Earlier this week JERDE hosted and co-sponsored a special online event featuring Congressman Ted Lieu speaking about the alarming recent uptick in anti-Asian rhetoric and racism. Congressman Lieu's talk centered around the ways that the business community specifically can help to counter such racism and foster more cultural understanding. 

Headquartered in Los Angeles, JERDE has offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore, and a long history of success throughout Asia. Over 60% of JERDE staff are Asian and 74% are people of color. 

The event was co-sponsored by Westside Urban Forum, a local networking organization focused on planning, land use, and other urban issues concerning Los Angeles's westside. The conversation with Congressman Lieu was moderated by Steven Sharp of Urbanize LA, a popular industry website which covers commercial real estate development throughout the City.

Congressman Lieu's 33rd Congressional District stretches from the Westside of Los Angeles through the South Bay. He has been a leader in Congress against ethnic and racial profiling, and discrimination against the LGBT community.