Schedule, Topics and Speakers
8 a.m. | Registration and Networking Breakfast
9:15 a.m. | Welcome Remarks
Opening Plenary Session
9:30 a.m. | Who Are We?
The demographic profile of the Haitian diaspora in South Florida featuring Dr. Maria Ilcheva, FIU Metropolitan Center.
10 a.m. | Portrayal of Haitians in the Media
Presenter: Dr. Thomas Craemer
Panelists: Carl Juste, Severe Livincoeurs, Carèl Pedre, Merline Thermora
Moderator: Wilkine Brutus
Concurrent Sessions
11:30 a.m. | Fragile Foundation: Empower, Educate and Explore
The state of early childhood education in South Florida’s Haitian community.
Presenter: University of Miami IDEAS Consortium
Panelists: Dr. Marcheley Adam, Juliette Fabien, RN, Dr. Josee Gregoire, Nadie Mondestin, Sabrina Tassy Lewis
Moderator: Leonie Hermantin
11:30 a.m. | Level Up: Empower, Educate and Explore
The pathways for educational attainment for children and adults.
Panelists: Mirva Cadet, James Dominique, Dr. Gastride Harrigan, Marline Paris-Lawson, Jeanne Petit, Lesly Prudent
Moderator: Dr. Shirley Plantin
11:30 a.m. | The Future is Technology
Assessing our local tech ecosystem, opportunities for tech entrepreneurs and steps to leave no one behind.
Panelists: Whitney Lubin, Getro Naissance, Jean Pierre Vertil
Moderator: Doris Jean Pierre
11:30 a.m. | Forge Forward
What are the best practices to leverage our momentum for increased community engagement to build and sustain our power?
Panelists: Matthew Anderson, Tamara Beliard Rodriguez, Sandy Dorsainvil, Pastor Jimmy Loiseau, Paul Christian Namphy
Moderator: Santra Denis
Plenary Session
1 p.m. | Luncheon
Special Message from Ambassador Patrick Gaspard.
Concurrent Sessions
2:30 p.m. | Forsake not your Forebears
How community members can best support and assist local elected officials.
Panelists: Fla. Rep. Dotie Joseph, Fla. Rep. Marie Paule Woodson, North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard
Moderator: Former Miami Shores Councilwoman Katia St. Fleur
2:30 p.m. | Fulfilling Freedom
The intersection of power, business and economic development as pathways to economic and political power.
Panelists: Eric Knowles, Beatrice Louissaint, Lory M. Frieman, D.J. Neree, Djenane St-Fleur
Moderator: Jeff Lozama
2:30 p.m. | Full, Fertile and Fruitful: Community Health and Wellness
The state of Black health and how to make wellness a central tenet of community power building.
Panelists: Dr. Joseph Durandis, Dr. Deborah Gracia, Dr. Patricia Jeudin
Moderator: Dr. M. Sandra Severe
2:30 p.m. | Fervor, Fire and Faith: Navigating the New Wave of Migration
Explore recommendations for immigration policy, strategic advocacy and creation of solidarity networks in support of migrants. Featuring special immigrant testimonials by Sant La clients: Ricardo Timé and Shirley Dieudoné.
Panelists: Clarel Cyriaque, Esq., Steven Forester, Esq., Nadine Gedeon, Esq., Frandley Julien, Esq.
Moderator: Narinah Jean-Baptiste, Esq.
Closing Plenary Session
4: 15 p.m. | Diaspora Engagement: We are a Force When We Are Together
The best and most effective strategies to achieve a strong, united but diverse Haitian diaspora.
Presenter: Prime Minister Michele Pierre Louis
Panelists: Jean Ganou Belizaire, Naed Jasmin Dezire, Regine Labrousse, Dr. Guerda Nicolas, Tessa Petit
Moderator: Michelle Austin Pamies, Esq.