Suni Harford
Managing Director and Regional Head of Markets in North America, Citigroup
The highlight of the past year for Suni Harford was receiving the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the United States Army.
"I was honored to place the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington as part of the changing of the guard ceremony," says Harford, the regional head of markets for Citigroup in North America.
It wasn't just the emotional weight of the ceremony, or the overwhelming silence broken only by the footsteps of the guards that struck her with awe. The heartfelt words of her son did too.
"The pride I felt when my 10-year-old son looked at me and said simply, 'I'm proud of you Mommy.' Truly one of the greatest moments of my life," she says.
Harford received the award for her work on Citi Salutes, which works closely with nonprofits and public agencies to help veterans start and grow small businesses. Harford founded the initiative in 2010 and is the senior business sponsor.
Harford mentors many women and men across Citi and, outside of work, serves on several boards, including at the Forté Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on helping women get into business careers. "I strongly believe that board service can provide critical and directly relevant experience for anyone," she says.
