeway Community Church. 

 

Ping Wu, Founder of Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro 川知味  

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Urban visionary and one of the founders of the Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro is the definition of entrepreneurial commitment to both cuisine and community. Her Red Pepper and Sichuan Sichuan Bistros  have quickly become Central Maryland dining landmarks. She has been a strong advocate for women’s health issues, such as, breast cancer, postpartum depression, and domestic violence.

 

Bob Zhang, Head of the Business Development of the Howard County Economic Development Authority 

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Bob Zhang leads the business development team at the Howard County Economic Development Authority, focusing on business engagement, retention, and attracting new businesses to the county. He also supports the cybersecurity/IT sector and spearheads international initiatives by promoting export opportunities and attracting foreign direct investment. Prior to this role, Bob operated his own digital marketing business, which he founded in 2011. 

Moderator: JC Chung, AAPI Commissioner

Angella Aizire, Microloan Administrator, Howard County Economic Development Authority  

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Angella Aizire joined HCEDA in September 2023 as the Microloan Administrator, after working in the financial services field for over 20 years.  She has extensive experience in assisting existing and potential entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start or grow their businesses. Her core competencies include marketing and community outreach, loan origination, and analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills in multicultural settings. Angella holds a Master of Professional Studies’ Degree in International Development from Cornell University, and a Bachelors’ Degree in Economics from Makerere University. Her passion is Community and Economic Development! 

 

Kristie Chung, Vice President, Business Banking, Relationship Manager at M&T Bank  

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Currently working as Business Banking Relationship Manager at M&T Bank. Worked at a credit union for five years. Married, living with a very supportive husband and beautiful two beautiful daughters. Passionate to serve the community, especially the Asian community to provide financial resources and connections. My motto is “Relationship takes everything”.

 

Yui E. Jenkins, Marketing & Outreach Team Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration  

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Yui Jenkins is the Outreach and Marketing Specialist for the SBA Baltimore District Office. She has been a part of the district office for 3 years and supports the small business community by assisting entrepreneurs understand the resources that are available to them. She strives to help small business owners achieve their dreams of entrepreneurship and is always happy to be part of their journeys to success.

 

May Jiang, CPA, CFP, CEPA, and Certified Value Builder  

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May Jiang is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), and Certified Value Builder (CVB®). May has helped solopreneurs, small startups, mid-size businesses, and Fortune 500 companies throughout her career. As an entrepreneur, May is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship. She named her company Beyond Profit and Wealth Consulting (BPWC) because she believes that entrepreneurship is more than making a profit; it is also about making a difference, creating a positive impact, and building a legacy. May works tirelessly to help her clients reach their business goals. 

Thank you for joining our inaugural AAPI Business Summit--we would love to hear your feedback through this quick survey to improve future initiatives.

If you would like to continue to be a part of conversations like this, consider applying for the AAPI Commission at howardcountymd.gov/applybc.

• Opening Korean Drum Performance by Hanpan Korean American Cultural Center 
• Remarks by Elected Officials
• Porcelain Traditions In Blue And White by The Elegant Flowers
• Stepping Stones by Korean Culture & Art of Maryland
• Tibetan Dance “Get Together” by YL Dance Club 
• Fun Facts by the Howard County Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission
• Saxophone Quartet by HoCo YEP! Howard County Chinese School
• Hwagwamu Royal Court Dance by Korean Culture & Art of Maryland
• Jang Gu Dance, Fan and Doll Dance by Hee Kyung Lee’s Korean Traditional Dance Team
• Tibetan Dance “Eman” by CAPA Cares
• Hip Hop Dance Remix by Team Taiwan (Lindsay and Charlotte Lin)

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1. Howard County Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission
2. Office of the County Executive Calvin Ball
3. Office of Human Rights & Equity
4. Howard County Police Department
5. Office of Consumer Protection
6. Asian American Educators of Howard County
7. Association of Chinese Schools
8. Department of Community Resources & Services
9. Chinese American Parent Association of Howard Coutny
10. Columbia-Liyang Sister City Committee
11. Hanpan Korean American Cultural Center of Maryland 
12. Howard County Chinese Cultural Center 
13. Howard County Chinese School 
14. Korean Society of Maryland 
15. League of Korean Americans 
16. Taiwanese Association of America Greater Baltimore & Columbia Chapter
17. Taiwanese American Diversity Association

Special thank you to the Department of Recreation & Parks

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