Beyond the Hyphen: Reform Across Politics and Diplomacy

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Sarah Elfreth, who represents Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.From her early start in student government and higher education leadership to becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Maryland State Senate and now serving in Congress, Congresswoman Elfreth’s path reflects a grounded, institution-focused approach to public service. In this conversation, Mark and Congresswoman Elfreth explore what it actually takes to move policy forward—from expanding voting access and digital inclusion to tackling environmental challenges in the Chesapeake Bay and navigating the realities of governing at the federal level.They also discuss how decisions are made inside institutions, the balance between economic growth and sustainability, and why process and accountability matter in moments of national decision-making. Throughout the episode, Congresswoman Elfreth shares her perspective on where younger generations fit into today’s political landscape—and how they can move from observing change to actually shaping it.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Kweisi Mfume, who represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District. From leaving high school at 16 to support his family in Baltimore, to serving in Congress, leading the NAACP, and returning to public office decades later, Congressman Mfume’s journey reflects a life shaped by responsibility, resilience, and long-term commitment to public service.This conversation goes beyond titles and positions. Mark and Congressman Mfume explore how power actually works inside institutions, what it takes to sustain leadership over time, and how policy decisions translate into real outcomes for communities. They also discuss the role of youth in civic life, the challenges of building trust in public institutions, and where younger generations can find meaningful ways to engage and create lasting impact.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, Host Mark Li sits down with Marc Korman, who represents District 16 in Montgomery County and currently serves as Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee in the Maryland House of Delegates.They talk about how decisions are actually made in Maryland inside the systems that shape transportation, infrastructure, and environmental policy. Delegate Korman walks through what it takes for a bill to move, where real influence sits within the legislative process, and why outcomes are often decided long before a final vote.We also explore the gap between passing policy and delivering results, the long-term challenges behind building a reliable regional transit system, and how tradeoffs are made when balancing growth, sustainability, and navigating youth participation above all in the civic system.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Chair of the Maryland Senate Finance Committee Pamela Beidle, who represents District 32. From her beginnings in local government to her work shaping policy at the state level, Senator Beidle offers a grounded perspective on how leadership evolves, and how decisions made in Annapolis impact everyday life.We explore the role of state government in areas like economic development, infrastructure, and environmental policy, and what those decisions mean for students and young people across Maryland. This conversation also takes a closer look at youth civic engagement, the barriers that keep young people from fully participating, and what it actually takes to move from awareness to impact in the community.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Oliver Ma, a civil rights attorney and leading candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California, to examine what leadership looks like in a moment defined by division, inequality, and generational change.Drawing from his work representing tenants and immigrant communities, Oliver reflects on the limits of individual advocacy and the need for structural change. The conversation explores the realities facing AAPI communities, the barriers to political representation, and how identity shapes both legal practice and public leadership.Mark and Oliver also discuss youth civic engagement, declining trust in democratic institutions, and what it takes to build meaningful connections with the next generation beyond election cycles. Grounded in both lived experience and policy perspective, this episode considers how power, responsibility, and representation are evolving in one of the most consequential political landscapes in the country.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Senator Cory McCray, who represents the 45th Legislative District in northeast Baltimore City.Senator McCray shares the personal story that shaped his path to public service, reflecting on his early life in Baltimore, his time at the Cheltenham Detention Center as a teenager, and the apprenticeship opportunity that redirected his future and eventually led him into leadership and elected office.The conversation explores the policy challenges and opportunities facing Baltimore today, including economic mobility, transportation, education disparities, and the role of state government in shaping outcomes for communities across Maryland. Senator McCray also discusses how collaboration between city leadership and state policymakers can influence progress for Baltimore residents.Throughout the episode, we also focus on youth civic participation, the importance of mentorship and opportunity, and what it means for young people to see themselves as leaders within their own communities.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with William He, the founder of Dream for America, a national youth-led organization mobilizing young people to participate meaningfully in democracy.William reflects on building an institution from the ground up at 16, navigating youth leadership, scaling civic engagement without losing long-term vision, and what it takes to turn political interest into sustained action. The conversation spans grassroots organizing, national moments like Democracy Fest, political identity formation, and what young leaders should take from today’s emerging generation in public life—plus one unexpected hot take at the end.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li speaks with Dr. Kevin Chin, an emergency room physician and Democratic candidate for the Howard County Council representing District 1. Drawing on his experience working at the front lines of public health, Dr. Chin discusses what motivated his transition from medicine into local government and how clinical decision-making has shaped his approach to accountability, resource allocation, and public service. The conversation explores the role of county government in shaping everyday life in Howard County, from education funding and school capacity planning to transparency in budgeting, procurement, and regulatory decisions.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Dan Schwartz, a consumer protection advocate and Democratic candidate for Congress in Maryland’s First District.The conversation examines affordability, healthcare, and consumer protection through the lens of how Congress actually functions in practice. Schwartz discusses his background in regulatory enforcement, the gap between laws on the books and lived protections, and how internal power structures—particularly the influence of the Freedom Caucus—shape legislative outcomes.The episode also explores federal issues affecting young voters, questions of accountability and representation in Maryland, and what effective leadership looks like at a moment of institutional strain.

In this episode, Texas State Representative Gene Wu joins Beyond the Hyphen with host Mark Li to talk about the changing face of Texas politics, the role of community, and what it means to lead with both conviction and care. From demographic shifts to the quiet courage of everyday civic life, this conversation explores how the future of democracy is being written in a tumultuous political time period.

Host Mark Li sits down with Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, for a conversation on how data can drive justice. Together, they trace the journey from community pain to national policy impact — how a simple reporting form became a movement that changed how America talks about race and accountability. Named to the TIME100 and Bloomberg 50 lists, and featured on TEDx, Manjusha Kulkarni reflects on leadership, identity, and what it means to turn numbers into change.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Dr. Calvin Ball, County Executive of Howard County, Maryland. From his early motivations to his ongoing work in education, equity, and community engagement, Dr. Ball shares insights on what it means to lead with purpose at the local level. We dive into his leadership philosophy, how he connects with a diverse constituency, the role of youth in civic life, and his vision for the county’s future. Whether you're a student leader, policy enthusiast, or someone passionate about public service, this conversation will leave you thinking about the power of local government in a whole new way.

In this episode, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee to explore the power of public service, representation, and being a changemaker from within. As the first Asian American elected to the Maryland Senate and now the first AAPI Secretary of State in Maryland’s history, Secretary Lee reflects on what it means to lead, to be the first, and to carry community with you into every room amidst her vision under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore. They discuss the evolution of AAPI representation, the role of young people in shaping civic futures, and how trust in government can be rebuilt through authentic leadership.

Host Mark Li sits down with Haipei Shue, President of United Chinese Americans (UCA), for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, advocacy, and the fight for justice in an era of rising anti-China sentiment.Together, they explore what it means to grow up Chinese American amid political tension, how government scrutiny has impacted scientists and students alike, and why youth leadership is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with freshly retired U.S. Representative John Sarbanes of Maryland's 3rd Congressional District to explore his two decades of public service, civic engagement, and legislative leadership. From championing government reform to empowering young voices, Congressman Sarbanes reflects on his journey, the evolving role of youth in democracy, and the future of service in America. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Maryland’s most dedicated public servants.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC. Together, they dive into what it takes to lead a national civil rights organization, the legal battles behind the headlines, and how Asian Americans are mobilizing for justice in a polarized America.From rising anti-Asian hate to immigrant rights and voting access, Yang shares his insights, personal reflections, and a call to action for the next generation of changemakers.

In this special episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Dr. DiFato, a dedicated high school principal whose work reflects the quiet power of local leadership in public education. Together, they explore what it means to build community in schools, support students beyond academics, and stay grounded in the values that make education a force for good. From the daily challenges of school leadership to the long-view vision of shaping future citizens, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at the impact of one educator's journey—and the broader significance of investing in our schools, our students, and the people who lead them.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with international affairs expert Sourabh Gupta, Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, to explore the evolving dynamics of the U.S.–China relationship. Their conversation covers everything from the current diplomatic posture between Washington and Beijing, to the role of international law and trade systems, to the importance of student and cultural exchange in fostering understanding. They also dive into hot-button issues like Taiwan, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, U.S.–China economic decoupling, and the broader geopolitical vision behind China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, Maryland education advocate and civic leader Jessica Nichols joins Host Mark Li for a conversation on inclusive leadership, equity in education, and what it takes to build sustainable grassroots action. From her work as an educator, elected official, and non-profit leader, Ms. Nichols shares how investing in young people and local communities can transform systems.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, Maryland House Delegate Natalie Ziegler joins Host Mark Li for a grounded conversation about what it means to serve—both on the farm and in the Maryland State House. From her late entry into public office to her dual identity as a small business owner and environmental advocate, Ziegler reflects on how personal experience can powerfully shape policy. They dive into the realities of representing rural communities, the balancing act between climate action and economic resilience, and what localization really means when it’s done right. Whether you're interested in politics, sustainability, or simply making a difference in your own backyard, this episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership rooted in lived experience.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Joe Vogel to explore how identity, advocacy, and the next generation are shaping American politics. From his early activism and work with national campaigns to becoming one of the first openly gay and Latino Gen Z legislators elected to the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Vogel shares insights on grassroots organizing, the pressure of representation, and the power of showing up authentically in politics. We dive into lessons from major campaigns, coalition-building, and how Gen Z’s unique perspective is influencing issues like education, climate change, and civic engagement.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon to explore how progressive policy, coalition building, and civic engagement are transforming governance. From his early activism and work in media reform to becoming 1 of the first 2 Korean Americans ever elected to the Maryland General Assembly, Leader Moon shares insights on grassroots power, inclusive leadership, and the significance of Maryland in light of the Trump administration. We dive into, legislative transparency, healthcare, and how cultural identity informs policymaking in an increasingly diverse democracy.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Chao Wu, a veteran engineer, educator, and policymaker, to explore how data science and a STEM mindset are reshaping public service. From his historic role as the first Asian American chair of the Howard County Board of Education to his current work in the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Wu shares insights on the future of education, innovation in government, and the importance of representation. We dive into funding equity, the role of innovation in career readiness development, and what it takes to rebuild public trust among youth in a rapidly evolving world.

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam for a powerful conversation on representation, public service, and the evolving role of young change makers. From navigating politics as an Asian American legislator to building coalitions and reimagining civic leadership, Senator Lam reflects on the stories we inherit — and the ones the next generation is poised to rewrite. Whether you're a student activist, aspiring public servant, or just curious about the intersection of identity and impact, this episode speaks to the heart of what it means to lead with purpose.