Paying It Forward: A Lifelong Commitment to Service
This month, we are recognizing Sul Hemani, First Foundation Bank’s Branch Manager in Tampa, FL. Sul’s dedication to community service stems from a principle his parents taught him early in life: set aside 10% of everything for charity. That simple lesson has grown into decades of volunteer work, impacting countless lives across Tampa.
When Sul moved to Tampa without a job or connections, the community welcomed him. “It gave me everything I have. I owe it to them to pass it on,” he says. That gratitude drives his involvement with organizations such as the Tampa Housing Authority and Meals on Wheels, where he recently spent the Thanksgiving holiday preparing and delivering meals.
Sul’s professional expertise as a banker amplifies his impact. On the Tampa Housing Authority board, he navigates complex public housing finance and to help shape city plans to address homelessness. At the Center for Women, he teaches financial literacy—guiding women through business planning, securing loans, and mastering finance fundamentals.
His most rewarding moments come from bringing joy to seniors at the Housing Authority’s annual Cabaret. Sul often visits with drums or a keyboard to play music and to dance with the attendees. He also volunteers with his wife and daughters at Paint Your Heart Out, repairing and painting homes for seniors and low-income families.
Despite his extensive involvement, Sul remains humble. “Give with a good heart,” he recalls his mother’s advice. “Do the right thing without expecting anything in return.” Still, he acknowledges that volunteering isn’t entirely selfless. “I do get a deep sense of satisfaction, meaning and purpose to my life through volunteering.”
Sul’s greatest achievement is passing these values on to the next generation. His daughters have embraced the family tradition with remarkable initiative. As a family, they have continued to organize supply drives and fundraisers for Joshua House, because of a project his daughter started in middle school.
Sul’s guiding philosophy is simple, success and happiness come from investing effort where you are rather than assuming things are better elsewheree. For Sul, that means giving back—one meal, one mentoring session, one painted house, one joyful dance at a time.
