Chair

Anika Rahman was a co-chair for the Virginia AAPI Biden-Harris Leadership Council. She was also the Deputy Director for Bangladeshis for Biden National Council. In 2019, DAAV awarded her with the Unsung-Hero award, making her the first to receive this award. Anika is fluent in five languages, experienced in policy and governance, campaign management, and grassroots organizing.  She enjoys working with legislators on state policies. Anika Rahman believes in creating change through empathy. 

First Vice Chair

 Sujan Sedhai recently served as a political director for Tim Kaine for Senate and was Joe Montano Fellow with Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton's campaign. She has worked on campaigns and for elected leaders throughout the Commonwealth building a formidable network in the AAPI community. 

Second Vice Chair

Jacob Harrer, DAAV 2nd Vice Chair, is a native of Southern California and served as a public affairs chief in the U.S. Marine Corps before retiring in 2024. He currently works as district director for the Fairfax County School Board, and he is an active member of 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee and the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. Recently, he worked as the Regional Political Director and Asian and Pacific Islanders / Veterans and Military Family Coalitions Lead for the Harris-Walz Coordinated Campaign of Virginia. He holds a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management from George Washington University, was an honoree of 2026 NOVA 40 Under 40, and currently attends the Sorensen Institute's Political Leaders Program.

Secretary

Wesley Joe has been a member of DAAV since 2012, when he heard Joe Montano proclaim "I need some Asians!" Wesley has served twice as DAAV's first vice chair and led the development of the DAAV's first Korean language guide for absentee voting in Virginia. He teaches at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy and has volunteered in several roles for Arlington Public Schools.

Treasurer

Rose Chu is the DAAV treasurer, 8th District Democratic Committee treasurer, and the Vice Chair of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee's Voter Registration & Education Committee and secretary of FCDC API Caucus.  She volunteers for AARP Tax-Aide and Shepherd's Center Ride Service.  

Political Director, Northern Virginia

Gabriel Yossick has worked on campaigns and in government at the statewide and federal levels, giving him a clear understanding of how political strategy, field operations, and coalition-building work in practice. Gabriel is mixed race: Chinese, Panamanian, and White and a Young Democrat! He brings a diverse background to DAAV.

Chair Emeritus

Shyamali Roy Hauth recently finished a term as chair and also served as the 1st and 2nd Vice Chair. An Indian immigrant and U.S. Air Force veteran, she is currently the National Endorsements Chair for South Asians for America (SAFA). She also served on the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee and as the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Regional Director for SAFA. Shyamali has been active in Virginia politics from grassroots activism to running for state Delegate. She also heads Public Policy and the Legislative Committee for her local AAUW branch and American Legion Post respectively. Shyamali works as the Legislative Director for Multi-modal Transportation & Public Safety for Fairfax County's Hunter Mill District Supervisor. She is a graduate of UVA's Sorensen Institute's Political Leaders Program as well as Emerge and VCET's Progressive Leadership Program. 

@ShyamaliHauth