All March to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’ve been featuring a few of the amazing women at the forefront of CFS. We met Irene Lowry, who was the visionary pioneer of CFS in the 1950s until the 1970s; Donna, CFS participant and advocate of the year; Gabby, who has been supported by CFS throughout her martial arts adventures; and Yolanda, a Direct Support Professional who works with Kevin to help make CFS’ Walk Club a reality.
These women are what many associate with CFS – staff leaders, participants, and frontline support staff. However, the women of CFS do much more than that to ensure we’re able to provide personalized support to each individual we work with. The organization’s staff is are 70% women, and these roughly 1,000 professionals hold positions ranging from CEO, to accountant, to DSP, to program supervisors.
As the month of March comes to a close, we want to highlight 5 of these 1,000 women who work “behind the scenes”. They share their own words what they do at CFS, their role in making our mission possible, and some women who inspire them.
Gail – Operations Manager, CFS New Jersey
How would you describe what you do at CFS?: I am the Operations Manager at CFS New Jersey. I provide administrative support to all of NJ and serve as the liaison between all corporate entitles and our staff.
How long have you worked at CFS? What has your career path been?: I have worked for CFS 11 years this August. I took this job after retiring from the business world to be able to “give back” and work with a population that has always been near and dear to me.
How does your role help deliver person-centered support to those CFS works with?: I provide all the support and information required. I make sure that the staff is properly trained, that they have the proper supplies and any help that they may need in order to support our clientele.
Are there any women who you view as role models or who have helped you in your career?: All the women at CFS are role models to me. From the upper managers to the DSPs who work tirelessly everyday. These women juggle taking care of their own families and treat our people with all the love and respect as if they were their own family. The women at CFS are strong, intelligent, compassionate and loving.
Anything else you’d like to say about working at CFS or Women’s History Month?: It is an honor and pleasure to work at CFS and to be counted among those who serve this community.
Marriam – Director of Financial Planning and Analysis
How would you describe what you do at CFS?: As the Director of FP&A, I am responsible for CFS’s financial planning, forecasting, and analysis activities.
How long have you worked at CFS? What has your career path been?: I’ve worked at CFS since November of 2018. After graduating from Baruch College with a BBA, I began my career as a junior accountant. I then moved on as an accountant, senior budget accountant, budget and revenue manager and am now a Director of FP&A. I’d like to continue my career path in Finance with the hopes of one day becoming a CFO.
Are there any women who you view as role models or who have helped you in your career?: My mom of course! She is the most selfless person I know. She has so much empathy and always puts everyone before herself. I envy that about her and constantly strive to be more like her.
Anything else you’d like to say about working at CFS or Women’s History Month?: Working at CFS has been a great experience for me. It’s rewarding to know that the work that I do has a positive impact on the lives of the individuals and families that we serve.
Esther – Administrative Assistant
How would you describe what you do at CFS?: I’m the point of contact for the Bronx office, whether it be scheduling for trainings or luncheons hoping to take place at the office, coordinating with managers to get together PPE, or coordinating with different departments such as HR or the Training Departments to get sweaters and wellness packages distributed to the residences.
How long have you worked at CFS? What has your career path been?: I’ve been at the Bronx office for a year and a half, before that I worked at the Manhattan office for a year also as an Administrative Assistant.
How does your role help deliver person-centered support to those CFS works with?: I keep a stock of PPE and disinfectant supplies for whenever the residences are in need. I keep needed documents on file for when residences are being audited and ensure plans and notes are up to date.
Are there any women who you view as role models or who have helped you in your career?: Carolyn Giambastiani, Tranet Hymon, Diana Collins, Ebony Dickerson, Donna O’Connor, Miguelina, Alexandra Garcia, Karene Griffith. All have been extremely helpful to me and have guided me through my role.
Carolyn – Operations Manager / SCIP Instructor
How would you describe what you do at CFS?: Oversee daily operations at the Executive Office. My overall goal is to ensure the office is organized and has a family feel for all staff working in the office. I love making people smile and am willing to go over and beyond to ensure staff have what they need.
How long have you worked at CFS? What has your career path been?: I been employed at CFS going on 11 years as of May 1, 2024. I started at CFS as an assistant Manager in our residential department. I was promoted to residence Manager a few years later. I became really interested in SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention) Training as I believe it is one of the key trainings for a CFS employee to have. Last year I took the instructors training course and became a certified SCIP instructor. This is one of my biggest accomplishments as a CFS staff. I take such pride in knowing I am a part of ensuring our DSP’s are receiving training in SCIP.
How does your role help deliver person-centered support to those CFS works with?: Our individuals we serve here at CFS is why I do what I do. Our individuals deserve the best services they can possibly receive. Each time I teach a SCIP training I ensure to demonstrate to staff our individuals come first. I emphasis to staff we as support professionals need to continue to think outside the box and ensure we are allowing individuals to live richer lives according to what that looks like to them.
Are there any women who you view as role models or who have helped you in your career?: There are a few women I am so thankful for having in my life. The first woman is my mother I admire her for ensuring I knew from an early age it was important to know how to have a voice as a woman and to persevere through any obstacle in my way and never to give up.
My daughter Esther for taking me under her wing and showing me the ropes as an Admin staff. watching Esther in her role as an admin staff makes me proud to be her mother and pushes me to want to be the best I can be in my role as Operations Manager.
I will forever be grateful to Erica Robinson who was a past Supervisor of mine here at CFS for many years. Erica’s dedication to our CFS individuals painted a picture for me as to who I wanted to be in my role as a residence manager. When Erica parted ways from CFS I knew I wanted to walk in her footsteps and keep her legacy going when it came to providing the best care for our individuals.
Lastly, Carmen Alvarez is one person I view as a role model as well. Carmen has guided me from the beginning in my role as Operations Manager. Carmen graciously assisted me through many challenging tasks. Carmen refused to sit on the sideline and watch me fail. I admire Carmen’s professionalism and look forward to working with Carmen for many years to come.
Anything else you’d like to say about working at CFS or Women’s History Month?: Working at CFS has made me grow tremendously as a person. Here at CFS we strive for the best and ensure we stand by our mission and vison. I am forever grateful to be part of the CFS team.
Miguelina – Administrative Professional
How would you describe what you do at CFS?: My role as an admin is diverse, involving tasks such as organizing, managing, and ensuring the smooth operation of the office. I also handle inquiries, support supervisors, and tackle daily obstacles to meet deadlines. Though my job can be demanding at times, I find gratification in assisting individuals by offering a listening ear and support when they reach out for assistance. Occasionally, some staff members see me as a confidant and seek my advice on personal matters. Providing assistance and being a source of comfort can be the most rewarding aspect of my job.
How long have you worked at CFS? What has your career path been?: I started as a DSP 15 years ago, working only 12 hours a week. I initially saw it as a short-term job, but here I am 15 years later, still passionate about the work. The reason is my genuine love for what I do – connecting with and supporting with the individuals we support. It brings me so much joy when they share their thoughts, or confide in me about their lives.
How does your role help deliver person-centered support to those CFS works with?: By offering support and a listening ear, you find satisfaction in helping individuals. Some staff members see you as a confidant and seek your advice on personal matters, making providing assistance and comfort the most rewarding part of your job.
Are there any women who you view as role models or who have helped you in your career?: There are a few women who I consider to be role models, especially on a professional level. I would like to recognize Alicia, Linda, and Diana, who all hold positions of power and leadership. Seeing women in these executive roles gives me hope for the future, especially during Women’s History Month. Progress may be slow, but it is happening, and we are getting there. Teamwork takes a lot of effort, and we have a great team amongst us. I look forward to working with great anticipation and hopes on what the future will hold for us.
Anything else you’d like to say about working at CFS or Women’s History Month?: Happy 70th anniversary, here’s to 70 more years…
