PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Lijia Zhang, Journalist and Author of "Socialism is Great!": From Rocket Factory Girl to International Media

The speech and Q & A will be in English

Born in 1964 in Nanjing, Lijia Zhang lived with her sister and grandmother under the watchful eye of her mother. Her father was away most of the year, working in another city. At the age of 16, Lijia went to work in a factory producing missiles capable of reaching North America, but hoped to one day escape from her routine, controlled life.

She taught herself English by listening to a radio she borrowed from a cousin and, in 1989, was in Tiananmen Square leading a group of factory workers demanding sweeping reforms.

Now a journalist based in Beijing with two children, her articles have appeared in publications around the world, including The Observer, The Asian Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, to name but a few. She is also a regular speaker on CNN, BBC and NPR.

Come listen to the story of a woman who spent 10 years working in a factory as China went through its internal upheavals, but has since made the leap to journalism. She will also share her thoughts on China’s position in the world today.

MENU

Sandwich plate: Ham, Bacon, Chicken, Tomato, Cheese, Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise on Baguette, Salad & Pickles
Hot Plate: Swordfish Steak with Crushed Peas, Mushrooms, Rocket, Celeriac & Shellfish Fricassee, Seasonal Salad

Lijia Zhang, Journalist and Author of "Socialism is Great!"