Mell-Graf Anasta

Born in Port-au-Prince Haiti in 1997 , I am an Economics graduate from Université Notre-Dame d’Haiti with diverse skills in Finance, digital marketing , and data analysis. A lifelong learner, I’m passionate about music , movies , travel , comedy and teaching. My experience spans roles as a Credit Analyst, Translator, Development Assistant and volunteer writer. Fluent in English, Creole and French, I thrive in helping others and supporting meaningful projects while exploring new opportunities for growth.

During my high school years at Louverture Cleary School (2009-2016), I developed skills in debate and community service. I was an active member of the Debate Club of Santo at FOKAL, participating in several regional and national tournaments from 2012 to 2016. My commitment to service included working as a Translator for Clinique St-Esprit from 2012 to 2016.

Cassendy Charles

My name is Cassendy Charles, and I was born in Saint-Marc, Haiti. I am a program manager with 13 years of experience of managing various humanitarian assistance programs. I am passionate about working with people and institutions to strengthen resilience and foster social cohesion. My goal is to improve their preparedness to respond to a shock, effectively address their needs and work towards sustainable recovery. In 2008, during my high school years, I founded an alumni association for former students of my elementary school to create a supportive network: we organized educational activities such as dictation and math competitions. I also became a community leader, participating in youth summits, entrepreneurial discussions and civic leadership workshops. In 2011, I co-founded a community-based organization that empowers young people through workshops on personal and sustainable development. Through these initiatives, I strive to create positive change within the community I serve. Currently living in Miami, I am a strong believer in a better world and I take pride in volunteering for community projects, such as Sant La’s back-to-school resource fair and the AFS intercultural program. I aim to continue this type of work and build a career focused on these efforts.

Nucdalie Cherident

Nucdalie Cherident serves as the Policy and Research Associate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Certificate in Gender Studies from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Nucdalie’s experiences entail conducting social research into the systematic inequities that persist in marginalized communities and providing applicable and long-term changes to address the intersectionalities at play. Her research topics range from the implications of racist ideologies concerning drug laws, gentrification, revitalization, and displacement, as well as racial disparities in homeownership. Nucdalie also has extensive experience in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in non-profit organizations. This includes conducting research on employee perception, creating programs to be implemented, and assessing socio-political trends that are unconsciously intensified in a professional setting. 

Nadjeda Cherilien

Nadjeda Cherilien is a Project Manager with Community Care Plan’s Operational Excellence team, where she leads organizational initiatives that enhance efficiency and collaboration. Her expertise is supported by certifications in Project Management (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, and Change Management, which she leverages to drive impactful solutions. 

A first-generation Haitian-American, Nadjeda has a longstanding commitment to community engagement. She interned with District Rep. Dotie Joseph, a Haitian-American legislator and community advocate, where she gained firsthand experience in public service and grassroots leadership. Nadjeda is also a proud member of Sosyete Koukouy, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Haitian culture through this esteemed organization. 

Nadjeda holds a degree in Women and Gender Studies and Law and Business from Florida International University. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the South Florida chapter of the Project Management Institute since September 2023, organizing events that promote professional growth and programmatic design across the region. 

Her past roles include serving as Program Coordinator at the Center for Child and Family Enrichment and as Senior Operations Manager at Engage Miami, where she developed adaptive strategies to improve outcomes for underrepresented groups. Nadjeda remains passionate about fostering leadership within her community, creating opportunities for mentorship, and building initiatives that empower others. 

Brusner Conserve

Brusner Conserve was born in Grande-Saline and raised in Saint-Marc, Haiti, a place he holds close to his heart as a proud son of the land. As the eldest of five siblings, Brusner embraced responsibility and leadership from an early age.  

Now residing in Broward County, Florida, Brusner is a devoted husband and father of five, balancing the demands of family life with his professional aspirations. A master electrician by trade, he serves as the lead electrician in his current employment. Simultaneously, he is working to elevate his electrical business, merging his technical skills with entrepreneurial  ambition.  

Brusner is a passionate historian, committed to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of Haiti. Celebrating the resilience, culture, and contributions of Haiti, inspiring others to embrace their roots.  

In addition to his professional and personal pursuits, Brusner dedicates significant time to his community by coaching youth soccer teams in North Lauderdale, instilling teamwork, and confidence in the next generation. He’s also a member of BBSC, a nonprofit soccer organization that fosters family orientation and unity through sports and community engagement. Brusner Conserve’s life is a testament to hard work, cultural pride, and the balance between professional growth, community service, and personal values. 

Leila Duvivier 

I recently graduated from Nova Southeastern University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, along with minors in History and English Literature. I am passionate about international law, which is why I am committed to pursuing a legal career that will enable me to make a global impact. My long term goal to open a nonprofit organization in Haiti focused on helping children. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am deeply involved in community service. I volunteer with the Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) and Catholic Legal Services, assisting with TPS applications and I have also participated in the Back to School Fair in North Miami, helping provide school supplies to children in the community. 

Jasmine Felix

Jasmine Felix is a current first-year law student. She plans to pursue a career in government law and tax law. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Health Disparities from the University of Florida. Jasmine is the current Vice-Chair for the Miami-Dade Chapter of Florida Rising. A statewide voting rights and grassroots organizing group in Florida working to build power in minority communities.     

Jasmine is also the co-founder of a non-profit called Aiding to Empower, Inc. The organization’s focus is to help teens and young adults transition into adulthood; it provides consulting services for school applications, resume preparation, job applications, and other essentials for people to progress in their careers. The organization's goal was to provide knowledge and resources to anyone who might not have access and help open doors.    

In her spare time, Jasmine loves to watch live performances, cook, visit new restaurants, and spend time with friends and family.    

Sandrine Louis Jeune

H. Sandrine Louis-Jeune is a Haitian-American visionary leader dedicated to community empowerment and cultural preservation. Born in La Tortue, Haiti, Sandrine holds a Master’s degree from Florida International University in African and African Diaspora Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Cornell College. Her academic journey has been marked by achievements including earning in International Baccalaureate Diploma, membership in honors societies, as well as receiving the Breakthrough Miami Fellowship. Her research on the intersection of womanism, Africana, and diaspora religions has been included at academic conferences. 

With a diverse background in program management, project coordination, and leadership development, Sandrine has worked at prestigious institutions like Florida International University, United Way of Miami-Dade, and Cornell College. Her expertise spans various fields, including project management, communication, and software proficiency. She has co-founded several initiatives, including the Black Iowa Youth Conference, and has been involved with numerous non-profit organizations. 

Currently, Sandrine serves as a Program Manager at Krishtel, where she drives innovation and empowers teams to achieve impactful results. She is also the founder of Pawol Ginen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Haitian culture. Through initiatives like virtual tours of Little Haiti, Sandrine contributes to the preservation of Haitian heritage and inspires future Generations 

Taisha Pierre Diegue

My name is Taisha Pierre, I am 25 years old and an aspiring community leader.  I was born in a country where rights are not respected and no one could dare to dream because  dreams do not come true. I was taught to loathe the government and steer clear of civic engagement that changed when I emigrated to the Unites States. Here, I learn the powers we hold as civilians. I have witnessed a change of culture, from being totally deprived of everything to shaping my own dreams and aspirations. I was amazed to learn that as small as I am, I can make a difference.  

The most important lesson my parents taught me when I was growing up was that hard work always pays off. This lesson has always resonated with me, even on the days I felt like giving up. My trials and tribulations have proven to me that giving up is not an option. I am made of consistency, hard work, and determination. I took it upon myself to bring awareness to public engagement by helping others to believe  that we can shape our government and make it works in our favor. After graduating from North Miami Senior High in 2017, my curiosity and the desire to help my community led me to graduate in Public Policy and Services at the Honors College at F.I.U., where I am currently a Master in Public Administration Candidate.  

As it was time for me to grow tangible experiences, I interned for the City of North Miami, which was the best decision ever. I have crossed paths with many community leaders who have inspired me. I have learned about the functions of local government and the importance of public engagement.  As my focus is to promote public engagement, I have been helping with the upcoming the Municipal election and facilitating voter’s registration in the City of North Miami. Currently, I am working alongside the Elected City Clerk of North Miami Vanessa Joseph, Esq., to get more people on board with the Madam Clerk Project which is to educate people about the power of civic engagement. 

Olando Saint Louis

Orlando Saint Louis is a Miami Dade Organizer with Florida Rising since 2021. As a community activist, I have advocated for social justice for the black and brown communities. What matters to me is advocating and pushing policies focusing on long-term change rather than short-term that benefit the marginalized community. The attributes that describe me is being a voice for the voiceless in my community.

Liana Valcin

Hello, my name is Liana Valcin. I currently hold a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Healthcare from the University of South Florida. I have completed coursework toward an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I currently serve as a graduate research assistant under the supervision of the Deloitte HA-YA Mental Health Program via Morehouse School of Medicine. I support program partners who serve Haitian communities in various locations that host the initiative for local young adult participants. I assist the participants in navigating the course curriculum, organize research, and contribute to community projects that aim to improve mental health outcomes. 

With seven years of service in the U.S. Navy, I have developed a strong foundation in leadership and community engagement. I currently advise the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation committee, a department head for career counseling in my detachment, and facilitate administrative logistics for the Enlisted Leadership Development and Professional Military Knowledge programs. 

I have been with Fanm Kreyol, Inc. for five years and currently serve as the Travel and Explore State Directress within the graduate chapter.