Virginia made history recently when Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Mansoor Qureshi to the Virginia Asian Advisory Board (VAAB), marking the first time a Pakistani-American has held such a position. Hailing from Nawabshah, Qureshi moved to the United States in 2001 and has excelled in multiple fields over the past two decades. An accomplished entrepreneur, IT expert, journalist, and community advocate, Qureshi brings a wealth of experience and an ambitious vision for Virginia.
In an exclusive interview, Qureshi described his appointment as "a great honor" and a proud moment for the Pakistani and Asian communities. “This role allows me to amplify the voices of our community and work closely with the Governor to address their needs,” he said. "It shows that our hard work and contributions to Virginia's growth are being recognized.”
Asian communities in Virginia, while successful and influential, face many hurdles. As an immigrant himself, Qureshi deeply understands these challenges. He outlined some of the pressing issues, from limited awareness of state resources to concerns about changes in school curricula that may conflict with cultural values.
“Many in our community are unaware of resources for starting businesses, securing state loans, or promoting cultural activities,” he noted. He also highlighted the underrepresentation of Asian communities in political activities and the need for increased civic engagement. “Historically, our communities have been less active in political campaigns, voting, and civic participation. While this is improving, there’s still room for growth.”
“My plan is to educate and mobilize our communities,” he explained. “I aim to organize workshops, job fairs, and seminars to increase awareness about available resources and the importance of participating in the electoral process.”
“As a member of Governor Glenn Youngkin's Advisory Board, my primary goal is to bridge the gap between immigrant communities and the state government," Qureshi said. "I also plan to suggest that the Governor invite delegations from Pakistan and India to explore opportunities for investment in Virginia,” he added.
Qureshi’s journey from immigrant to advocate is both inspiring and motivating. For him, this role is more than just a title; it’s a platform to empower, guide, and uplift immigrant communities. “What inspires me is the opportunity to guide and empower others so our community can become one of the best in the U.S.,” he said.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Asian Virginians make up 7% of Virginia's population.
Qureshi said, “Governor Youngkin recognizes the immense potential of the Asian, Pakistani, Indian, and Muslim communities and is committed to addressing our needs.”
With leaders like Qureshi at the helm, Virginia’s immigrant communities can look forward to a future where their voices are not just heard but celebrated.