September 23, 2024
Henrico – May Nivar, a leader in advancing racial, economic, and social equity; a
prominent advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community; and
a longtime resident of Central Virginia, has announced her candidacy for the Democratic
nomination in House District 57. Her campaign has already garnered the support of two
prominent Western Henrico notable elected officials, Delegate Rodney Willett (HD-58)
and Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor along with numerous community
leaders.
“As a mother of two daughters, I feel a deep responsibility to safeguard their
future. We’re at risk of losing many freedoms, particularly the ability to make
decisions about our own bodies. I’m running to protect our hard-fought rights and
ensure all women have access to abortion care, contraception, and IVF.”
May’s passion for uplifting women and her journey in community leadership began at
Altria, where she volunteered for numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women,
AAPIs, and other often overlooked communities. This led to her co-founding and chairing
Altria’s Asian employee resource group and serving on the boards of several AAPI
nonprofits. May’s determination and work ethic were deeply influenced by her immigrant
family, starting at a very young age when she worked after school and on weekends to
help run their small family-owned restaurant.
Because of May’s experiences and efforts, Governor Terry McAuliffe appointed her to
the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, where she served as Vice Chair and Chair. Governor
Ralph Northam recognized May as a “Noteworthy Asian Pacific American of Virginia” for
her leadership and resilience.
At Altria, May leads initiatives that inspire over 6,000 employees, the majority of whom
live and work in the Greater Richmond Region, to engage in community giving,
volunteering, and civic action. May and her husband are proud parents of three adult
children—two daughters and a son. All three graduated from local public schools and
have attended or are attending state institutions of higher education.
“In addition to protecting a woman’s right to choose, we must fully fund our public
schools, expand access to affordable healthcare and prescription drugs, and stop
gun violence to keep our communities safe. We also need to invest in
good-paying jobs and the economy, ensure equal protection under the law, and
combat climate change. As your Delegate, I will work tirelessly on these issues.
These are not just policies; they are personal commitments. Growing up in an
immigrant family, I learned the value of hard work and the pursuit of the American
Dream. Together, we can create a thriving community where everyone can
succeed. Vote for a future that benefits us all.”