Representation

Before coming on the trip, I honestly didn’t know what my role as an Asian American was in the advertising agency that is predominantly white males. Going into JWT and to find a Korean chief creative officer was assuring. Seeing how someone of similar identity working in the industry and doing well was awesome. He said a conversation regarding gender equality has been made in the industry but not really about race. I agree, there needs to be better representation of what America looks like in the ad industry. When I went to speak to him he asked how my parents think of me going into the industry and I told him they are supportive of me. When he asked me that, it was nice. Someone could relate with me. Often times there are pressures coming from the Asian American community regarding a stable job. Those jobs are usually professions in law, medical, or the science. Advertising is usually not in that mix. JWT really helped me to breathe and to see how an Asian Americans are just as capable as any other in the field.

David Choe. 05.11.17