As an immigrant, war refugee and an Arab, Carla Zakhem-Hassan sought to assimilate into American society, but she discovered she needed be true to herself and her life experience.

While she “didn’t look like a person of color” or sound like someone from outside the U.S., she felt like an “imposter,” she says in this Beet.TV video.

She decided that being her “authentic” self was essential in her life, and a key part of a successful career in brand marketing.

The veteran marketer, who has worked for PepsiCo, Toys“R”Us and Kellogg, was named CMO of Citi last September.

Hosting this session is Rita Ferro, President of Disney Advertising Sales and Brand Partnerships  for The Walt Disney Company.

Hassan talks about building a diverse work force at Citi and in the wider marketing ecosystem. She talks about making marketing more relevant in a diverse society.

She talks of concrete steps Citi is taking to help close the racial wealth gap.

This 5-part series abut diversity and inclusion is made possible  by a generous contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico from Disney Advertising Sales.

Since 2017, I have been been an advocate for this group.  Please find the latest video report from San Juan with the Clubs’ president Olga Ramos. You can make a tax deductible contribution right here.

Thank you Rita and Carla for this very special segment. Gracias!