The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding AAPI Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to AAPI Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
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Executive Director of the Commission
Razin Karu
Razin Karu was born and raised in India and has been living in the US since 2013. He received his AA with honors in history from Bucks County Community College, where he also founded the Bucks Muslim Students Association, a chapter of the Bucks College Dems and also served as the student government president from 2016-2017. He was the first person of color to hold the office. He then transferred to Temple University, from where he received his BA in history and political science, with minors in global studies and economics. Razin is passionate about civic engagement, social justice, interfaith relations, and volunteering.
He most recently serves as the Executive Director of the Muslim Society of Delaware Valley (2022-23) where he directed all programs and activities for the Muslim Youth Center of Philadelphia (MYCP) and the Islamic Cultural Center of Willow Grove (ICCWG) and lead the organization’s strategic planning. Prior to that, Razin served as the outreach coordinator at ICNA Relief PA (2018-2022) where he worked on programs focusing on a diverse set of community needs, including refugee services, hunger prevention, disaster relief, educational empowerment, and more. Razin serves as a member of the Bucks County New Americans Advisory Commission and is a very active member of the Indian community in Bensalem.
He can be reached at rkaru@pa.gov