The Blue Dumpling Podcast

Episode 3: Janelle Wong

The Blue Dumpling Podcast was thrilled to have Dr. Janelle Wong, Senior Researcher of AAPI Data. Dr. Wong delves into the major data trends shaping policy issues and voting behavior within the Asian American community. She shares the intensive survey process to collect data that is inclusive of the diverse, multilingual Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community across the nation. This episode also features a special news round up segment, which uncover pivotal AAPI data that influences the future political landscape in the 2024 elections. Join us as we explore the intersection of data, policy, politics, and the Asian American experience.
Janelle Wong is a Professor in Government & Politics and American Studies at University of Maryland (UMD), College Park. She is also the Director of the Asian American Studies Program at UMD. Wong is the author of Immigrants, Evangelicals and Politics in an Era of Demographic Change (2018, Russell Sage Foundation), Democracy’s Promise: Immigrants and American Civic Institutions (2006, University of Michigan Press) and co-author of two books on Asian American politics, including Asian American Political Participation. Wong has collected data on Asian American political views through surveys for more than two decades and currently is a Senior Researcher with AAPI Data - a nationally recognized publisher of demographic data and policy research on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Wong received her PhD from the Department of Political Science at Yale University. 

Episode 2: Delegate Lily Qi

This episode features Maryland Delegate Lily Qi, who hails from District 15. Delegate Qi, walks us through her journey of how building an AAPI cultural community niche can successfully inform legislation,  increase the democratic participation of Asian Americans, and build a winning strategy for a down-ballot race. Additionally, she shares how her immigrant background influenced her work as a legislator and community leader. Join us as we dive into these important topics as the 2024 MD General Assembly legislative session begins!

Episode 1: Devang Shah

Our inaugural podcast features Devang Shah, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party AAPI Diversity Leadership Council. During our conversation, we covered several important issues relating to AAPI civic and political life, from increasing political engagement and participation of AAPI communities in swing states to fighting against the Monolithic Myth. Join us for the first conversation of many! 
About our Guest 
Devang Shah is a driving force in the Democratic Party at the national, state, and local level. He is a grassroots leader focused on increasing the political engagement and participation of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.Since 2017, Shah has served as the Chair of the AAPI Diversity Leadership Council and Treasurer of the Maryland Democratic Party. Shah was also elected as the Democratic National Committee delegate for President Joe Biden in 2020, representing Maryland’s Congressional District 6. He is active in recruiting Asian American volunteers from Maryland to help turn out the vote in swing states.
About The Blue Dumpling Podcast
The Blue Dumpling Podcast is a collaborative effort between the Fells Group and PWP Strategies. This podcast aims to bridge the gap in information and awareness surrounding Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in politics and civic life within the state of Maryland. Blue Dumpling will bring forth influential figures from various communities, as well as experts and political strategists who have effectively connected with the AAPI electorate within the Democratic sphere. These conversations will emphasize the importance of reaching out to Asian American communities during elections, share insights to targeting the AAPI community, and demonstrate subject matter expertise in Asian American political engagement and mobilization.