Intake Manager Zachry has been part of the Aveanna family for five and a half years. During that time, he has promoted inclusion, grown personally and professionally, and encouraged others to embrace their unique perspectives and talents.
What are some aspects of your identity that you celebrate?
I celebrate my family, specifically the balance with which we approach independence and community. In my family, it is equally important to be educated, conscious, and prepared enough to function autonomously as a productive member of society and to keep in mind that “you are not the only person on the planet.” Assistance is meant to be both given and received.
What does inclusion mean to you and why is it important?
Our entire human experience is based on the idea of cooperation, to treat your fellow human beings as neighbors as opposed to strangers. Everyone appreciates knowing that fairness is valued and their voices matter.
How have you experienced inclusion at Aveanna?
Aveanna has allowed me to interact with a myriad of people from different generations, backgrounds, ideologies, and geographic locations all in service of the same mission: revolutionizing the way homecare is delivered, one patient at a time. With an Aveanna family as large as ours, it is often true that someone who reports to you has a great deal in common with someone you report to; this reality reinforces the truth that we are all in this together and should act as such.
What is the biggest challenge you face when it comes to acceptance?
I believe that the vast majority of people believe what they believe and do what they do for a reason. If we want to understand why people behave in the ways they do, accepting that it makes sense to them must be our point of departure and then attempt to work with them from there to come to a greater understanding.
What was the moment you knew an aspect of your identity would have a profound impact on your life?
As an African American, specifically a male, I did receive “The Talk” from my parents at a fairly young age. While being made aware that some people are going to view you as a threat by default (even if they are unconscious of it) is unpleasant, the tools I was equipped with to respond to the unpleasantness afforded me opportunities as well. Having an existential expectation to think analytically, communicate accurately, and carry oneself in a dignified manner bears positive fruit in nearly every avenue of life we walk down.
Is there anyone at Aveanna who has inspired your journey? If so, how?
Adam Marconi, Toni McSharry, and Tara Bienvenue have all had magnificent impacts on my time at Aveanna. Adam is a person who can talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable, but he’s also highly analytical – always keeping the primary objective in mind. Toni steered the Florida ship through some challenging waters with great success and, like Adam, balances her high acumen with an innate understanding that our company (and industry) is all about people. Tara has led by example that absolutely any problem can be solved and any process optimized if you’re willing to put in the thought and effort. I am a better manager and a better person by having interacted with this amazing trio.
How have you grown while at Aveanna?
I’m a level-headed individual by nature, but I can say that I have increased my reservoir of patience here at Aveanna. Believing in inclusion means understanding that though people may operate differently from ourselves and one another, we benefit from the diversity of life experiences and skill sets that those individuals bring to the table. Allowing people to show you where they shine creates a healthy working environment.