We are thrilled to begin a new monthly series on the blog, "Get to Know JMF." Each month, we'll share a Q&A with one of our wonderful staff members so that you, our community, can get to know us better. Today, we're introducing you to Roger.
Why did you decide to work at JMF?
My decision to work at the Jeffrey Modell Foundation was largely in part to a personal belief that I carry with me. I was a recent college graduate when I was invited to a community organizing event hosted by the Robin Hood Foundation in New York City. At this event, one of their board members said something, that had a profound impact on me. The board member was Marian Wright Edelman, during her remarks she said, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” Those words were embedded in me and still are my inspiration and North Star for what I do. Being a part of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation has allowed me to live this exact purpose, while having a global impact on the constituents that we serve at the Foundation. When I learned of JMF’s mission and the programs it ran, I was quickly and immensely invested in being a part of this great and impactful organization.
Briefly describe your role at JMF.
I am currently the Chief of Staff at the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. My role includes various responsibilities in different areas of the Foundation. Some of the areas include programs, information technology (IT), operations and equipment, until recently it included social media and communications, SPIRIT Analyzer, documentary distribution, website hosting and management, and vendor and project management. I, along with our Co-Founders, Vicki and Fred Modell, manage several programs offered by the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. Some of the programs are The World Immunodeficiency Network (WIN), which also includes WinMD and WinRN, the “Roots & Wing” program, Artificial Intelligence for Primary Immunodeficiency (AI for PI), senior executive leadership assistance, among other day-to-day responsibilities.
What would you like people to know about your work?
Every day at the Jeffrey Modell Foundation is different than the last. We receive many requests from all over the world, on different subject matters, and we try our best to provide helpful answers with resources to the many inquiries. We are a small but mighty team at the Foundation. One of the best assets the Jeffrey Modell Foundation has is its great, capable, and passionate staff. We are all working in the same direction to help our global Primary Immunodeficiency community while fulfilling our organizational mission.
What inspires you?
Being at the Jeffrey Modell Foundation is a lifelong reward for me personally. I have the privilege and honor of being inspired by two of the greatest and most driven parents I have ever met, Vicki and Fred Modell. Their passion, their drive, their kindness and generosity are second to none. You would be hard pressed to find leaders who are as committed as Vicki and Fred are to ensuring that their son’s impactful call to action for them to “Do Something” is fulfilled. Vicki and Fred are my inspiration at the Foundation. They will not stop until they have helped every Primary Immunodeficiency patient today, tomorrow, and in the future, enjoy better health and quality of life. I am honored to be by their side, to help them every step of the way. There is a synergy between their drive and my beliefs that brings the best out of us to help make a difference. My mantra at the Jeffrey Modell Foundation is “Let’s do it”. I don’t like to give up on anyone or anything, if there is something that I can do, I will try my best to do it. This is directly inspired by our Founder, Jeffrey Modell. Jeffrey said, “Do Something,” and my response to help his parents, Vicki and Fred is, “Let’s do it.”
What three words would you choose to describe yourself?
Helpful, kind, and passionate.
What is your favorite JMF memory?
I think my favorite memory at the Jeffrey Modell Foundation is being re-created each day. Being a part of the camaraderie of the staff, and the excellent skills we each possess, helps to create great memories daily. If I had to choose a single memory to date, I would say, it was the first time I got to experience the good news that a baby we helped to transport to an emergency life-saving bone marrow transplant was saved and healthy. That moment will always be with me. As a parent myself, I tried to put myself in that family’s shoes, and think what it meant to them, that their child can now lead a healthy life thanks to the courage and dedication of two parents, Vicki and Fred, who refused to let other families suffer the loss of a child to Primary Immunodeficiency if it could be prevented.