Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Spotlight on Julie Yang

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re sharing a special Q&A with Julie Yang, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

AAPI Heritage Month is a powerful reminder that our stories matter. It’s a time to celebrate the strength, diversity and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities—past and present. For me, it’s also personal. It’s about honoring my family's journey, my cultural roots and the values that have shaped who I am: perseverance, humility and community responsibility. On top of that, this is a month for feasts as community groups gather and celebrate!

What has been your experience in MCPS as an AAPI?

AAPI should be more represented in the school system workforce and leadership. A little over 10% of the MCPS professional staff has identified with an AAPI background. As for our work with students, the American education system, which sometimes uses achievement as the sole criterion, can overlook our diverse communities' linguistic and cultural assets and barriers.

What advice would you give to AAPI students who aspire to become leaders in their communities?

Own your story. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Your identity, your lived experience and your voice are powerful tools. Leadership doesn’t always start with a title—it starts with showing up, speaking up and lifting others as you rise. When you step forward, you’re not just making space for yourself but also opening doors for others.

Which AAPI leaders have influenced you both professionally and personally?

I am inspired by the everyday AAPI educators, parents and students who lead quietly but powerfully, making change in their classrooms, homes and neighborhoods.

I am also inspired by Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink, a Hawaiian-born, third-generation Japanese American. She was denied  the ability to take the bar exam due to being married and having a child (considered ineligible then). After challenging this statute and winning, she completed law school, passed the bar and opened her own office in Chicago in 1953. She became the first Japanese American and woman of color to serve in the House of Representatives in 1956.

What message would you like to share with MCPS students and staff as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month? 

AAPI Heritage Month is not just about celebration—it’s about connection. It’s a time to learn about each other, to uplift voices that have long been overlooked and to affirm that every student deserves to feel seen and valued. To our students: Your heritage is a strength. To our educators and staff: thank you for your work to create spaces where all students can thrive. Let’s continue to build a community where every culture is honored and every voice is heard.