My Perspective on the Industry

Applause roared from inside of the Colden Auditorium at Queens College during Richmond Hill High School graduation 2017.

Jay Sobhraj, Executive Vice-President of Zara Realty, just announced the names of two RHHS graduates who will be receiving a scholarship to study computer science at the college of their dreams.

Estrella Perez will be studying at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Malik Assad will be studying at the New York Institute of Technology.

"We are so grateful to Zara for this opportunity," said Perez, who is passionate about computer science. "I will not let you down Mr. Sobhraj," Assad proclaimed, as photos were being taken of the two.

The relationship between Richmond Hill High School and Zara Realty began last year when Zara Realty donated a $125,000 computer lab to the school. The computer lab has been used by a plethora of students for everything from curriculum to extracurriculars.

“This is a model for building real community between the school and the private community,” Principal Neil Ganesh said. “We have future leaders in our program and we’re really excited about this new resource for us.”

Recently, Sobhraj and information technology specialist Naresh Singh returned to the school recently to see how the “seed turned into a plant with burgeoning fruit.” Not only have students been able to focus on their passion of computer science, but there has been a trickle down effect into the school’s robotics program.

They found that the computer lab helped Perez, Assad, and the rest of the robotics team focus on enhancing their computer science knowledge, engineering skills, and form a serious direction for their robotics team, Qubit. In just one year, the team has been able to achieve incredible success which includes building their own robot.

Sobhraj and Singh were so impressed with the focus and determination of the these RHHS students, that they decided to announce the plan to award two computer science college scholarships right then and there.

“I really want to give back,” said Jay Sobhraj. “Never forget where you come from and always give back to the community... that's what Zara is focused on.”

Richmond Hill High School offers several pathways, which include computer science and IT, art, criminology and forensics, business and engineering. As a supporter of computer science and IT, Zara Realty plans to grant one or two students with this opportunity each year.

"We are grateful to Mr. Sobhraj and Zara Realty for being an active community partner with their vision set on making a long term change," said RHHS Assistant Principal, Paul Wilbur.

Zara Luxury Homes, the innovative real estate holding company, provides quality homes in both Queens and Long Island. They have been serving the rental community for 36 years. Visit theirwebsite or call them at 718-291-3331 to inquire about their rental properties in Jamaica, Queens and Long Island.

By: Lina Vivas

The cleaning and maintenance industry is often overlooked, but from my perspective, it is one of
the most important industries in any community. Clean, safe, and well-maintained spaces affect
how people feel, how they work, and how they experience the world around them. Whether it is
an office building, school, airport, residential property, or government facility, the standard of
cleanliness speaks volumes about the people and organizations behind it. I believe our industry
is not just about cleaning buildings. It is about creating environments where people can function
at their best.
One of the biggest misconceptions about this industry is that it is simple work. In reality, cleaning
and maintenance require discipline, consistency, attention to detail, and strong management. It
takes planning, the right staff, the right products, and the ability to meet high expectations every
single day. In many cases, our work happens behind the scenes, but it has a direct impact on
health, safety, and professionalism. A well-maintained space can improve morale, make a
strong first impression, and even support productivity.
From my point of view, this industry is also built on trust. Clients are trusting us with their
properties, their image, and in many cases, the health and comfort of the people who use those
spaces. That trust has to be earned through reliability, communication, and results. It is not
enough to simply show up. You have to take pride in the work, respond to the client’s needs,
and consistently perform at a high level. That is what separates an average company from a
great one.
Another important part of this industry is adaptability. The expectations around cleaning and
maintenance continue to grow. Clients want more than basic service. They want
professionalism, accountability, and customized solutions. They expect vendors to understand
safety standards, use effective products, manage teams efficiently, and solve problems quickly.
The companies that will continue to succeed are the ones that stay organized, embrace change,
and never stop improving.
I also believe this industry provides real opportunity. It creates jobs, develops leadership, and
gives people a chance to build careers through hard work and dedication. There is dignity in this
work, and there is value in doing it well. For many companies like ours, it is also about building
something meaningful that represents our name, our standards, and our commitment to service.
At Lina Vivas Maintenance, we see ourselves as more than a cleaning company. We see
ourselves as a service partner that helps clients maintain spaces they can be proud of. Our
industry may not always receive the recognition it deserves, but its importance cannot be
denied. Cleanliness, maintenance, and presentation matter in every setting. From my
perspective, this industry is essential, and those who approach it with professionalism, integrity,
and pride will always have a place in it.