Season 2 Episode 18 Jeff Le: Standing Against Asian Hate and For the Afghan People

SISU Journey

Today we are talking with Jeff Le. Today’s episode is a long one. Normally, I would break this out into two episodes, but I decided to give these critical and timely topics the respect they deserve, to release this episode in its entirety and let you listen to it at your leisure. I want to thank Jeff for joining me on the show and sharing his rich insight and experience with us today.

In this episode of the SISU Journey podcast, Jeff Le talks about his incredible story of resilience in the face of discrimination. He shares just how important it is to have conversations about standing against Asian hate. Stay tuned!

Here are the things to expect in this episode:

• People treat you based on what they think your perceived value is.
• Racism is not an innate thing, rather it’s a learned thing that comes from somewhere.
• How he went from not owning a coat to working and traveling to about 85 countries.
• People who have the least always give the most.
• It’s hard being in politics as an Asian American. Having a rank doesn't protect you from who you are if you are inherently treated as less there.
• It’s important to have an engaged citizenry, which is really hard in a time where people don't talk to others and just stay in their little corners.
• Horrible things happen when good people decide not to do something.
• If you speak with clarity and honesty, people will take it seriously.
• What are some things we can do to support the Afghan people?
• And much more!

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About Jeff Le:

Pronouns: He/Him

Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. A recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, his analysis and opinions have been featured on MSNBC, broadcast television in 40 states, as well as in print at POLITICO Magazine, The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, FOX News, The Hill, Washingtonian, Roll Call, Bustle, Forbes, local and regional newspapers in 35 states. During the height of the #StopAsianHate movement, Jeff penned an opinion piece that received national attention in POLITICO Magazine called I Thought I Knew How to Succeed as an Asian in U.S. Politics. Boy, Was I Wrong. that highlighted his experiences in workplace discrimination in politics and racism throughout his life.

Jeff is now an executive leader in technology where he is Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs for Rhino, a fintech startup working to give renters everywhere greater financial freedom through affordable insurance options. Prior to joining Rhino, Jeff was the U.S. State and Local Public Policy Lead for VMware, a digital technology and infrastructure company, and managed the company’s gubernatorial, state, county, and local relationships across all 50 states and Canada. Jeff focused on emerging technology policy, including privacy, 5G, broadband, cyber, sustainability, workforce development, diversity and inclusion, education, and IT modernization.

He also sits on the Homeland Security Advisory Committee for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services where he provides recommendations to the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor on response and policy pertaining to cyber, disasters, terrorism, drug interdiction, intelligence, and other emerging threats.

Jeff has completed four 100-mile running races, qualified for the Boston Marathon, has been to every Major League Baseball ballpark, all 50 states, and 85 countries.

Connect with Jeff!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffreydle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jeffrey.D.Le/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyle/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jeffreyle

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Links to support the stand against AAPI hate:

PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Training: https://advancingjustice-aajc.org/events

Links for Afghanistan refugee support:

Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/asia-pacific/afghanistan

International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/country/afghanistan

UN Human Rights Committee: https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/asiaregion/pages/afindex.aspx

Media Support: https://www.mediasupport.org/donate/

Miles4Migrants: https://miles4migrants.org/2021/08/17/an-update-on-our-work-in-afghanistan-and-how-donations-are-used-to-support-our-ongoing-work-around-the-world/

Human Rights First: https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/resource/resources-afghan-evacuation

Refugees International: https://www.refugeesinternational.org/afghanistan

LIRS: https://www.lirs.org/help-our-afghan-allies/

No One Left Behind: https://nooneleft.org/default.aspx?

Save Our Allies: https://saveourallies.org/

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This episode contains a little juicy language. Please take care while listening.

Thank you for listening to SISU Journey, where we are helping the world heal the curse of separateness by telling diverse stories of those whose voices have felt silenced.

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Theme music is Syrian Rue, written and performed by the Mood Doculators. For more of their music and to listen free, visit mooddocs.com

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