NBMBAA 2023 Conference Guide - 73

" I wanted to do work that had more of a social
impact which led me to the position I am in now
with DE&I, " Goss says. " Recruiting in NOLA was
from the tried-and-true finance, management
disciplines and here I am asking questions about
corporate social responsibility and investment in
community. "
Fast forward to present day, Philly, PA...the " City
of Brotherly Love, " " Rocky " and overstuffed
cheesesteaks. Also, home to the NBMBAA's 45th
annual Conference & Career Fair.
Graduated and all grown up, Rasanah is now on the
other side of the table as a corporate partner with
the NBMBAA and recruiting Black talent at the event
every year since arriving at Citizens in 2021.
" There was already a history with NBMBAA before
I joined Citizens, " she shares. " I wanted to build on
that partnership, increase representation through
our recruiting and build NBMBAA membership
within our organization. We want our banks to
reflect the communities that we serve. "
Goss participates in several diversity conferences
throughout the year and says there is a level of
camaraderie and ease she looks forward to when
attending the NBMBAA conference.
" I think it's a great time for the community to shine, "
she says. " To just show all the companies what they
(NBMBAA) have to offer and the phenomenal talent
that is there. "
She says she is excited the conference is in
Philadelphia this year since Citizens has such a large
footprint with bank representation. Goss and her
team meet months before the event to form a firm
plan to connect, network and recruit.
" We have a credo at Citizens and Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion fits into that credo, " says Goss. " It is
woven into the fabric of our company to think about
diversity, to think about inclusion, to think about
belonging and bringing good talent into the bank. "
Goss also states that with the work she does, it is
also important to take a step back and revisit the
root of purpose she solidified so many years ago in
New Orleans.
" I have to take a step back and ask myself, 'what
is the big picture?' It is about giving access to
opportunity in a meaningful and consistent way, "
she says. " At the bank we address critical economic
needs, and we want to ensure everyone has a seat
at the table. Our partnership with the NBMBAA
allows us to build stronger communities. "
Goss has come a long way from that first-year
business student with her memorized elevator pitch
and butterflies in her stomach. She now offers the
following advice to candidates: do your research,
have a plan before you arrive, and work that plan
when you get there. She says it's okay to be nervous,
employers understand. And lastly, take advantage
of all the conference has to offer, not just the
Career Fair. Show up in sessions, nighttime social
events and take advantage of every opportunity to
network. It's time for you to shine!
Shine on, Rasanah! Shine on!
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NBMBAA 2023 Conference Guide

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