Médaille de la Paix
Skip of 2001 honored with Medal of Peace
BY DOLLY DUPLANTIER '82 Régine René Labrousse '01 is a very busy woman, but then again most Ursuline women are — not just with work and family, but also with their desire to help others. It comes naturally. Nurtured through Serviam, Ursuline graduates are well known for their lifelong dedication to serving neighbors in need. Régine is no exception. Just this past January, she received the Medal of Peace from the YMCA d’Haiti. The award honors those who, without any special resources, demonstrate an ardent desire to promote peace, social justice and development in their community. The organization proudly considers her an exceptional role model for Haitian youth. She was taken by surprise with the award. “I'm usually the one looking for extraordinary community leaders and finding awards and professional opportunities for them. This award is a reminder that people do notice and appreciate my efforts. I better keep working harder!” Régine knows how important it is for the Haitian youth to see young people work diligently and be recognized for their efforts. She came to the country at a time when Haitians desperately needed assistance and inspiration — just days after the 2010 catastrophic earthquake ravaged their homeland and affected approximately three million people. From 2010 to 2013, Régine was the Cultural Affairs Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. She implemented educational, cultural and professional exchange programs to promote mutual understanding between Haitians and Americans. Régine was working in American Citizen Services
at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica, when the earthquake hit. Five days later, she was sent to the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. For two weeks, she worked 18-hour shifts and slept on the floor in the consular section. “We worked 10 hours reviewing visa applicants at the consular section, and then eight hours at the airport boarding cleared American citizens onto planes,” she said. “I also met with press to keep them up-to-date on the U.S. government’s efforts during that time.” Her work there was life changing. Régine decided to stay when she realized she could make a positive impact and influence policy most effectively in Haiti. “It revitalized a sense of purpose within me," she said. The dedicated Skip knew early on what she wanted to do with her life. She said her multicultural background (both her parents are Haitian) and her desire to learn about different cultures inspired her career path. Service was also a key factor. Régine earned a master's degree in International Communication from American University in D.C., as well as a bachelor's degree in International Business and Latin American Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans. She studied abroad in Canada, France, Brazil, Mexico and Haiti. In 2006, she joined the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer. Régine served in Washington, D.C., as well as U.S. Embassies in Morocco, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and lastly in Haiti. This year, Régine took a new job within the private sector as Public Affairs Manager for La Brasserie Nationale d’Haiti S.A. (BRANA). The 40-year-old brewery produces over a dozen beverages and is owned by the Heineken Group. Her responsibilities include government and media relations, most notably with the Haitian President and Prime Minister. "The private sector is more efficient," she explained. "BRANA is the Haitian company with the most positive socio-economic impact. More than 60,000 families rely on BRANA operations for employment. I'm proud to work for a company that is socially responsible. It's a new concept for emerging markets and BRANA is the leader here." Régine remains involved in her community. She was recently elected to the board of Haiti’s Manufacturer’s Association, and was also named Vice-President of the American Chamber of Commerce. In these roles, she will strive to influence important legislation regarding minimum wage, contraband, and securing the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. She believes her years at Ursuline helped shape the woman she is today. “The Ursuline community, as a whole, taught me the importance of being active within the larger community. My success isn't really success if those around me aren't successful as well.” 25