Fortunate Higgins – Highlight and Spotlight

At In Flight, we are proud to have dedicated professionals leading our mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This month, we’re spotlighting Fortunate Higgins, who joined us in January 2025 as Director of Residential Services.

A Journey of Growth and Advocacy

Fortunate’s career in human services began in 2008 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Anderson Center for Autism. After relocating to Poughkeepsie from Syracuse, a friend introduced her to the field, and she quickly developed a strong foundation in supporting individuals with disabilities. Her dedication to professional growth led her to pursue a Master’s in Professional Studies in Humanistic and Multicultural Education at SUNY New Paltz, which she earned in 2016.

Expanding her experience beyond direct care, Fortunate worked as a Victim Advocate, supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. She later returned to the OPWDD field as a Care Manager before transitioning into program coordination and leadership roles, including serving as Director of Program Services at New Horizons Resources, Inc. for nearly three years. Now, she brings her wealth of knowledge and passion for advocacy to In Flight.

Leading Residential Services at In Flight

As Director of Residential Services, Fortunate oversees Associate Residential Directors (ARDs) and supports managers across In Flight’s Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs). She is responsible for ensuring compliance with NYS OPWDD regulations and billing standards, while also enhancing operational efficiency.

In her first months at In Flight, she has focused on getting to know the staff and the people we support, attending meetings, interviewing potential managers, and streamlining residential department procedures. She has also been updating forms and implementing new tools to create a more cohesive and structured workflow.

A Passion for People and Positive Change

Fortunate Higgins thrives in collaborative and people-centered environments. She believes that empowering others and fostering a positive work culture are key to success. “I love working with people, finding creative solutions, and leading a team that is dedicated to making a difference. Having fun while doing your job is a game changer!” she shares.

A Vision for the Future

Fortunate is committed to strengthening In Flight’s residential services by improving efficiency, staff retention, and interdepartmental collaboration. Some of the initiatives she and her team have already put in place include:

• A simplified daily checklist for managers
• A weekly tracker for ARDs to ensure all responsibilities are covered
• A site visit report template to maintain consistent support across locations
• A manager’s weekly report that tracks progress in real time via SharePoint

Her goal is to create a supportive and structured environment where both staff and the people we serve can thrive. She is eager to continue learning, growing, and building strong relationships within the In Flight community.

Looking Ahead – Join Our Team!

Fortunate’s leadership is already making an impact, and we are excited to see how she continues to enhance our residential services. With her experience, passion, and dedication, she is helping to elevate In Flight’s mission and empower those we support to reach their full potential.

Are you passionate about making a difference like Fortunate Higgins? Join our team and help empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their hopes and dreams! Visit our careers page to explore opportunities at In Flight.

Welcome to the team, Fortunate!