Beyond the Hyphen: Bridging Voices at the Intersection of Identity, Politics, & Civic Reform

Ep. 29 - Stanford Thompson (Executive Director, Equity Arc & Founder, Play on Philly): Where Music & the Arts Meet Democracy

Host Mark Li sits down with Stanford Thompson, Executive Director of Equity Arc and founder of Play On Philly, for a conversation on music, leadership, and the power of belonging. From his early years as a trumpet student at the Curtis Institute of Music to studying Venezuela's El Sistema movement and building two nationally recognized organizations, Thompson reflects on the experiences that shaped his belief that artistic excellence and educational opportunity go hand in hand. Together, Mark and Stanford explore the future of classical music, coalition-building, identity, and the role artists can play beyond the concert hall. They discuss Equity Arc's mission to expand pathways for young musicians, the importance of community and representation, lessons from the nationally publicized U.S. Marine Band controversy, and why the arts remain a powerful force for civic engagement and social change.

Ep. 28 - Del. Jared Solomon: Schools, Community, and Public Trust

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Jared Solomon to explore the institutions, public systems, and civic spaces that shape everyday life in America. Before entering elected office, Delegate Solomon worked as a social studies teacher, federal policy advisor, and education advocate, experiences that continue to shape his approach to public service today. Together, they discuss education, transportation, civic trust, youth disconnection from institutions, and the role schools and public infrastructure play in building strong communities. From classrooms and rail systems to public spaces and civic belonging, this conversation examines what it means to rebuild trust in the systems young people grow up inside.

Ep. 27 - Del. Gabriel Moreno: What Immigration Advocacy Reveals About America

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Maryland State Delegate Gabriel Moreno to explore immigration, identity, public service, and the future of civic leadership in America’s diverse communities. Born and raised in El Paso to immigrant parents from Mexico, Delegate Moreno reflects on his journey through education, immigration advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and law before entering the Maryland House of Delegates. Together, they discuss student voice, belonging, youth engagement, and what immigration advocacy reveals about the strengths and challenges of American civic life today. From Howard County’s evolving identity to the importance of community trust and representation, this conversation examines leadership through a deeply human lens.

Ep. 26 - Georgette Bhathena (CPO, The Asian American Foundation): Building the Future of Asian America at the Intersection of Philanthropy, Media, & Community Investment

In this episode of Beyond the Hyphen, host Mark Li sits down with Georgette Bhathena, Chief Programs Officer at The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), to explore how one of the nation’s leading AAPI organizations is building long-term change through media, culture, research, philanthropy, and civic advocacy. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of Asian American identity, the fight for belonging and visibility, the role of storytelling in shaping public narratives, and what it means to build lasting institutions for future generations. From representation and coalition-building to Gen Z leadership and the future of Asian American civic life, this conversation examines how organizations like TAAF are helping redefine who gets to feel fully American.

Ep. 25 - Rep. Sarah Elfreth: Building Local Power in Congress

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.