"I am overwhelmed by the kindness and support I've felt. I am much more comfortable
giving than receiving, but I can't tell you how grateful I am. The treatment in Argentina
would not even be an option, if it weren't for the people on the [fundraising] committee
and I will never forget the kindness I've received." Harvey Frank
For those of us fortunate to know Harvey, it would be agreed unanimously that he is the
type of guy who is often the first to pitch in when needed. Setting the pace and taking
the lead whenever needed, with no hesitation, Harvey is one who can be counted on to untiringly
give to others in need.
In fact, many of us know Harvey as a dedicated champion of diversity, especially for people
with disabilities. His passion for this cause began early in life. As a Business major, he
happened to volunteer at a cerebral palsy center, which in his words, "was a life altering
experience." This brief stint was the impetus for pursuing a master's degree in Vocational
Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University. For the following 9 years, he worked as
a Job Placement Specialist for the blind and visually impaired.
By now a family man, he and his wife, Kian, had become proud parents of twins Gabriella
and Gregory (who are now 21 years old). At this point, Harvey decided to make the move to
California to pursue Corporate Recruiting and Human Resources. The common thread of championing
disability-related causes, however, continued to weave throughout his corporate career life.
Harvey was always a dedicated advocate for hiring people with disabilities, throughout his
tenure in various technology companies.
He is the recipient of numerous awards, honoring his enthusiasm and passion for diversity,
such as:
- Spirit Award at Silicon Graphics Inc.
- Advocate of the Year for Project HIRED's Business Advisory Council
- President's Award and Fundraising Award at Novell (nominated by Project HIRED)
- Human Resource Innovator Award (Presented at the HR Symposium—2000)
Harvey's service to the community includes being on the Board of Directors at Project HIRED,
whose mission is to assist individuals with disabilities in finding competitive employment. He
is also a long-time member of Sensory Access Foundation's Business Advisory Council. Sensory
Access Foundation's mission is to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to obtain or
retain competitive employment.
An adventurer with many interests, Harvey enjoys movies, music, and traveling with his wife of
26 years, Kian. Speaking of music, he admits to being not just a Barbra Streisand fan, but a
"borderline stalker" since the age of 12.
Harvey has always enjoyed an extremely energetic lifestyle, participating in daily running and
exercise. Most unexpectedly, Harvey was diagnosed with ALS in October 2003.
With a strong conviction and faith in his power to heal, Harvey is determined to win this fight
and to re-gain his health. Through his courage and strength of character in the midst of serious
adversity, he shares a message of great hope and encouragement to us all.
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