Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Dr. Kai Zhang, Carving a Niche as a Unique Coalition Builder

In 2008, Zhang felt it was time to organize Chinese Americans who were of the same political persuasion and work for the common good. He worked with Jim Cheng (now Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade), Tony Yeh and many Chinese Americans to establish the Chinese American Republicans Virginia Association or CARVA. 

He was elected the first president of the association. The organization is affiliated with the State Republic organization, and is directly under the leadership of the Republican party of Virginia.

It is the first Chinese political organization of its kind in the nation, with a clear mission to promote political participation and promote Asian community interests. It has been successful in bringing together Chinese Americans from Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, and in working together for common interests and benefits for the community.

CARVA helps promote other Chinese communities through cultural, commercial or social events. It has worked with the Asian Community Festival, Chinese Traditional Dancing Groups, the Chinese American Chamber of Commerce, Americans of Taiwan Origin, Chinese Sunday Schools and other regional organization. 
 
  Remarked CARVA President Tony Yeh: “He was able to unite Chinese Americans in this region who from different parts of the world and with different backgrounds to work together as a united political force, and provide influence to the regional politics process.”
 
Robert S. Wertz, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue for Loudoun County, Virginia has known Dr. Zhang for about a decade. “He has helped numerous Republican candidates on the local, state and national levels as a grassroots volunteer.”

He added: “In all my dealings with Kai, he has been diligent, friendly, and unassuming. His interest in service is not for personal gain, but to make the community and Commonwealth a better place to live and work. I have always viewed Kai as a peacemaker, one who looks for common ground to solve problems. He doesn’t sacrifice his beliefs for the sake of consensus, but treats everyone respect.”

Read more: http://www.asianfortunenews.com/article_0412.php?article_id=22

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