2024 Cedar Rapids District Employee of the Year: Abraham Nzigirabarya

Abraham Nzigirabarya is a shining example of dedication, resilience and compassion. Over his six years with FBG, Abraham has not only excelled in his role but has also gone above and beyond to help others. He embodies the core values of honesty, integrity and loyalty. Abraham’s remarkable journey, combined with his unwavering commitment to both his colleagues and his community, makes him truly deserving of the 2024 Cedar Rapids District Employee of the Year title.

Abraham’s path to FBG is as inspiring as his contributions. Born in Burundi, his early years were marked by the upheaval of conflict and displacement. At the age of five, Abraham went to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he spent 24 years in a refugee camp. He later traveled to Tanzania before arriving in the United States in 2010. Abraham’s life story speaks volumes about his resilience and ability to create lasting, positive change.

Before joining FBG, Abraham worked in a variety of industries, gaining experience as a high school teacher, a nurse and a pharmacy supervisor. His passion for helping others has been a constant throughout his life, and he has carried that same spirit into his role at FBG. While his primary job is an interpreter, Abraham has consistently sought out ways to take on additional responsibilities at FBG, including assisting new hires who do not speak English. Whether translating during training sessions or helping individuals complete new hire paperwork, Abraham has become an invaluable resource for the FBG team.

Abraham’s people skills are unmatched. Known for his kindness, sense of humor and smile, Abraham approaches every day with positivity and respect. His multilingual abilities, which include Swahili, French, Kirundi, Kibembe, Lingala, Kifuliiru, Kizomba, a little Spanish and English, have enabled him to bridge language barriers in his community and at work. This skill has proven essential for training, conflict resolution and fostering better communication within FBG’s diverse workforce.

His initiative and judgment stand out as well. Abraham not only promotes FBG to potential new employees but also helps current team members adapt and feel welcome. He has personally brought eleven new employees to FBG, many of whom are immigrants or refugees like himself. Abraham’s unique ability to connect with others and his commitment to empowering those around him has made a significant impact both within the company and in his community.

Operations Manager Nora Winchester had this to say about Abraham: “Abraham is the embodiment of FBG’s values, mission and quality policy. I can’t think of anyone who exemplifies them better.”

On top of helping others on the job, Abraham has also pursued specialized custodial training, becoming a proficient carpet cleaner, an effective trainer and a valuable resource in employee processing. This is all motivated by his desire to help his team and contribute to FBG’s success.

Abraham has been married for 26 years and is a proud father of five. As a family, their favorite activity is singing together at church. In 2015, Abraham founded the Agape Center for Biblical Studies and Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing online Bible study training. Abraham also regularly helps individuals in his community find housing, obtain driver’s licenses and secure employment. He often reaches out to FBG to connect job seekers with cleaning specialist positions.

Abraham Nzigirabarya exemplifies the best of FBG’s mission and values. His exceptional contributions and dedication make him not only a role model but also an undeniable choice for Cedar Rapids District Employee of the Year.