Illinois Asians in Politics

By: Mark Javier

 

Illinois is in the midst of an historic year for Asian Americans in politics. There are a record number of candidates with Asian heritage running for office and the community should take advantage of the opportunity to make an impact in the elections.

As a board member and Secretary of the Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago (AAAFGC) (www.aaafund.com), I am proud to contribute to this year’s endorsement of some highly respected and qualified Asian American candidates. The mission of the AAAFGC is to encourage APA Democrats to participate in the political process and to empower the APA community so that we can address the underrepresentation of APAs in the political life of the Greater Chicago area. We also support nonAPA candidates who are supportive on issues of concern to the APA community.

The Asian American Action Fund achieves its goals by identifying qualified Democratic candidates, providing them with financial and technical assistance, and building a local network of activists, funders, and supporters. For the 2016 election year AAAFGC endorses the following candidates:

Theresa Mah, Candidate, Illinois State Representative, 2nd District.

Growing up the child of immigrants, Theresa understands the struggles of working families in her district. Her experience has inspired her to fight for the policies that improve the quality of life for people in our neighborhoods. As an educator and former college professor, Theresa knows the importance of investing in education. She is proud to serve on the Local School Council at Thomas Kelly High School and she works to make sure that the youth in our district have access to the best opportunities available for their future.

As an experienced policy maker who has served in the administration of Governor Pat Quinn, Theresa knows what it takes to work in Springfield alongside lawmakers to pass legislation that has a real impact on the lives of people like us. (www.theresamah.com)

Josina Morita, Candidate, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District;

Josina is the Director of the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations, a multiethnic alliance of community organizations working together across 30 communities in Cook County. She serves on the State of Illinois’ Racial Profiling and Data Oversight Board, the Asian American Employment Plan Council, and the City of Chicago’s Commission on Equity. She sits on the boards of the Woods Fund of Chicago and the Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago.

In 2007, Josina was named one of Chicago’s “35 Under 35” fighting racism and poverty by the Community Renewal Society. In 2012, she was elected as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

The same year, she was selected as a Jim Edgar Fellow and a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. In 2013, she received the Emerging Leader Award from the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and the Breaking Barriers Award from the Chicago Foundation for Women. Josina’s human rights and social justice work has been recognized by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the Japanese American Citizens League.

Josina holds a Masters in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago1and a B.A. in Sociology and International Race Relations from Pitzer College. (www.friendsofjosina.com)

Harish Patel, Candidate, Illinois State Representative, 40th District;

A longtime active community member, Harish is running for State Representative of Illinois’ 40th District because he knows it takes real independent leadership to effectively address our community’s concerns. At just 14 years old, Harish moved from India to Illinois with his mother and sister soon after his father passed away. They came to Chicago seeking the kind of education and opportunities every family wants for their children in a city that prides itself on being a launchpad for immigrant dreams.

Harish worked his way through school, earning his master’s degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and dedicating his career to advancing social justice and building sustainable and vibrant communities.

A social entrepreneur, Harish launched his own ethical clothing company, ishi vest, and cofounded Chicago Votes, a nonprofit organization that has played a critical role in passing two landmark pieces of voting rights legislation in recent years, despite gridlock in Springfield. Most recently, he worked at Accelerate Change to support community organizations that advocate for policies to improve the lives of immigrants, new residents and their neighbors.. (www.harishpatel.com