HOUSTON, April 6, 2023 — Asia Society Texas hosted a panel discussion on public service, inspired by the 2022 midterm election which saw a record number of Muslim American candidates winning local, state, and federal offices across the country, including Texas.

The program featured Texas House District 76 Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani and 113th District Court Judge Rabeea Collier in conversation with Mayor Matt Mahan (San Jose, California), exploring the panelists’ motivations to be involved in public service and what inspired them to give back to their communities as elected officials.

Muslim American representation in public service

From Judge Collier’s experience, representatives of diverse backgrounds are well-positioned to foster inclusivity in public administration. She noted how diverse public servants have been essential to equipping public offices with the tools to better understand the needs of the different communities they serve. Judge Collier underlined how diversity allows for blind spots to checked, adding that religious diversity is particularly relevant due to its intersectionality with the many expressions in which identity can be experienced. 

Dr. Lalani said he sees himself as "a politician that happens to be Muslim." In his perspective, the presence of all identities in the public sphere is positive, but he said he believes representatives should also be elected based on their competence and credibility. He also referred to the role of service to others in Islam, and said his faith reminds him of his duty to serve and elevate people.

Campaigning and life as an elected official

Judge Collier shared that her main inspiration in running for office was her desire to bridge the gap between minorities and the justice system, elaborating on the injustices she witnessed during her time as a lawyer which pushed her to run for district judge.

Dr. Lalani has participated in many philanthropic initiatives and served the community through his medical profession. He recalled his experiences with one patient whose insurance would not cover her medicine and prevented her from receiving treatment, which motivated him to seek elected office so he could promote the necessary legislative changes to help his patients and society.

Both speakers highlighted the importance of the support of their families, as well as several communities. Although campaigning and public service requires personal sacrifices, of them and their families alike, they shared that the communities they serve have inspired them to continue in their work.

Advice for the next generation

For Dr. Lalani, public service is a calling that comes from within. He advised people with a vocation for public service to stay focused and work hard despite the challenges. Judge Collier encouraged women to get involved in public administration and be qualified. She also highlighted the value of grassroots organizations to promote change. Mahan reminded the audience there are many ways to help the community, and public service is only one of them.

The program was presented as part of Asia Society Texas’ Muslim Series. 

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.