The UMBC Institute of Politics invites you to the event honoring Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American Heritage Month. This event is part of their Politics Everywhere series.
Location: Skylight Room, The Commons
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 6:45 pm to 8:30 pm
Click here to RSVP.
Asian Americans are a rapidly growing population with significantly higher voter turnout and political participation than a decade ago. Their diverse experiences, identities, and policy priorities make them a dynamic voting bloc whose electoral influence will only continue to grow in Maryland and beyond.
Join the UMBC Institute of Politics (IoP) for an event examining the growing influence of Asian American voters and what drives their political engagement. The event will feature a reception with food and drinks from across Asian cultures, followed by a keynote address and moderated panel discussion with Asian American leaders in Maryland.
Keynote
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, State of Maryland
Lt. Governor Miller is the first Asian American and immigrant elected to statewide office in Maryland.
Moderators
Del. Mark Chang (’99), District 32
Trisha Sirsat (’27), IoP Research Assistant
Panelists
Del. David Moon, District 20
Del. Kris Valderrama, District 26
Del. Harry Bhandari (‘21), District 8
Sushant Sidh, Principal, Capitol Strategies
IoP sponsored events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy