HAITIAN LADIES WEEKEND

Igniting Our Power 2024

Washington, DC | October 11-13, 2024

Join the Haitian Ladies Network for this unique 3-day experience. Come grow your network, gain new insights into Haiti today, and receive tools to support your personal & professional growth.

Haitian Ladies Weekend

Igniting Our Power 2024

Washington, DC  |  October 11-13, 2024

Author Edwidge Danticat speaking with a group of Haitian women at Haitian Ladies Network conference
floral pattern with purple tones

Keynote Speaker

Stella Jean

Fashion Designer

2024 Brunch Keynote Speaker

Stella Jean is not only a fashion icon—she’s a trailblazer, an advocate for social change, and a champion of cultural representation. Known for her vibrant designs that celebrate her Haitian-Italian heritage, Stella uses her platform to empower others and bring visibility to global artisans.

Stella was recently tasked with designing the official uniforms for the Haiti team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The uniforms have been hailed as some of the most beautiful in the world by major international outlets, including The New York Times, which awarded Team Haiti the gold medal for their design.

Special Remarks

Garcelle Beauvais

Actor, Producer, Best Selling Author

2024 Brunch Featured Speaker

Garcelle Beauvais, a Haitian-born actress and cultural icon, has made a lasting impact in Hollywood over her three-decade-long career. Known for her dynamic roles on TV and film, she became the first Black cast member on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and recently published her memoir Love Me as I Am, which became an instant bestseller. She has also expanded into producing with Lifetime films like "Black Girl Missing" and its sequel, "Abducted at an HBCU." Beyond her acting career, Garcelle is a dedicated mother, children’s book author, and passionate advocate for organizations like UNICEF, CORE, and Cybersmile.

Balancing her career with her role as a mother to three sons, Garcelle continues to inspire others through her work, both on-screen and off, advocating for digital wellbeing, women's empowerment, and Haitian communities.

H.E. Dominique Dupuy

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Haitians Living Abroad to the Government of Haiti

2023 Guest DJ

Born in Cap-Haïtien, in the northern region of Haiti, Dominique Dupuy studied at McGill University in Montreal. She conducted research on education in Haiti for the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and developed an innovative psychosocial support program for marginalized mothers for the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child in 2020. A member of the Board of Directors of the Management Organization for the Northern Haiti Destination, she is committed to the preservation and promotion of the heritage and culture of her city, her region, and her country. Appointed as Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Haiti to UNESCO, she serves on the Executive Board of the Organization and was elected in 2023 as Vice-President of the Council for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

U.S. House of Representative

2024 Brunch Featured Speaker

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the first Black woman to represent Florida’s 20th congressional district, was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024 to serve a third term.

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick is honored to serve on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. She is also the Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force for the Democratic Women's Caucus, a Co-Chair of the Haiti Caucus, and serves as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Howard University. In further pursuit of education, the Congresswoman also earned a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University.

While in office, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick remains committed to tackling the growing housing crisis, inadequate access to quality health care, and lack of equitable opportunities throughout our district and country.

Creative Collaboration

Philippe Dodard

Artist & Painter

2023 Guest DJ

The Haitian Ladies Network® is proud to showcase the extraordinary talents of Haitian artists, and this year, we were honored to collaborate with the renowned Philippe Dodard. Dodard is a multidisciplinary artist, celebrated as a painter, sculptor, and designer, whose work draws from Haiti’s rich cultural heritage, blending traditional Haitian themes with modern abstraction.

His art has been featured in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, earning him critical acclaim for his contributions to both Haitian and global art scenes. Most recently, his artwork was incorporated by Stella Jean in the design of the Haitian Olympic team’s uniforms, a partnership that garnered widespread accolades.

This Dodard ink was adapted by our talented creative designer, William Mc Intosh. Through his artistic vision, Mc Intosh infused the original piece with a fresh, vibrant perspective while honoring the essence of Dodard’s work.

2024 Speakers & Performers

Karen André

Senior Advisor at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Dr. Suzie Richardson Armas

COO, New Health Community Centers

Mélodie Benjamin

Psychologist and Agent for Peace, Ti Souf and Fondation IDEO

Daphné Valmond Bourgoin

Executive Director, Tisaksuk/ Atelier Tisaksuk

Danielle Cadet

Media Executive, Host & Producer

Vélina Élysée Charlier

Member / Empress, Nou Pap Dòmi / Lakou Souvnans

Christine Cherestal

NextGen Moderator

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

U.S. House of Representative

Monique Clesca

International Consultant

Arielle Dominique

Haitian Ladies Network Co-Founder, Executive Director, HAFFD

Simbi Duplan

Healer / Spiritual Practitioner

Dr. Charlene Désir

Director/Professor, T.E.N. Global, Nova Southeastern University

Dr. Sabine Elisée

Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, CEO and Founder of Cornerstone Medical Group

Mary Estimé-Irvin

Chairwoman of NHAEON, Vice Mayor of North Miami

Thamar Harrigan

International Trade Attorney

Madjeen Isaac

Visual Artist

Lovely Jean Louis

Lawyer and a member of the Commission of Women Lawyers of the Bar of Port-au-Prince

Christ Maika Joachim

Dancer, X-pressionayiti

Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Vice President and Executive Producer, Paramount Global

Wynnie Lamour-Quansah

Founder & Managing Director, The Haitian Creole Language Institute of New York

Liliane Nerette Louis

President, Just the Way it Was, Inc.

Danièle Magloire

Spokesperson of Kay Fanm (Women’s House)

Ama Makeda

Yoga instructor/Artist, MAFLOW LLC

Coralie Nader

Kòmsi Like Founder, NextGen Moderator

Linda Isabelle Francois Obas

La Grande Danse, Choreographer/ Sociocultural Activist, XPression Ayiti

Pascale Oriol

Founder and President of Vox Evolution

Sophia Pierrelus

Owner and Chief Executive Director, Faveur and Company. And NACC

Riva Nyri Précil

La Grande Danse, Artist, Tout Se Pa

Tamara Béliard Rodriguez

Senior Vice President of IslandTV / VP and CFO of Fatima Group

Dr. Chloé Roumain

OBGYN Fertility specialist, Tripod Fertility Clinic, Fertility Friends Foundation

Sandra Hollant Russo

CEO of Sandilou Textile

Clyfane Saintil

Feminist Activist

Martine St-Victor

General Manager at Edelman

Corinne Joachim Sanon Symietz

Co-Founder and CEO, Askanya Chocolates

Donaldzie Theodore

Artist/Pianist-Singer Independant

Kemissa Trécile

DJ / CEO of Au Top Kemissa Entertainment

Author Edwidge Danticat speaking with women

Volunteer

Want to help make Haitian Ladies Weekend unforgettable? Volunteer with us! Applications are now open. Join us in celebrating culture, empowerment, and connection.

Join Our Marketplace

Applications are now open for our Haitian Ladies Weekend Marketplace, curated by Bien Abyé. Showcase your brand, sell your products and services, and forge connections with over 500 attendees eager to support businesses that reflect their values and cultural interests. Apply here!

Haitian women at pop-up shop

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

FRI
Oct

11

National Gallery of Art (Optional & Offsite)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
National Gallery of Art

Kanitra Fletcher
Associate curator of African American and Afro-Diasporic art at the National Gallery of Art

"Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti" – Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary Haitian art.

If you are attending the National Gallery of Art event on Friday and would like to reserve transportation, click here to Register For Bus Ride From Capital Hilton to Gallery.


Registration Open  
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM


Cocktail Reception & Cultural Showcase (Offsite)
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM 
Organization of American States (OAS)

Experience the warmth of Haitian hospitality with an evening of art, music, and culture.

Ambassador Louis Harold Joseph
Chargé d'Affaires a.i. - Embassy of the Republic of Haiti to the United States of America

Mistress of Ceremony:
Thamar Harrigan

Catered by
Chef Natacha Gomez

Music by
DJ Steezy (Stanley Bertrand)


Dinner On Your Own & Cocktail at the OAS
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
SAT
Oct

12

Registration Open
6:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Coat Room


Morning Wellness Yoga
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Senate

Instructor:
Ama Makeda
Yoga instructor & Artist, MAFLOW LLC


Coffee and Tea Service & Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Presidential Ballroom Foyer


Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abyé
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
South American AB

Explore a curated selection of Haitian artisanal products, fashion, and unique creations.


Symposium - Main Ballroom Opens
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
Presidential Ballroom


HLN Welcome by Board of Directors
Presidential Ballroom

Mistress of Ceremony:
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Vice President and Executive Producer Paramount Global

National Anthem Singer:
Donaldzie Théodore
Singer & Pianist


Kreyòl Essence Wellness Lounge - Open
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
New York

Simbi Duplan
Healer/Spiritual Practitioner at SIMBI

AMB Mobile Massage & Wellness Center


Special Remarks
Presidential Ballroom

Speakers:
Her Excellency, Mrs. Dominique Dupuy
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Haitians Living Abroad to the Government of Haiti

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Sophia Pierrelus
Haitian Community Activist in Ohio, Founder of the New American Cultural Center (NACC)


Engaging with Haiti Panel
Empire Ballroom

Facilitator of Conversation:
Monique Clesca
International Consultant, and Pro-Democracy Feminist Activist

Speakers:
Vélina Élysée Charlier
Member of Nou Pap Domi, Empress of Lakou Souvenans

Pascale Oriol
Founder and President of Vox Evolution

Danièle Magloire
Spokesperson for Kay Fanm (Women's House)

Explore strategies for civic engagement and strengthening democratic processes.


Networking Lunch & Marketplace
11:50 AM - 1:00 PM
Congressional


HerStory
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Presidential Ballroom

Moderator:
Martine St-Victor
General Manager at Edelman

Speaker:
Danielle Cadet
Media Executive, Host & Producer


Our Bodies, Our Selves
2:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Presidential Ballroom

Moderator:
Dr. Sabine Elisée
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, CEO and Founder of Cornerstone Medical Group

Speakers:
Mélodie Benjamin
Psychologist and Agent for Peace at Ti Souf and Fondation IDEO

Liliane Nerette-Louis
Folk Storyteller, President of Just the Way it Was, Inc.


Haitian Ventures: From Local Roots to Global Reach
2:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Congressional

Moderator:

Tamara Béliard Rodriguez
Senior Vice President of IslandTV, Senior VP and CFO of Fatima Group

Speakers:
Daphné Valmond Bourgoin
Executive Director, Tisaksuk/ Atelier Tisaksuk

Corinne Joachim Sanon Symietz
Co-Founder and CEO of Askanya Chocolates

Sandra Hollant Russo
CEO of Sandilou Textile, Femmes en Democratie, Chambre des Metiers et de l'Artisanat, PROFAMIL


Preserving Haitian Identity Across Borders (NextGen Panel)
2:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Federal A

Moderators:
Coralie Nader
Founder of Kòmsi Like, HLN NextGen Committee

Christine Cherestal
High School student, HLN NextGen Committee

Speakers:
Dr. Charlene Désir
Director of The Empowerment Network Global, Professor at Nova Southeastern University

Wynnie Lamour-Quansah
Founder & Managing Director, The Haitian Creole Language Institute of New York

Madjeen Isaac
Visual Artist


Building Political Power
2:15 PM - 3:35 PM
Federal B

Speakers:
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Arielle Dominique
Haitian Ladies Network, Co-Founder and
Haitian American Foundation For Democracy, Executive Director


Moderator:
Karen André

CEO, People First Strategies


Networking & Marketplace
3:35 PM - 4:00 PM
South American AB


Closing Plenary
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Presidential Ballroom


Networking Break
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Capital Terrace


Grounded in Heritage, Rooted in Rhythm
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Congressional

Speakers:
Arielle Dominique
Co-founder at HLN, Executive Director of Haitian American Foundation for Democracy

Dr. Charlene Désir
Director of The Empowerment Network Global, Professor at Nova Southeastern University

Vélina Elysée Charlier
Member / Empress, Nou Pap Dòmi / Lakou Souvnans

Linda Isabelle François Obas
Choreographer/ Sociocultural Activist, Founder of XPression Ayiti

Riva Nyri Précil
Artist, Founder of Tout Se Pa

Join a conversation that sets the stage and provides historical context for La Grande Danse, exploring Haitian heritage and African traditions. This experience will help ground us in our roots, leaving Haitian ladies renewed and deeply connected to their cultural identity.


La Grande Danse
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Congressional

Speakers:
Riva Nyri Précil
Artist, Founder of Tout Se Pa

Linda Isabelle François Obas
Choreographer/ Sociocultural Activist , Founder of XPression Ayiti

Experience the rhythm and beauty of Haitian traditional dance in this lively class.


Haitian Ladies After Dark
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Federal A

Speaker:
Dr. Suzie Richardson Armas
COO, New Health Community Centers

A safe space for conversations on relationships and intimacy.


Dinner On Your Own
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Dinner not covered by the Haitian Ladies Network.
SUN
Oct

13

Registration Open
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Coat Room


Coffee & Tea Service
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Capital Terrace


Rabòday Fit
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Senate

Instructor:
Christ Maïka Joachim
Dancer, Xpressionayiti

Groove to the fast-paced rhythms of Haitian compas and hip-hop as you get energized for the day ahead.


Advocacy Workshop with the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy (HAFFD) in collaboration with the Haitian Neighborhood Center, Haitian Bridge Alliance, and Haiti Response Coalition
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM 
Federal A

Guerline Jozef
Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Haitian Bridge Alliance

Sophia Pierrelus
Haitian Community Activist in Ohio, Founder of the New American Cultural Center (NACC)

Gepsie Morisset-Metellus
Co-founder and Executive Director of the Haitian Neighborhood Center Sant La

Corinne Paul
Senior Policy Advisor for Civil and Political Rights at American Jewish World Service

Tamara Béliard Rodriguez
Senior Vice President of IslandTV, Senior VP and CFO of Fatima Group

Explore strategies for civic engagement and strengthening democratic processes.


Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abyé
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
South American AB

Last chance to shop and explore unique Haitian goods, fashion, and artisanal products.


Kreyòl Essence Wellness Lounge
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
New York

Simbi Duplan
Healer/Spiritual Practitioner at SIMBI

AMB Mobile Massage & Wellness Center


Shaping the Future: Vice Mayor Estime-Irvin on Leadership and Progress for Haitian American Women
10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Federal AB

Speaker:
Mary Estimé-Irvin
Chairwoman of National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)

Esther Charlestin

Women Can Shape Haiti’s Tomorrow: a Talk with Women Activists

Speakers:
Danièle Magloire
Spokesperson for Kay Fanm (Women's House)

Lovely Jean Louis
Lawyer and Member of the Commission of Women Lawyers of the Bar of Port-au-Prince

Nikette Lormeus

A civic engagement focused discussion with leaders shaping the future of the Haitian American community.


19th Annual Haitian Ladies Brunch
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Presidential Ballroom

Mistress of Ceremony:
Martine St-Victor
General Manager at Edelman

Keynote Speaker:
Stella Jean
Fashion Designer & Activist

Special Remarks:
Garcelle Beauvais
Actress, Producer, Best-Selling Author

DJ Kemissa
CEO CARICOM office in Haiti/Au Top Kemissa Entertainment / Université of Versailles France

Join us for the 19th annual Haitian Ladies Brunch celebrating sisterhood, culture, and empowerment, with inspiring conversations and special guests.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Oct

8

Private Screening: Freda, 2021 Cannes Film Festival Official Selection
by Gessica Geneus
Oct

9

Interactive morning wellness sessions
Nzingah Oniwosan, Holistic Health Consultant

Networking Lunch

5th Annual Haitian Ladies Symposium

Karen Andre, Political Strategist & Organizer
Shannon LaGuerre-Maingrette, Partner, Spar & Bernstein
Guerline Jozef, Haitian Bridge Alliance
Lucia D. Pascale Solages, Nègès Mawon & Nou Pap Domi
Pasaj by Linda I. Francois, XPression Ayiti
AyiboPost
Chokarella
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES: Thamar Harrigan, Chief of Staff and White House Liaison of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency

Tout Se Pa:Traditional Dance and Sound Experience
Riva Nyri Precil, Haïtian Multi-Disciplinary Artist
Linda I. Francois, XPression Ayiti

Remarks

Elizabeth Pierre Louis, Fondasyon Konesans Ak Libète
Magalie Emile-Backer, Haiti Renewal Alliance
Régine René-Labrousse, Replenish 509
Oct

10

Interactive Morning Wellness
Nadjejda Chapoteau, Community Powerhouse Consulting & Coaching

16th Annual Haitian Ladies Brunch
Featured Speaker
Yamiche Alcindor, Moderator Washington Week & White House Correspondent

Bon Dye Bon Stacy Barthe

Grammy Nominated Singer / Songwriter

Rara Tou Limen Haitian Dance Company
Portsha T. Jefferson, Artistic Director

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES: Stacey Samuel, Executive Producer
Al Jazeera Media Network, Washington, DC, USA

Thank You to Our Partners

Alex-Handrah Aime
Karen Ansara

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