Page A-8 • michiganchronicle.com • November 17-23, 2021
COMERICA IN THE
COMMUNITY
COLLEAGUE SPOTLIGHT
Hassan Melhem Never stop chasing your dreams because eventually you’ll catch one. That’s the motto 36-year-old Hassan Melhem credits for helping him land at Comerica Bank. And Melhem says he’s truly living out his dreams of working in the U.S. banking industry, thanks to a positive outlook on life and plenty of persistence. “My role at Comerica isn’t all luck. It’s something that I looked for and have always dreamed of having,” said Melhem. “I have a degree in banking, but I didn’t always have the chance to be a banker.”
Several Comerica colleagues and guests attended this year NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner. Those pictured included: (seated) Summer Faussette, LaShawn Jimenez and Terance Wheeler – Founder and CEO of Terance Wheeler Foundation; (back) Robert Smith, Sylvia Carter-Smith, Wendy Holmes and P atricia McCann.
External Affairs Manager Summer Faussette and Comerica Trust Wealth Advisor LaShawn Jimenez take a moment to pose on the red carpet prior to the Freedom Fund Dinner.
As VP of External Affairs for Southeastern Michigan and National Middle Eastern American Business Development Manager, Melhem is not only getting the opportunity he’s longed for, but he’s now in a unique position to provide a big boost to Middle Eastern businesses, leaders and communities throughout the state and other markets Comerica serves.
Hassan Melhem, Comerica Bank Vice President - External Affairs ManagerSoutheast Michigan and National Middle Eastern American Business Development Manager.
NAACP Hosts 66th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner
In October, several Comerica Bank colleagues attended the Detroit Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner. This year event represented the 66th annual dinner and focused on the theme “Don’t Rest on Your Freedom!”
In his role, Melhem will oversee relations between the two groups with a focus on community reinvestment initiatives.
First begun in 1956 and guided by leaders Branch President Edward M. Turner, Arthur L. Johnson, and Dr. Lionel F. Swan, the Freedom Fund Dinner was founded in a period of renewed national hope and determination among Black Americans, even in the face of continuing racial violence and tragedy. Today, The Detroit Brach NAACP is led by President Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony and Executive Director Kamilia Landrum and remains the largest Branch of the NAACP Since its inception in 1912, the Detroit Branch NAACP, has advocated for social, political, educational and economic equality in the community, while seeking to eliminate racial prejudice among the citizens in the community and country. Comerica has served as a sponsor of the Freedom Fund Dinner for the past several years. Comerica also supported the 2019 NAACP national convention, which took place in Detroit, that included launching financial education series for youth and adults.
“I serve as a bridge builder between the bank and Middle Eastern communities by letting them know there is someone within the organization that can help them with their specific needs.” He added the position allows Comerica to further align and support the unique requests of those communities both locally and nationally.
Summer Faussette, Comerica Bank National African American Business Development Manager, stands on the dais among dignitaries at the annual NAACP Freedom Fund dinner in Detroit. Alongside Faussette includes Secretary of State of Michigan Jocelyn Benson (left) and Hopewell Church Reverend Kenneth Pierce (middle).
Comerica Bank served as a sponsor of the 66th annual Freedom Fund Dinner. Photo Credit: NAACP
Comerica Supports the Arab American & Chaldean Council’s Winter Warm Up
The unprecedented crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the lives of millions of people. Families who were already struggling are now at severe risk and many will struggle to pay their utility bills. Colder weather can drive up energy usage as heaters are working overtime to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. The need for coats this fall and winter will be greater than ever before. In effort to help those in need Comerica Bank proudly Approximately 1,000 winter supported the coats were distributed as part Arab American of the Arab America and Chal- and Chaldean dean Council’s Winter Warm Council’s Winter Warm Up that Up community outreach. took place on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at the ACC Youth Center located at 62 W. Seven Mile in Detroit. Since the event, the ACC has donated 1,000 coats (600
Melhem has led a series of financial education sessions for seniors at Kenney Plaza in Dearborn sessions through Comerica partnership with ACCESS including a September course focused on identity theft.
Volunteers at the ACC Youth Center stand by the display of the numerous partners, including Comerica Bank, who supported the Arab American and Chaldean Council Winter Warm Up. children and 400 adults), 1,000 hats, 100 pairs of gloves, 1,000 scarfs and 1,000 pairs of sock to those in need to keep them warm during the upcoming winter months. The Arab American and Chaldean Council provides a wide range of pro-
gram and services across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County that assist in meeting the physical, mental, emotional and financial needs of the community. ACC is committed to making a difference in Metro Detroit while proudly serving the growing multi-ethnic community.
A Look Back at Comerica’s Efforts to Support Students for National Scholarship Month
November is National Scholarship Month, which brings to light the impact scholarships can have on someone’s future. In May, Comerica Bank and the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) partnered to bring Detroit Empowerment Weekend to the Midwest.
After graduating from Beirut University in 2008, Melhem began working in the construction industry. He entered the sector during a time when Dubai was amid a building boom and stayed in the field until coming to the U.S. for the first time in 2016.
Melhem says he’s incredibly grateful for his roots and 13-year stint in the construction industry. “I’m a first-generation member of my family to reside in the U.S.,” he explained. “I’m really thrilled about joining Comerica because it’s giving me much-needed security and life balance.”
The first ever Detroit Empowerment Weekend, which was created in response to the pandemic, was a success.
In his free time, Melhem enjoys watching Italian soccer and spending quality time with his wife and three children.
“Coming together with the National College Resources Foundation was a natural fit for Comerica Bank’s continued commitment to helping young people and the communities they live in, especially in response to many challenges that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Linda Nosegbe, Comerica Bank vice President and Southeast External Affairs Market Manager.
During three days of activities, over 1,500 individuals attended the empowerment weekend that included also financial literacy, as well
Melhem, who is fluent in English and Arabic, joined the bank in September of this year. He grew up in Lebanon where he started his career paving roads that would ultimately help him shift the course of his life.
He arrived in California before later settling in Michigan after being awarded a government lottery diversity visa, which aims to diversify the U.S. immigrant population.
The three-day virtual series, free of charge, presented opportunities for high school students to have their college application fees waived – as well as chances to earn acceptance and receive scholarships to colleges on the spot.
“Ensuring we provide the next generation of leaders opportunities to better themselves and further their education is critical, and this virtual Empowerment Weekend was a step in the right direction to make that happen,” Nosegbe said.
In November and December, Melhem (seated) has led Comerica’s financial education outreach to Middle Eastern American young adults at ACCESS in Dearborn. Presenting: Comerica Retail Personal Banker Baha Dirani.
While Melhem is still early in his career at Comerica, he’s excited to help the bank make strides in diversity and is looking forward to getting more immersed in the community through the Comerica Cares volunteer program.
as entrepreneur and workforce readiness workshops.
and about 100 students were admitted into college onsite.
On behalf of Comerica, 20 scholarships totaling $30,000 were given out to students.
Overall, $1.3 million in scholarship and tuition assistance was awarded because of the NCRF Detroit Empowerment Weekend.
Over 300 college application fees waived,
For more information on how Comerica colleagues are giving back to our community, visit
www.facebook.com/Comerica.