For Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, give it up for the 1st Filipino elected to office in New York State, Steven Raga!
“In a district where 49% of the population is AAPI and 25% of the population is Latine, I feel a profound responsibility to be a voice for my community and other New American communities,” the Assemblymember for District 30 said. “As a proud Filipino American, my heritage has been a driving force in my journey. Growing up in a single immigrant-parent household in #Queens—New York City’s largest immigrant community—I witnessed firsthand the resilience and strength of my neighbors.”
These collective experiences inspired Assemblymember Raga to pursue community advocacy and fight for policies that supported immigrants and New Americans. In 2016, he participated in our #NewAmericanLeaders Ready to Lead training. He shared, “During my time, I learned that embracing one’s authenticity is key to effective leadership. By staying true to my roots and experiences, I’ve been able to foster genuine connections and create an inclusive space that empowers others to join the fight for a more equitable world.”
For Assemblymember Raga, centering the experiences of underserved immigrant populations is a critical step in building a more just and inclusive society for all.
“In my first five months of office, I’ve been dedicated to tackling anti-AAPI hate, combating housing discrimination in black and brown communities, securing historic investments for our AAPI communities in New York State, and expanding access to culturally competent and in-language resources for government services.”
We laud Steven Raga, not just for his commitment to the community, but also the inspiration he serves for the many New Americans looking to forge their own leadership journeys