40 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUSINESS • AUGUST 6, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com business Human First Talent Show Human First On Steinway addition to accommodate the medical equipment for their 3 year-old daughter. A series of strokes left the child in a vegetative state and hospitalized for three years – 18 months of which were due to the inaccessibility of the home. Human First secured funding from the State and HUD and within six months, the $225,000 addition to the family’s home was complete. “We got to see the family together and how they prospered together,” Ms. Abboud said. Her greatest joy comes from seeing the life-changing work done by her staff on behalf of clients and their families. For Ms. Abboud, it boils down to a simple philosophy: “Helping others to reach their goals is the way to live.” And she practices this philosophy outside of Human First, too, as an active member of her community. Her affi liations include serving as board president and statewide representative of the New York Association for Emerging and Multicultural Providers, and being appointed to sit on the People First Committee for System Transition by former OPWDD Commissioner Courtney Burke. She has received countless awards for outstanding achievement and leadership, and was most recently named one of 2015’s top women in business by The Star Network. Ms. Abboud believes coming to the United States provided her with the steppingstone for success, and she was able to utilize the opportunities presented to her through hard work and dedication. But, at the end of the day, Human First is not about Wafa Abboud. She says, “In the beginning, I started Human First as a vision – my vision. And I was so keen in applying this vision and not losing track.” However, she recognizes that the people whom she surrounds herself with are integral to the success of Human First, adding, “Our team is the reason we are here today.” “I have the privilege of working with an extremely great and committed staff.” Wafa Abboud credits her staff of nearly 500+ employees for Human First’s success. “Our staff does an amazing job,” Ms. Abboud stated, also adding, “I take the same amount of responsibility for my staff as I do for my clients.” Ms. Abboud practices what she preaches. Human First employees receive a generous compensation and benefi ts package upon hiring, and the organization regularly offers continuing education. As a (continued from cover)
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