The Why? Lee marked her 25th anniversary at CNN by launching the Call to Earth Day global initiative, which reached 1.98 billion people. She is a founding member of CNN’s International Diversity Council, which spans workplace culture and representation as well as editorial content. She’s helped elevate Asian news stories across CNN platforms, and she’s a mentor with The Melo Program in Hong Kong.
She Says… “When I first became the head of CNN in Asia-Pacific… as part of my role, I needed to meet government and company officials. Nine times out of 10, when I walked into these meetings, they would assume I was the translator and direct their attention to my male colleagues.”
What roadblocks have you overcome when it comes to DEI? When I first became the head of CNN in Asia-Pacific, I was in my mid-30s. As part of my role, I needed to meet government and company officials in countries across the region. Nine times out of ten, when I walked into these meetings, they would assume I was the translator and direct their attention to my male colleagues. At the beginning it was awkward but I soon realized the best way to handle it was through humor. I have always felt supported inside CNN though, which is why I have spent 25 years here.
What community support initiative has your company championed that you’re most proud of? I am really proud to be a founding member of CNN’s International Diversity Council. Members from around the globe meet every month to discuss ways to strengthen editorial content, build on employee engagement and workplace culture, and improve representation.
Book I wish everyone would read: “The Importance of Being Earnest.” In fact, anything by Oscar Wilde because humor and wit help keep things in perspective.
Advice for productive conversation about race in the workplace: Listen and then listen some more before jumping in with your own views, which may unconsciously come from your own biases.