
Creating a More Visible & Engaged Asian American Voter Presence.
AAPA is based in
Montgomery County, MD.
AAPA is based in
Montgomery County, MD.
AAPA is dedicated to building a more robust political presence for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and ensuring AAPI voters get their interests, needs, and concerns heard by elected officials.
Our collective efforts strive towards creating a more visible and engaged Asian American voter presence in Montgomery County.
We are a non-partisan organization, composed of politically active Asian Americans living across Montgomery County. A majority of our members serve on both AAPI-based and non-AAPI organizations. Our current and past members include elected officials, non-profit leaders, previous political candidates, appointees to commissions, boards, and task-forces at local, state, and federal level, and advocates working to create change in the communities they serve.
Tonia is the owner of a political communications consulting firm, specializing in voter and constituent outreach to underrepresented populations. In 2024, Tonia was a trainer for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies National Leadership Academy - a non-partisan training program for current elected officials and
Tonia is the owner of a political communications consulting firm, specializing in voter and constituent outreach to underrepresented populations. In 2024, Tonia was a trainer for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies National Leadership Academy - a non-partisan training program for current elected officials and individuals seeking to run for public office. She previously served on the Montgomery County Commission for Women (2018–2022) and the Montgomery County Community Development Advisory Committee (2017–2018). Tonia has been an active member of AAPA since 2016.
Dr. Lee is currently a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Dentistry and a practicing dentist in Olney, MD. He has held numerous public offices and appointments including the Montgomery County Board of Education, Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Board, the Maryland Governor’s Commissi
Dr. Lee is currently a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Dentistry and a practicing dentist in Olney, MD. He has held numerous public offices and appointments including the Montgomery County Board of Education, Chair of the Interagency Coordinating Board, the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Asian American Pacific Islander Affairs, Chair of the Montgomery County Health Council, Chinese Medical and Health Association-President, and Chair of the Mid-County Advisory Board.
Jacinta, a daughter of immigrants, has dedicated her career to advancing civil rights. For nearly four years, she has served as an appointee at a federal government civil rights agency working to eliminate barriers to employment opportunities for workers nationwide. Previously, she was the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Nati
Jacinta, a daughter of immigrants, has dedicated her career to advancing civil rights. For nearly four years, she has served as an appointee at a federal government civil rights agency working to eliminate barriers to employment opportunities for workers nationwide. Previously, she was the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Immigration Forum where she developed and implemented policy priorities and advocacy strategies for immigration reform. Prior to that role, she served as the Deputy Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Washington, DC. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center since 2014. She was a co-founder of the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP).
Since 2001, Hoan Dang has been an active member of AAPA, where he has served as the liaison to the Asian American Health Initiative Steering Committee of Montgomery County. Hoan Dang is currently a member of the Montgomery County Executive’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group. In 2023, Hoan was appointed to the Montgomery County Counc
Since 2001, Hoan Dang has been an active member of AAPA, where he has served as the liaison to the Asian American Health Initiative Steering Committee of Montgomery County. Hoan Dang is currently a member of the Montgomery County Executive’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group. In 2023, Hoan was appointed to the Montgomery County Council’s Anti-Hate Task Force, where he served on the AAPI cohort. Between 2010 - 2019, Hoan served as Commissioner of the Washington Suburban Transit Commission. For over two decades, Hoan has served on the board of directors for the Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association and the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy. Hoan is a proud graduate of Montgomery County Public Schools.
Jay currently serves as the Vice President of Clarksburg Neighbors Alliance, a grassroot community building and advocacy group. He is the precinct chair for Montgomery County Precinct 02-11, one of the most competitive districts in Congressional District 6. He has also served on Montgomery County's Upcounty Citizen Advisory Board and the
Jay currently serves as the Vice President of Clarksburg Neighbors Alliance, a grassroot community building and advocacy group. He is the precinct chair for Montgomery County Precinct 02-11, one of the most competitive districts in Congressional District 6. He has also served on Montgomery County's Upcounty Citizen Advisory Board and the Clarksburg Village HOA Board. Previously, Jay ran for the Montgomery County Board of Education in 2020 and 2022. He is a former board chair for the Chinese American Parent Association, Montgomery County.
Rose began her policy career working for the former Speaker of the House. During her time in Congress, Rose was an active member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership, advocating for greater representation and leadership opportunities for AAPI communities. Ro
Rose began her policy career working for the former Speaker of the House. During her time in Congress, Rose was an active member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association and the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership, advocating for greater representation and leadership opportunities for AAPI communities. Rose also served as a political appointee at the Department of Health and Human Services for five years. After relocating to Montgomery County, she worked for two County Councilmembers, deepening her passion for addressing local issues. She is working to spark an interest in public service and politics in her three young children.
Founded in 1999, AAPA was sparked by the vision and determination of grassroots advocacy leaders Dr. Michael Lin and Ginny Gong. Already trailblazers in local and national politics, Michael and Ginny saw an urgent need to increase the civic engagement of Asian Americans in Montgomery County. At the time, it was rare for Asian Americans to attend political events or engage with local issues, but they believed in collective action to change that narrative.
What began as intimate gatherings in their living rooms quickly ignited a movement to ensure that the Asian American community was informed about the political process and the steps needed to effectively address their concerns. These events brought the community face-to-face with influential Maryland leaders such as Chris Van Hollen, Doug Duncan, Ike Leggett, and Connie Morella. More than just opportunities to meet elected officials, these gatherings became a platform for empowerment—encouraging attendees to participate in politics.
Today, AAPA continues to carry out the vision of its founders. The board remains dedicated to fostering civic engagement, leadership, and advocacy to ensure the voices of the Asian American community are heard in Montgomery County.
Copyright © 2024 Asian American Political Alliance - Montgomery County, MD - All Rights Reserved. Contact: aapa_board@aapamoco.org
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