Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the vital contributions of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community to both the nation and the Commonwealth during a reception hosted with First Lady Suzanne Youngkin at the Executive Mansion on May 20, 2025.

The reception, which was held to celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Virginia, brought together over 180 Asian American residents from across the Commonwealth.

Speaking to South Asian Herald, Governor Youngkin said, “It’s our honor to host such a large group from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community here tonight at the Governor’s mansion. It’s our chance to celebrate the great contributions that this community has made, not just to America, but specifically to Virginia.”

Addressing the specific role of South Asians in the Commonwealth’s growth, the Governor emphasized their impact across sectors. “Many,” he noted, pointing out to their contributions in areas ranging “from education to health care to business to families to the cultural contributions.”

He further stated, “Virginia’s diversity is one of our great strengths,” acknowledging the value that South Asians bring to the Commonwealth.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the attendees, saying, “Thank you for all that you do to make the Commonwealth of Virginia, the very best place to live and to work and to raise a family.”

Secretary of the Commonwealth, Kelly Gee told South Asian Herald, “As one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the Commonwealth, AAPI community members represent a vital piece of our diverse ethnic and social fabric whose languages, cultures, and religious beliefs have enriched communities in all parts of our state.”

She also extended her gratitude to the Thapasya School of Dance, whose performers showcased a Bharatanatyam dance at the event. “Their group choreography, colorful costumes, and music delighted us all,” she added.

Secretary Gee, along with the First Lady awarded a Certificate of Recognition to members of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board (VAAB), recognizing May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Virginia. 

The Certificate noted “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the commonwealth and reflect a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds… the [AAPI] community in the Commonwealth of Virginia represents a vital piece of our diverse ethnic and social fabric who languages, cultures, and religious beliefs have enriched communities in all parts of the state.”

Chair of VAAB, Srilekha Palle, told South Asian Herald, “It was an honor to attend the AAPI Celebration at the Executive Mansion, where Governor Youngkin recognized the incredible work being led across the Commonwealth by the Virginia Asian Advisory Board.”

Palle highlighted the Governor’s appreciation for VAAB’s statewide town halls, which, she said, have showcased not only the achievements of Asian Americans in Virginia but also the opportunities the community continues to pursue in areas such as business, procurement, and contracting.

His remarks, according to Palle, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every voice in our community is “heard, valued, and empowered,” she added.

Chair of the VAAB’s Civic Committee, Mansoor Qureshi, echoing the Governor’s sentiments, told South Asian Herald, “Virginia’s AAPI community is a driving force behind our Commonwealth’s success, from our thriving small businesses to our growing role in technology, education, and public service.”

Qureshi described the May 20 event as a reflection of the mutual appreciation between the Governor and the AAPI community. “This is how inclusive governance works: when communities and leaders come together to move Virginia forward,” he said.

Founder of the Thapasya School of Dance, Sudha Krishnamurthy, told South Asian Herald, “The students performed a complex and captivating choreography that highlighted the intricacies of Bharatanatyam.”

Krishnamurthy, who oversees the school’s branches in Ashburn and Aldie, Virginia, as well as Ellicott City, Maryland, said her students’ performance was well-received by the audience. She added that her students had a great opportunity to interact with the Governor and the First Lady.

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