.095 Faiz Osman
Faiz and I first met years ago through mutual friends, but it wasn’t until I started working at The Center that I was able to witness and appreciate his incredible brain and ability to connect and bring people together. Even during our first phone call as we embarked on such a large project could I tell that he was going to be so easy, enjoyable and inspiring to work with. A remarkable listener and ridiculously smart, Faiz is the epitome of someone who you want on your team. He’s tenacious in his drive and his support is unwavering. Plus, he’s absolutely hilarious and I felt early on that our senses of humor would mesh perfectly.
To be clear, Faiz doesn’t work at The Center. What he does do is dedicate so much of his time outside of work toward supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s truly phenomenal. He’s an expert at gathering folks around a good cause through his deep compassion and kindness. His generosity and patience are one-of-a-kind and I’ve learned a ton just by working alongside him for just a few months. When I started my role, Faiz could have bulldozed and directed me on how to do things, but instead he was understanding, open to my experience and skill sets, and respectful above all else.
Faiz, thank you for being such a leading example of what it means to be good, and to do good. Thank you for your fabulous personality, your intelligence, and your joyful attitude that surrounds you with so many good and kindhearted friends. Thank you for your wonderful stories and for always making me laugh and think about things differently. I’m so grateful we’ve become friends and always will be. Thank you for being you.
-BD