WiseUp TX

In this episode, hear from Alex Cornwallis, running for State Board of Education, Place 12.  This seat is up for election in November 2022 and helps shape our Texas schools.  Place 12 includes a number of North Texas counties, including all of Collin county.  Hear Alex's perspective about running as a South Asian candidate and amplifying the issues important to South Asian students and parents.  

You can learn more about Alex Cornwallis on his website, here.  

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponent.

In this episode, host Punam Kaji talks to Executive Director of AAPI Victory Alliance, Varun Nikore. AAPI Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are receiving national attention with a rapidly growing population and an activated electorate.  Hear how AAPI voters in Texas have become a focus of the national org, AAPI Victory Alliance.

About Varun: For more than 30 years, Mr. Nikore has been involved in national, state and local politics as a campaign strategist, fundraiser and policy advisor. In 1998, Mr. Nikore was appointed to serve in the Clinton Administration. He is founder and past-President of the Indian American Leadership Initiative, the largest Indian American network of Democrats in the U.S., and the Executive Director of the AAPI Victory Alliance.

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponent.

Host Punam Kaji talks to Jared Ross about upcoming the local election on May 7, 2022 and what is at stake for Texans!  Jared is a candidate for Birdville ISD Board of Trustee, and he asked to join the podcast to spread the word to our South Asian followers about the importance of local elections - particularly the school board.  On this episode, Jared helps educate our listeners about local elections.  Punam asked him about the topic that has become an issue in school elections: "critical race theory."  Jared explains that he gets the question when he knocks on doors, and explains his answer in this episode.  

Learn more about Jared Ross on his website.  

Facebook.com/ross4bisd

Twitter/Instagram @ross4bisd

Jared also has a Youtube Channel linked here.  

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponent.

Alishba Javaid talks to Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, a progressive leader running for Austin City Council District 9.  If he wins he would be the first South Asian and first Muslim in the Austin City Council.  Zohaib talks about housing insecurity and the unhoused population in Austin.  He talks about representation and the importance of running for office as a South Asian.  He shares a personal story about changing his career path from pre-med to public service.  Tune in to learn more!  The Austin City Council race will be on the ballot in November 2022, during the big general midterm election we are calling the Masala Midterm! 

Learn more about Zohaib on his website here. 

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponents.

WiseUp TX leaders Punam Kaji and Azra Siddiqi talk about that Texas Primary Results!  The BIG Masala Midterm being this November, but over the last few weeks, Texans went out to vote in the primary to decide who will be on the ballot in November.  Only about 1 out of 5 registered voters voted in the Primary.  Tune in to find out which candidates are heading to the Runoffs in May, and hear about some exciting South Asian candidates trailblazing the way for leadership in Texas.   

Donate to WiseUp TX and support our work on our website here.  

WIseUp TX is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidates or political party. 

Punam Kaji talks to Jessica Huynh, running for District Court Judge (331st) in Travis County. Have you studied your full ballot?  In addition to Governor and state wide offices, there are many Judges on the ballot!  Jessica talks about the importance of having understanding and empathy for the people who enter the courtroom, and her experience as an Asian American attorney and candidate.  

Read more about her campaign on her website here.

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponents

Punam Kaji talks to Joy Diaz running for Governor of Texas as a Democrat.  She talks about the importance of being pragmatic and unifying.  She reminds our listeners that it is so important to come out and vote in this Primary!

Learn more about Joy by visiting her website here.  

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponent

Punam Kaji talks to Dr. Suleman Lalani, a candidate for Texas State House in Fort Bend area (suburbs of Houston).  This is an Asian Opportunity  district, meaning census data showed a substantial Asian population in this area!  Dr. Lalani talks about much needed reforms to healthcare and education, and the importance of voting for the Asian community.

Learn more about Dr. Lalani on his website.

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponent

Punam Kaji talks to Donna Imam, running for the United States House of Representatives.  She is running as a democrat in the 37th District, which covers a good portion of Austin, Texas.  Among other things, Donna talks about how she would tackle the increasing cost of living in Texas, including housing prices.  She shares how her last run for the U.S. House helped turnout a large base of voters, and how she hopes to inspire people to come out and vote in the Primary and the Midterm this year. 

Read more about her campaign on her website here.

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponents.

Punam Kaji talks to Manpreet (Monica) Singh, running for Judge of the Harris County Civil Court at Law #4.  Monica shares her journey as a court room lawyer, an activist  for organizations like Sikh Coalition and ACLU Texas, and now as a candidate for Judge.  She talks about her roots as a Houstonian, and a South Asian.  

Read more about her campaign on her website here.  

Learn more about WiseUp TX, volunteer, or donate on our website.

The WiseUp TX podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and the WiseUp TX website. Also tune in on Radio Azad – download the app or 104.9 FM in Dallas.

WiseUp TX is non-partisan and does not support any candidates or political party.  But, we love to hear from South Asian candidates, and other candidates who want to talk to our South Asian followers! WiseUp TX interviews candidates who (1) reach out to us (2) are running in regions with Asian population density and/or (3) are of South Asian descent. For the general election, WiseUp TX makes an effort to reach out to key opponents.