Yakoub joined NJ Sharing Network as a medical laboratory technologist in September 2023 and was named Molecular DNA Lead Technologist in April 2026. She works in the organization's Transplant Laboratory in New Providence, performing HLA testing to help determine compatibility between organ donors and transplant recipients. She was selected as the sole awardee based on an essay reflecting the spirit and dedication behind the honor.
"I am proud to be part of a team that works every day at NJ Sharing Network to help save and enhance lives," Yakoub said. "This recognition motivates me to continue learning, growing and contributing to the field of histocompatibility and transplantation."
The Transplant Laboratory operates around the clock, collaborating with transplant programs throughout New Jersey and providing donor testing nationally for both deceased and living donor transplantation. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, more than 100,000 Americans, including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans, are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.