Zakaria Sharif
Scattered Site (Lake City Dwellings)
In the summer of 1996, my family arrived in Erie, Pennsylvania from Kenya as refugees. We were originally from Kismayo, Somalia. In 1997, my family moved into one of the scattered site homes provided by the Housing Authority of the City of Erie (HACE). To this day, my parents continue to reside and prosper in this home. Of the many memories I shared while living with my parents, I will always remember those I befriended and the welcoming neighbors. Over the years growing up, my neighbors became like family and I attended school with close friends from my neighborhood. My parents always instilled in us the importance of education and pursuing your dreams.
HACE offers many programs and scholarships that aid individuals pursuing their desired careers. To this day, I fondly recall conversing with Mr. John E. Horan, and interviewing for the Louis J. Tullio Memorial College Scholarship. He was a kind man and a great mentor. I was a recipient of the scholarship all four years of college. During the summer months while on break from Penn State I was employed through the HACE summer internship program. Mr. John Horan always found space in his busy schedule to keep in contact with me and mentor me while being employed and throughout college. Additionally, Mr. Fraley and Cherie Kinem, along with many more, have helped me throughout the years.
I graduated Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor degree in marketing. Upon graduating college, I obtained a general management position for Raymond Management Corporation. This position was essential to me in understanding the sales and business operations of the workforce. The owner of Raymond Management Corporation retired, sold his businesses, and I am grateful for all his guidance. Currently I am employed by Erie County Department of Health. I am Public Health Educator actively dealing with the current COVID-19 crisis. This position allows me to give back to the communities that helped me to grow and flourish as a young man. First and foremost, all thanks to God who allowed me to accomplish my dreams. In addition, gratitude to my parents, Ali Omar and Amina Abdi, they’ve always supported us to follow our dreams and provided a loving home. In addition, I am very appreciative of my beautiful wife, Sarah Sharif. Together we have four amazing kids that I strive to please and see smile each day. I would like to encourage our youth to take education seriously because education is the key to success and growth in this workforce.
