Barve is running for Congress.
AB Wire
WASHINGTON, DC: Delegate Kumar Barve, who is running for the open seat in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, is slated to receive the “Public Servant of the Year” award from the International Leadership Foundation Thursday at their annual dinner in Washington D.C.
“Kumar Barve is an historical civic leader in the Asian Pacific American community. He is the forerunner who opened doors for thousands of others to engage in the civic life of their communities and enter into public service careers,” said ILF CEO and co-founder Chiling Tong, in a statement.
The International Leadership Foundation promotes the Asian Pacific American community’s economic success and its burgeoning participation in government, civic and public service. According to a press release, the gala dinner will include remarks by former Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta and several members of congress, according to a press release.
Prior to receiving his award, Barve will speak at a conference co-sponsored by the ILF and the Coalition of Asian American Business Organizations.
“Kumar Barve will add an important voice to the United States Congress. As a progressive Asian American known for bringing different people together and getting results, he will be an empowering leader on economic and social issues to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across Maryland and the nation,” stated Paul Tiao, co-founder of the Asian American Action Fund.
The Asian American Action Fund is a progressive political organization that works to help elect Asian Pacific American Democratic candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to the community and by engaging Asian Pacific Americans in the political process.
If elected to the House of Representatives, Barve, 56, would become the first Indian American elected to Congress from the State of Maryland. The entrepreneur and public servant grew up and attended Montgomery County Public Schools in Silver Spring, Md. and graduated from Georgetown University.
A resident of Montgomery County since 1964, he was the first Indian American elected to serve in a state legislature in U.S. history. Barve has been a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since 1990, representing District 17 in Montgomery County and currently serves as the Chair of the House Environment and Transportation Committee.