Ep. 30 - Del. Lily Qi: Elected American; Finding an Immigrant's Voice in Democracy

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, Host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Lily Qi, the first Chinese-born state legislator in Maryland history.Drawing from her new memoir, Elected American: From Red China to Blue Maryland, Delegate Qi reflects on her journey from growing up in Shanghai during the Cultural Revolution to building a life and career in the United States. She discusses immigration, identity, belonging, public service, and the experiences that shaped her understanding of American democracy.The conversation also explores her work in economic development and government, mobilizing Chinese American voters, building coalitions across diverse AAPI communities, the meaning of being a “first,” and what young immigrants and Asian American students should understand about finding their own place in civic life.