Meet May Nivar
My story echoes that of many families who came to this country seeking the American Dream—the belief that success is possible through hard work and determination.
Born in Philadelphia to immigrant parents from China, I grew up in low-income housing and worked at our small takeout restaurant. Through long hours alongside my family and the unwavering support of our community, I learned perseverance, resilience, and compassion—values that continue to shape me.
Third child is camera shy
I put myself through college with grants, student loans, and a job at a local supermarket—where I met my husband, Carlos, and saw firsthand the vital role of unions in supporting working Americans.
After college, I built a 30-year corporate career while raising three children, who graduated from Virginia public schools and pursued higher education locally.
As a 20-year Richmond resident, I’ve witnessed the challenges Virginians face—economic inequality, inadequate healthcare, underfunded schools, unaffordable housing, and the erosion of hard-won reproductive and civil rights. Seeing these challenges, I knew I had to act.
Over the past decade, I’ve held leadership roles and served on boards driving change in Virginia. I’ve worked to amplify the voices of women, Asian Americans, and other underrepresented communities. My advocacy led Governor Terry McAuliffe to appoint me to the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, where I served as Vice Chair and Chair, and Governor Ralph Northam to recognize me as a “Noteworthy Asian Pacific American of Virginia.”
At Altria, I lead initiatives empowering over 6,000 employees—most in the Greater Richmond Region—to engage in community giving, volunteering, and civic action.
With experience spanning small and large business, nonprofits, and government, I’ve stepped up to drive policy change. As Delegate for the 57th District, I will be your voice in the General Assembly. Together, we can build a Virginia where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is accessible, and the American Dream is within reach.
May’s leadership and organizing experience make her the ideal candidate to win this race and serve in the House of Delegates.
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Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, National Leadership Academy, Class of 2024
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Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Political Leaders Program, Class of 2023
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Leadership Metro Richmond, Leadership Quest, Class of 2017
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Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, State Board and Governance Committee Member; Richmond Chapter Member and Secretary
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Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Leadership in Community Development, Advisory Board Member
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Virginia Community Engagement Index, Core Development Team 2023
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CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellowship, Alumni
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Governor’s Virginia Asian Advisory Board, Former Board Member, Vice Chair, and Chair
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OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates – Central VA Chapter, Governance Committee Member; Former Vice President and Board Member
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Asian & Latino Solidarity Alliance, Co-Founder, Immediate Past Chair
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Asian American Society of Central Virginia, Former Board Trustee
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Altria’s Asian Employee Resource Group, Co-Founder, Former Chair, Strategic Advisor
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Altria's Women's Network Mentoring Committee, Former Member
Make checks payable to Friends of May Nivar and
mail to Friends of May Nivar at P.O. Box 3721, Glen Allen, VA 23058
Paid for by Friends of May Nivar