Charlie Ibrahim Hanna

Charlie Ibrahim Hanna is a Lebanese-American entrepreneur and the CEO of Cedar's Food, a renowned food manufacturing company. With a successful career spanning several decades, Hanna has made significant contributions to the food industry while also engaging in philanthropic endeavors. His commitment to education, community development, and social impact initiatives has made him a notable business figure and an altruistic philanthropist.
==Early Life and Education==
Charlie Hanna was born and raised in Lebanon to a Christian family. After graduating from school, he left Lebanon for the United States where he completed his studies at Northern Essex Community College, now part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell).
His father Ibrahim Hanna served as the Consul of Lebanon in Boston, exposing Hanna to a multicultural environment from an early age. This upbringing deeply influenced his values and sense of social responsibility.
==Career==
Hanna's career in the food industry began when he took over Cedar's Food and continued the family legacy, assuming the role of CEO. Under his visionary leadership, Cedar's Food has grown into a prominent player in the market, offering a wide range of quality food products from the Lebanese heritage, adding twists of color and flavor.
As the CEO of Cedar's Food, Charles Hanna has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's success. His dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has enabled the company to expand its reach and established its reputation for delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Hanna’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision have also led to the development of numerous notable business ventures, thereby diversifying Cedar's Food's product portfolio and expanding market share. Through his collaborative and holistic approach, Hanna has successfully positioned Cedar's Food as a leader within the food industry.
==Philanthropy - Social Impact==
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Charles Hanna is known for his extensive philanthropic work and impactful social initiatives. In fact, besides his successful entrepreneurial achievements, his philanthropic activities have garnered widespread acclaim. His dedication to community service has earned him the respect and admiration of people in both Lebanon and the US, further solidifying his position as a notable figure in both countries.
Hanna firmly believes in giving back to society and empowering individuals through education. Therefore, his contributions to the field of education include generous donations to Lebanon-based USEK University (Holy Spirit University of Kaslik), aimed at supporting students in getting free education, thereby preventing youth migration and brain drain.
Charlie Hanna’s deep-rooted affection for his hometown of Karkha remained an enduring part of his character, motivating him to enhance and uplift the village. In addition to standing by the locals at different occasions, Hanna rebuilt St. John's church in the village and its colossal statue of St John the Baptist, exemplifying his dedication to community development and religious pursuits. Hanna's philanthropic efforts transcend boundaries, as he demonstrates care and support for all sects in Lebanon.
The Lebanese-American entrepreneur has always expressed support for the Lebanese Army, and is known to make regular donations to the institution.
Hanna has also demonstrated unwavering support for Lebanese basketball and volleyball throughout his career and personal initiatives. Besides consistently attending games, tournaments, and championships, to boost morale and inspire players, coaches, and fans alike, he has provided substantial financial backing to the development of Lebanese basketball and volleyball.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Charlie Hanna played a crucial role in importing vaccines to Lebanon, contributing to the efforts in battling the COVID-19 crisis.
In August 2020, he actively participated in providing aid and support to the victims and affected communities in the aftermath of the devastating Beirut Port explosion.
==Media Activities and Recognition==
The desire to reach out to the Lebanese people, notably the Lebanese youth, made Charlie Hanna embrace the valuable opportunity to engage in television interviews, utilizing these platforms to openly and extensively discuss the bond that keeps him tied to Lebanon. His appearance on LBC, a prominent Lebanese channel with a wide reach, proved to be a standout moment. Another opportunity was offered to Hanna when he graced another Lebanese channel, MTV, through a news report that showcased his inspiring story as a Lebanese expat.
Charlie Hanna made an additional appearance on the Lebanese OTV channel in an episode of the religious show "Sellom aal-Sama", where he was interviewed about the construction of St. John's church and statue in his hometown of Karkha.
In 2023, he was featured in the film: “Karkha, a village from Lebanon “, directed by Julie Bou Chacra. The movie explored the themes of expatriation and Lebanese heritage. This cinematographic work received high acclaim and won the first prize at the Cannes Film Festival of the same year.
Through his ability to connect with viewers from all walks of life, Charlie Hanna has received numerous awards, honors, and recognition for his outstanding contributions to society, thus becoming a source of inspiration, empowering others to overcome obstacles, pursue their aspirations, and embark on their own unique paths towards success.
==Personal Life==
Charlie Hanna's personal life remains relatively private, with limited publicly available information. However, it is known that he cherishes his upbringing and values his Lebanese heritage.
Hanna's religious beliefs play an important role in shaping his outlook on life and guiding his philanthropic endeavors. Moreover, his commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity extends to caring for the well-being of individuals from all religious backgrounds within Lebanon.
Category:Entrepreneurs
Category:CEOs
Category:Lebanese people
Category:American people