After emigrating from Pakistan shortly before 9/11, Fahad Khawaja encountered constant discrimination in various advertising industry jobs—and he was far from alone. That experience led to the creation in 2020 of Hue, a community-centered nonprofit organization built to amplify voices, increase visibility and pave career paths for Black, Indigenous and people of color.

“I saw a problem in the marketing space that had existed for a long time,” said Khawaja, 39. “I experienced it. My friends experienced it. And I realized that the pipeline gap is a myth. It takes the onus off us as leaders by saying there is a systemic issue out there … if I cannot find the talent, I don’t have to do anything."

He added that the solution involves creating new networks of talent, like Hue. While companies offer internship programs aimed at high school and college students, there are few opportunities for promotions or access to mentors once people of color enter the industry. "And then you’re losing people at mid and senior levels," he said.

Hue helps business leaders build relationships with communities of various racial, ethnic and other backgrounds, Khawaja said, “and this access truly helps you build a solid network.” The results, he said, are encouraging.

Khawaja said that more than $100 million in economic opportunities have been made available from agencies, brands, platforms and media companies; three in four Hue members accessed jobs they couldn’t get elsewhere; three in five mentorship program mentees progressed to new roles afterward; and nearly 300 companies have worked with Hue, including the five largest advertising holding companies.

If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

My mom. She grew up in Malaysia, spoke seven languages, and lived a dynamic life across multiple countries. Definitely the person in the room whose stories you'd want to hear. And beyond that, her kindness, creativity, determination and passion continue to guide me.

What are the top two social media sites you use on a regular basis? 

LinkedIn and YouTube, although Twitter is getting up there lately.

What’s currently on your bedside reading list?

“On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong; “Race, Islamophobia, and Global Politics” by Naz Kazi; “Nothing Personal” by James Baldwin

What was the last show you binge-watched?

“Mo” and “Never Have I Ever” on Netflix

At what age do you hope to retire?

Depends on how you define retirement. These days, my energy is focused on how we can build a better future by bringing the margins to the mainstream. Down the line, I still see myself putting creative energy toward helping people come together and solving problems.