JACQUES REVIEW would like to welcome Daniel Francois to Spotlight. Spotlight is a series featuring in-depth conversations with interviewees of various backgrounds and occupations. It provides a look into the planning and unique personal career journeys of each individual. It even offers small glimpses into their private lives. The finished product hopes to convey that every story matters, is worth hearing, and has a great deal of significance to the mosaic called humanity.
I’ve known Daniel for a long time. I wouldn’t dare put a figure on the number of years. In my personal interactions, I’ve always come away with the impression that he is a respectable and respectful leader with strong administrative skills. I always feel confident that we would get highly constructive feedback when we ask for his take. Daniel is an architect and a specialist in youth and community outreach.
Daniel completed a bachelor’s of architecture at the New York Institute of Technology. While he was born here, his parents immigrated from Haiti. “Yes, I was born in the USA. Born and raised in Queens, NY. But, my dad is from Côtes-de-Fer and my mom is from La Vallée-de-Jacmel.”
I know it’s just you and your brother, Samuel Francois. How was it growing up with him?
Growing up, it was great having an older brother. We got along, but as siblings, there’s always some fighting. He was protective of me, and always had my back – he still does.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
There are a few great memories that I had growing up. I think some of the best memories come from spending time with my brother and cousins out at their summer home on Long Island. We would spend a month or so out there, and just have fun going out swimming, and playing.
I couldn’t swim if my life depended on it. How did you learn to swim?
I learned to swim while working at the YMCA. We were in a predominantly black area, and the majority of the staff and kids could not swim. I hated the stereotype that black people can’t swim, so I became friends with some of the lifeguards, and they taught me the basics. Since then, I gained a love for swimming. It also lets me have more fun in the water during my vacations.
How would you describe your parents’ contribution to who you are today?
I can easily say, I wouldn’t be anything without them and their support. As typical Haitian parents, they were rather strict, with a focus was the three “L’s” – Legliz (Church), Lekol (School), and Lakay (Home). Even though they were rather conservative/strict, and grew up in a different time than I did, they did try their best to help us to grow and be successful in whatever we did.
You earned a degree in architecture from NYIT. What did you love about your experience there? What was your favorite course?
Architecture school – that was an experience. There were more things that I disliked than liked, but one of the things I loved the most was the push to be creative and the people that I came across. Some people, from all over the world made the experience great. As far as my favorite course – I think it would be my structures 1 & 2 class. We had a great professor who would have fun assignments including building bridges and frames out of pasta that we tested. He made the class fun and practical.
You were part of the PAL Boxing project. What was that about?
The PAL Boxing project was one of my first real-world designs. It was a project one of my professors brought up in class. Our client was a boxing coach who was running a training program out of a shed space in a public park in Freeport. Our job was to propose a build-out of the space. We did full designs, renderings, and even a model of the space; we also presented it to the town board.
It didn’t go further after that, but it was a great project.
I followed up with Daniel on whether he was secretly a boxer as a result. He said, “Nope, I’m a designer, not a fighter lol.”
If you had to give three study tips, what would they be?
I’ll start this off by saying – I hated studying, but what worked well for me was:
- One, I took extensive notes in class – like DETAILED notes. I earned the nickname, “scribe” because of how detailed my notes were.
- Secondly, I try to remember key elements, whether they were historical dates, processes to solve a math problem, or formulas. I would put those to memory so that I could use them for testing.
- My final study step was to be calm. I realized that stressing out didn’t help me at all. I always stayed calm, prayed, and just took my time when it came to testing. Letting the test, or assignment take control never helps.
I’ve always seen your use of scribe but I never knew why. It took me an interview to find out haha.
You have been a CAD administrator, an assistant project manager, and a project manager (2017 – present). What would you say you enjoy the most about being a project manager?
Project management covers a lot of things, but what I enjoy the most is seeing the results of the projects I work on. Seeing something come from a piece of paper to a real building, or renovation, is just awesome. I work mostly in healthcare and seeing something like a new ICU (Intensive Care Unit), or upgrades to equipment that will impact a patient’s life is beyond a blessing.
What was the hardest part of the journey on your way there?
What’s hard on the journey are the demanding hours that are expected, both from school and in the work world. Construction has a heavy demand for long hours and odd shifts. It takes a big hit on your social/personal life because you want to finish your assignments/projects on time, and you never know when something will come up. Also, I have to add that being a young, black male in this field is difficult too. There’s not much representation in the field. But, that’s slowly changing and makes it easier for people to be interested in our field.
If someone would like to become an architect what advice would you give them?
If someone wanted to join this field, I would tell them to think about what they really want to do in the field. There are so many tangents that someone can go into or branch out to. You just have to be willing to work hard and learn. There are so many specialties or ways that someone that studied architecture can go into. You just have to be willing to learn and try out new things.
Where would you like to head next in your career?
I would like to continue in construction management, and work in other types of facilities – I’ve done work for retail, residential, and healthcare. I want to try to expand more to work in schools/universities or back to retail.
You have been a highly respected church leader for a number of years. You were one of the youngest elders in your church’s history. How was that experience?
It was really a blessing. As you know, it’s definitely not easy, but I know God definitely put me there for a reason. It seemed really unexpected because over a short period of time I went from being a deacon to youth director and then a serving elder in a span of like 5 years. One of the best things about being an elder at a young age was that it created a bridge between the young and old at the church. That was a challenge in itself because I was spanning an older, traditional mindset, and a much younger, more liberal generation.
Why do you think it is important for young people to offer their services to the church?
Having young people being of service, or just involved, in the church is CRITICAL to the church’s growth. Everything is changing so quickly with technology and mindsets, so having a younger group helps to bridge the church with the community and the world.
You are also a Master Guide. Why is the Pathfinder club important?
This ministry fills a gap that many young people have in the church. It allows them to learn valuable skills and have great social interaction with other Adventist Youth. Now that I am a coordinator, and I train many of the pathfinders and master guides, I take it seriously, as I’m training current & future leaders in the church.
You’ve led and been part of initiatives to provide meals to the community. How was that experience?
Feeding the community was actually not my idea or initiative. It was an idea my brother had YEARS ago when I was youth director, and we could never get traction. Then it came up again with my staff, and Nancy was pushing for it, so I presented it, and it took off. It was probably the most impactful thing I’ve ever taken part in. We served at least 100-120 people every time we went out to provide meals. The community was appreciative and the youth enjoyed it.
Of All the places you’ve gone on vacation to, which one is your favorite? Why?
Vacationing has become great now, especially with my family. My favorite place had to be Grenada. The trip was great, the people on the island were super nice, and the climate was perfect. I definitely would love to go back there again.
What is your favorite dish?
Hands down, anything with Goat meat. Add it to a plate of rice, and I’m happy.
Bro, I’m with you on the goat. Fried Goat with plantains on the side hits hard. What is something you enjoy doing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m really a simple guy, lol. I would say that I just like to relax and enjoy some quiet time truly. But if I have to pick an activity, I would say I do love hiking, and being out in nature. I love being outdoors, and breathing good, clean air.
What is the last book you read that you would recommend and why?
Recently, I was re-reading a book I had called, Authentic: Where True, Life-Changing Christianity Begins by Scott R. Ward. It was a great book to help people think of building their relationship with Christ, personally, and through the church.
Are there any projects and/or organizations that you are involved with that you would like the community to be made aware of?
For me, I like to continue to bring light and support to the Adventurer/Pathfinder/Youth ministry in the local Adventist church. When done right, and involved it definitely makes a difference in the lives of our young people. As far as projects, I have a great love for the projects that I am currently working to improve health services in under-served communities in Brooklyn. It’s work, but it will help to improve and save lives in those communities.
Daniel Francois, pleasure to have you.