Welcome to the 2024 Igniting Our Power, Haitian Ladies Weekend! This year’s theme, “Nou se Wozo,” means “We do not break.” While we all resonate with the strength, and perseverance this theme embodies, this weekend is also a celebration of our softness, our beauty, our worthiness of all that is good, and our deep connection to culture and each other.
As Haitian women, whether in our homeland or throughout the Diaspora, we carry the weight of our people’s struggles in our hearts—especially for the women and girls who continue to endure unimaginable challenges. Their pain is never far from our minds. We also hold space for our brothers and sisters in the U.S. who have faced ridicule and dehumanization. This is why it’s so important that we continue to gather. Every year, the significance of Haitian Ladies Weekend deepens, as does the impact we create together. We are incredibly proud that this has become the largest gathering of Haitian women, and we are beyond grateful for your presence here.
Our team has worked tirelessly to create a weekend experience designed to leave you rejuvenated, inspired, and more deeply connected to your spirit, your culture, your sisters, and yourself. There’s no “right” way to experience this weekend—it’s your time and your space. Embrace every moment, be present, and above all, don’t forget to have fun!
On behalf of the Haitian Ladies Network, thank you for trusting us, for being with us, and for being unapologetically you. We are stronger together, and your presence makes this community even more powerful.
With love and gratitude.
HAITIAN LADIES NETWORK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clara BENICE
Elodie MANUEL
Ariel DOMINIQUE
Nashley HARRIGAN
Nadine DUPLESSY KEARNS
A.D. Rachel PIERRE Natalie ROBINSON
Syncia SABAIN
Phara GEORGES RODRIGUE
Anaïse MANUEL
SUPPORT OUR IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Our mission is to inspire and equip every girl and woman of Haitian descent to achieve her life goals and lead in her community. We have built the largest global platform uniting over 100,000 women and girls of Haitian descent across the U.S., Haiti, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Through our dynamic year-round programs and gatherings, we foster connections and deliver impact aligned with these pillars: wealth building, culture, entrepreneurship, wellness, civic engagement, and building meaningful engagement with partner organizations and women in Haiti.
Since our founding we have:
• engaged 42,000 women and youth leaders
• showcased over 175 women entrepreneurs at our annual conference marketplace
• promoted 750+ women-led businesses on our digital platforms
• trained 1,000+ individuals on financial management
• hosted 300+ prominent women changemakers and leaders
• featured 75 artists and performers
• profiled 100+ women running for elected office
Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can ensure that the voices of Haitian ladies are heard loud and clear. We aim to continue to make Haitian Ladies Weekend accessible to as many Haitian women and students as possible. We also plan to strengthen our engagement with Haiti.
Thank you for your generosity and your support towards this movement. Together, we will continue to ignite our collective power.
Donate Today
Your tax-deductible contribution helps us continue to build a thriving network and deliver impact year-round.
HAITIAN LADIES NETWORK FOUNDERS
(Top row left to right) Kysseline Jean-Mary Cherestal, Thamar Harrigan, Karen Andre, Ariel Dominique, Fendy Mesy, A.D. Rachel Pierre.
(Bottom row left to right) Syncia Sabain Louis-Charles, Phara Georges Rodrigue, Nadine Duplessy Kearns, Theola DeBose
NEXTGEN COMMITTEE
HLW24 COORDINATORS
Clinederson Guerrier PRODUCTION
Coralie Nader COMMUNICATIONS
Samantha Nader PROGRAM Su-Yen Simon SPONSORSHIP
Sheinya Joseph
Edna Ulysse
Chloé Laplanche
Kya Pierre Dawkins
Christine Cherestal
Madeleine Brown
Coralie Nader
Thajea Désir
CREATIVE COLLABORATION
Philippe Dodard
Artist & Painter
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.
Coming Soon!
Alex-Handrah Aime
Karen Ansara
THANK YOU TO
MARIE YOLANDE MESY
Mommy, your kindness and warmth left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone blessed to know you. Your legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith is a source of inspiration and gratitude. You are always in my heart, and your light will forever guide me. I miss you deeply and love you endlessly.
– Fendy (Mesy) Jean
YVONNE ANTOINE MARSEILLE
In honor of the fanm vanyan, including Yvonne Antoine Marseille Kysseline’s grandmother
- Kysseline & Patrick Cherestal
MARIE THÉRÈSE DESILIER
In honor of Marie Thérèse Desilier from her daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters.
– Her Family
YOLANDE AMISIAL DUFRESNE
In honor of Yolande Amisial Dufresne for all of your hardwork and the love you bring to the many lives you touch.
- Carol and Daphne Dufresne
OUR PATRONS
MARIE CARMELLE GOIN FERERE
Mom you are forever in my heart, our time together on this earth was short but to me eternal, rest in the light.
– Tanie Guirand
PATRONS
WE LOVE TO UPLIFT
We Love to Uplift honors Marie Carmel Aurel & Marie Fernande Lafontant
• DAPHNE AND CAROL DUFRESNE
• BELLUCK & FOX
• SUZANNE LERNER
• NATALIE P. ROBINSON
• ZACHARY R. RINKINS AND ROSHELL ROSEMOND RINKINS FAMILY FUND
• PRINSTON JEAN GLAUDE
• MURIEL MAIGNAN WILKINS
SUPPORTERS
• ALIX ALEXIS
• DEENA PIQUION
• DR. HILLARY THOMAS-LAKE
• DR. MAGALIE EMILE-BACKER
• GAELLE WULFF
• MICHAEL JEAN-CLERVOIX
• RAYMOND JANVIER
• ROSE DAVIDSON
• SAUREL QUETTAN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
AGENDA
National Gallery of Art: Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti Presentation and Tour
Kanitra Fletcher, associate curator of African American and Afro-Diasporic Art
Organization of American States: Welcome Cocktail Reception and Cultural Showcase
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 and music by DJ Steezy (Stanley Betrand). Fashion Show curated by Yolamar Armas, Zero Agenda & Malou Beauvoir, Modern Manbo
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Morning Yoga: Christina Clodomir (Ama Makeda)
Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abye
Wellness Lounge: Kreyòl Essence, Simbi Duplan, Andretta Jones & Rita Kilgore
Igniting Our Power Symposium
Mistress of Ceremony: Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson
National Anthem Singer: Donaldzie Théodore
Special Remarks
• H. E. Dominique Dupuy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Haitians Living abroad
• Sophia Pierrelus, Haitian Community Activist in Ohio, Founder of the New American Cultural Center (NACC)
NEXTGEN: Preserving Haitian Identity Across Borders
Coralie Nader, Christine Cherestal, Dr. Charlene Désir, Wynnie Lamour-Quansah & Madjeen Isaac
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: Building Political Power
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Ariel Dominique & Karen André
Grounded in Heritage, Rooted in Rhythm
Ariel Dominique, Dr. Charlene Désir, Vélina Elysée Charlier, Linda Isabelle François Obas & Riva Nyri Précil
La Grande Danse: Linda Isabelle Obas & Riva Nyri Précil
Haitian Ladies After Dark: Dr. Suzie Armas
SUNDAY OCTOBER 13
Rabòday Fit: Christ Maika Joachim
Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abye
Wellness Lounge: Kreyòl Essence, Simbi Duplan, Andretta Jones & Rita Kilgore
Women can shape Haiti’s tomorrow: A talk with women activists
Danièle Magloire, Nikette Lormeus, Lovely Jean Louis
Shaping the Future: Vice Mayor Estime-Irvin on Leadership and Progress for Haitian American Women
Chairwoman of National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)
Esther Charlestin for Vermont
Advocacy Workshop with the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy (HAFFD) in collaboration with the Haitian Neighborhood Center, Haitian Bridge Alliance and Haiti Response Coalition
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.
GARCELLE BEAUVAIS
ACTOR, PRODUCER, BEST SELLING AUTHOR
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, an instant bestseller. She has expanded into producing with Lifetime films like “Black Girl Missing” and its sequel, “Abducted at an HBCU.” Garcelle is a dedicated mother to three sons, children’s book author, and passionate advocate for organizations like UNICEF, CORE, and Cybersmile. Garcelle continues to inspire others through her work, both on-screen and off, advocating for digital wellbeing, women’s empowerment, and Haitian communities.
SPEAKERS
H.E. DOMINIQUE DUPUY
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTER OF HAITIANS LIVING ABROAD
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.
SHEILA CHERFILUSMCCORMICK
U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN
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.
Organization of American States
Hosted by 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 / Special Remarks: Winnie Hugot Catered by Chef Natacha Gomez and music by DJ Steezy (Stanley Betrand) Fashion Show curated by Yolamar Armas, Zero Agenda & Malou Beauvoir, Modern Manbo
IGNITING OUR
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson Vice President and Executive Producer, Paramount Global
SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS
Martine St-Victor General Manager at Edelman
Thamar Harrigan International Trade Attorney
Karen André CEO, People first strategies
Dr. Suzie Richardson Armas COO, New Health Community Centers
Angie Bell Author & Community Leader
Mélodie Benjamin Psychologist and Agent for Peace, Ti Souf and Fondation IDEO
Kemissa Trécile Co-DJ / CEO of Au Top Kemissa Entertainment
Nikette Lorméus Feminist Activist
Wideline Pierre Kanal La Pap Kanpe
Marketplace
KAY ATIZAN
WELLNESS LOUNGE
Andretta Jones, AMB Mobile Massage & Wellness Center
Rita Kilgore, AMB Mobile Massage & Wellness Center
SIMBI DUPLAN
Healer/Spiritual Practitioner at SIMBI
National Gallery of Art Presentation and Tour
Kanitra Fletcher, associate curator of African American and Afro-Diasporic Art and curator of Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti, on view at the National Gallery from September 2024 to March 2025.
October 13, 2024
Mary Estimé-Irvin Vice Mayor – District 3
Congratulations to the Haitian Ladies Network on in honor of your celebration of your 2024 Haitian Ladies Weekend, "Igniting Our Power ”
This year’s theme is both timely and impactful. It serves as a resounding call to action for the empowerment, elevation, and celebration of Haitian women who continue to break barriers, redefine success, and inspire communities with their resilience, leadership, and grace.
Your dedication to fostering solidarity and creating pathways for Haitian women to thrive is a testam ent to the enduring strength of our culture and the undeniable power we hold when we come together. As leaders, entrepreneurs, mothers, daughters, and sisters, the Haitian women in this network exemplify excellence in every sphere of life.
The Haitian Ladies Network has become a beacon for promoting not only the success of Haitian women in their respective fields but also for uplifting the next generation through mentorship, advocacy, and shared experiences. Please know that your contributions are recognized and celebrated not just within your community, but by all of us who understand the vital role you play in shaping the future. I do not doubt that this year’s Haitian Ladies Weekend will inspire, ignite, and continue to propel us toward a future where o ur power is fully realized.
Congratulations once again on this momentous occasion. May this weekend be filled with unity, strength, and inspiration
Capital Hilton Hotel: Titou Phommachanh - Director of Catering & EventsChef Orlando Hitzig, Executive Chef - Chef Paul Ruteau, Sous Chef
Inspire Solutions: Michael Hibbert
2024 Igniting Our Power Weekend Volunteers
Amirah Racine
Anne Noel
Anne-Lynsha Momperousse
Barbara Jean-Pierre
Chantal Lubin
Chloé Craan
D’Annette Roy-Hyacinthe
Daniela Belice
Djimytrecheca Metellus
Elodie Bruno
Emie Francois
Hacheley Louissaint
Haniyah Philogene
Joséphine Laguerre-Wilkinson
Ketty Hogarth
Lia Martino
Lookenscia Louissaint
Marie-Michele Leger
Marline Casseus
Marly Morland
Nadine Paul-Blanc
Olivia Rodrigue
Paula Boyer
Rosemay Dyer
Sandra Paul-Blanc
Sandra Sanchez-Emmanuel
Sania Solon
Tayina Solon
Valerie Trouillot Ligonde
Vanessa Annabelle Oscar
Wiline Josile
Chad Bissonnette
Claude Etienne
Cleadford Berthony Belonce
Frantz Derenoncourt, Jr.
Fritz Dorsainville
Fritz Pierre
Garvin Rodrigue
Huguens Jean
Jacques Kearns
Jean Vincent
Joe Pierre
Ken Alce
Marc Demesier
Patrick Cherestal
Patrick Richardson
Philippe Moussignac
Pierre Vital
Richard Vilmenay
Rocky Jean Guillaume
Walner Homere
Youri Emmanuel
SCAN AND DONATE
DONATE TODAY
Your tax-deductible contribution will enable us to continue to deliver impactful programs, foster connections, and build a thriving Lakou for our community.
GIVE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN
One lucky donor will win a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two in an oceanview stateroom; the approximate value of this cruise is $2,000 per couple and Gift certificate is VALID THROUGH Oct 15, 2025
