RON CETOUTE
Dr. Ronald Cetoute is a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to education and business. Currently, he serves as President at the Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, where he leverages his expertise to foster economic growth and opportunity. Born in Miami, FL, with roots in Little Haiti, Dr. Cetoute is a first-generation Haitian American, imbuing his work with a profound sense of purpose. He is co-founder of the BEL Initiative, an initiative for Haiti based entrepreneurs that has launched programs around Entrepreneurship Education, Solar Entrepreneurship,and most recently, a Trade and Investment Mission to Georgia, showcasing his commitment to fostering global economic partnerships. In addition to his role at the Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Cetoute serves as the Associate Director for the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development at Clark Atlanta University, where he continues to shape the next generation of business leaders.Dr. Cetoute holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees from Florida A&M University. Furthermore, he earned his doctorate in education with a specialization in entrepreneurship education from Columbus State University.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cetoute remains steadfast in his mission to utilize education and business as catalysts for economic development in underserved communities worldwide. His vision and dedication continue to inspire positive change, making him a driving force in the realms of education, business, and community development.
Looking ahead, Dr. Cetoute remains steadfast in his mission to utilize education and business as catalysts for economic development in underserved communities worldwide. His vision and dedication continue to inspire positive change, making him a driving force in the realms of education, business, and community development.
SANTRA DENIS
A South Florida native, Santra Denis is the Executive Director of the Miami Workers Center, a power-building, member-led organization, organizing working-class care workers, tenants, women, and families for the rights, respect, and resources that we need and deserve. Miami Workers Center founded in 1999, has a legacy of fighting against the demolition of public housing, the displacement of working-class people, and for equitable wages, safer working conditions and treatment, and benefits for all workers. In 2020, Miami Workers Center members won public benefits and unemployment assistance for survivors of domestic violence. Miami Workers Center continues to advocate for Miami-Dade County's Wage Theft Program, increasing worker outreach, education, and training on worker rights and wage theft. Ms. Denis has developed her own leadership as a feminist, anti-classism, and anti-racism community organizer and is committed to centering the leadership of Black and Immigrant working-class people. Ms. Denis has been very active in her community, founding Avanse Ansanm, an organization that preserves culture and builds economic and political power in South Florida's Haitian-American communities. Ms. Denis is first generation Haitian-American. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's in Health Science and from Florida International University with a Master of Public Health in Policy and Management. Ms. Denis is a lover of all people and her life's mission is to dismantle systems of oppression for the liberation of all people.
ETZER EMILE
Etzer EMILE is a business consultant and an economist. He holds a bachelor degree in Economics at Université Quisqueya and has also studied sociology at Université d'Etat d'Haiti. In 2008, he was one of the recipients of the Taiwan Scholarship. He studied mandarin for one year at the National Central University in Taiwan, and then he obtained his MBA in Finance and Banking from Tamkang University in Taiwan in 2011. In 2012, he was appointed deputy director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), a Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund project with Université Quisqueya before he became Director of this Center in 2015.
He is also the founder and director of Haiti Efficace, a leading consulting firm that provides services such as market research, business plan draft and economic study. He has completed various executive training programs such as Economic Development and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School in 2015, Experiential Classroom on Entrepreneurship in 2012 at Oklahoma State University, INADEM in Mexico in 2013 focusing on business coaching, in Guatemala in 2014 with an emphasis on coaching entrepreneurs with social impact projects. In 2015, he received a one-month training for business coach in Taiwan, a program funded by International Cooperation Development Fund (ICDF).
In 2017, Etzer was selected by the Department of State of USA to be a part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on international trade.
At Haiti Efficace, he has coordinated more than 50 field studies and other researches for private sector, international organization and public entities.
In 2017, Etzer was selected by the Department of State of USA to be a part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on international trade.
At Haiti Efficace, he has coordinated more than 50 field studies and other researches for private sector, international organization and public entities.
GEORGES EUGENE FOURON
Georges Eugene Fouron, a native of Les Cayes, Haiti, is a Distinguished SUNY Teaching Professor of Education and Social Sciences at the State University of New York at Stony Brook where he has been teaching for the past 38 years. He holds a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
LEONCE JEAN-BAPTISTE
Mr. Jean-Baptiste is a native of Port-au-Prince where he completed his secondarystudies at College Canado-Haitien and attended INAGHEI to pursue a degree inBusiness Administration.He traveled to the United States in the year 1994 and pursued his undergraduatedegree in both Business Management and International Business at IU, Kelley Schoolof Business, earning a dual degree. Later, he obtained his MBA from IndianaWesleyan University, with a concentration in Healthcare Management.Mr. Jean-Baptiste co-founded a local Haitian organization HAI that served the smallHaitian community in Indiana. He registered the organization as a 501(C) (3) toensure its structural and organizational soundness, allowing it to grow alongside theexpanding Haitian community.To date, HAI’s contribution to a diverse and ever-growing community of Haitians inIndiana has been significant. Notably, in ways the organization had brought forthHaitians immigrants’ issues to the concerned citizens of Indiana. With the advent ofthe earthquake in Haiti in 2010, HAI stood as the sole representation of Haitians intown. It played a crucial role in bridging the gap and expertly advocating on behalfof the native land.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste has been a consummate professional, working for 17 years as aBusiness Developer in the Canadian Life Science Market as a major supplier ofmedical capital equipment. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board of theorganization while holding the position of VP of Sales and Marketing at JaspenGroup, a Minority Owned Company.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste resides in Brownsburg, Indiana with his wife and kids andcontinues to be passionate about soccer, a sport he coached for 15 years at a mid-regional league level prior to retiring last year as Jaspen Group continues to grow itsportfolio of businesses exponentially.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste has been a consummate professional, working for 17 years as aBusiness Developer in the Canadian Life Science Market as a major supplier ofmedical capital equipment. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board of theorganization while holding the position of VP of Sales and Marketing at JaspenGroup, a Minority Owned Company.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste resides in Brownsburg, Indiana with his wife and kids andcontinues to be passionate about soccer, a sport he coached for 15 years at a mid-regional league level prior to retiring last year as Jaspen Group continues to grow itsportfolio of businesses exponentially.
MULLERY JEAN-PIERRE
Mullery Jean-Pierre is a distinguished figure in Brooklyn, New York, serving as the Senior Pastor of Beraca Baptist Church. He is also the President and founder of Beraca Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that primarily serves communities in the United States and Haiti.
Pastor Jean-Pierre has been recognized for his humanitarian work internationally, serving the Haitian community in Haiti, Bahamas and Dominican Republic creating over 2000 jobs, trained over 2500 community leaders, and build several natural disaster resistant homes. He’s received awards from esteemed institutions such as the United Nations, European Union, United States Congress, State Senators, State Assembly, and City Council. He holds positions on various boards, including the Converge Worldwide and Northeast. Additionally, he is the President of Business Community Group Management, he serves as the Vice President of the 69th Precinct Clergy Council.
He has been married to his lovely wife Cacheta for 37 years and is a proud parent of six children and grandparent of seven grandchildren.
MARLYN BONZIL-JUSTE
Marlyn Bonzil-Juste is a serial entrepreneur with a diversified background in business development, strategic client development, and project delivery. Exceptional ability to facilitate cohesive teams, interface with public agencies, liaise with key stakeholders and community development. Marlyn is known for her remarkable interpersonal skills and kindred spirit.
As the CEO and Co-Founder of Top Choice Medical Transport, a certified minority-owned firm, offering non-emergency medical transportation services to those in need. Marlyn also serves as the Visionary Founder and Owner of MJ Solutions LLC, a boutique consulting agency. Her team have been able to offer a tailored business solutions portfolio to firms within legal and healthcare industries. Her ability to orchestrate such, has been from acquiring an academic background consisting of a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration.
Mrs. Bonzil-Juste stands behind her motto, Create Yourself. Such has fueled her passion to continually evolve and deepen her found belief in practicing a holistic approach to living. She currently resides with her family in Central Florida where she is active in the community at large, with a special focus on the Haitian-Caribbean and African-American markets. In order to contribute to her community, Mrs. Bonzil-Juste served as the President and Chairwoman of the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce- Orlando and a former board executive member of the Human Relations Diversity Board for the city of Ocoee. She continues to promote advocacy for wellness and diversity.
Mrs. Bonzil-Juste has been the recipient of many prestigious accolades. Among them, Emerging Business Award, Entrepreneur Award and Business Excellence Award.
Mrs. Bonzil-Juste stands behind her motto, Create Yourself. Such has fueled her passion to continually evolve and deepen her found belief in practicing a holistic approach to living. She currently resides with her family in Central Florida where she is active in the community at large, with a special focus on the Haitian-Caribbean and African-American markets. In order to contribute to her community, Mrs. Bonzil-Juste served as the President and Chairwoman of the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce- Orlando and a former board executive member of the Human Relations Diversity Board for the city of Ocoee. She continues to promote advocacy for wellness and diversity.
Mrs. Bonzil-Juste has been the recipient of many prestigious accolades. Among them, Emerging Business Award, Entrepreneur Award and Business Excellence Award.
WILMARA MANUEL
Wilmara Manuel has spent over 25 years in higher education. She has served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at New York University, Seton Hall University, and New Jersey City University. Work has led to moves to DC/Maryland, Indianapolis, and now Chicago. While in Indianapolis, she worked as the Executive Director of Indiana Ballet Conservatory and spent the last 5 years as Dean of Inclusion and Student Life at St. Richard’s Episcopal School. She earned both her BA and MA from New York University. She and her husband have 3 girls; Sophia who earned a BS in Biology and Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, Alexandra who graduated from The Royal Ballet School in London, and their youngest Margaux, is a junior at DePaul College Prep. Since moving to Chicago, Wilmara has reignited her long love of fashion, style and empowering women by helping her clients find their fashion voice and looking their best, especially as they navigate menopause. You can find her on IG as @madlystylish.
ERROL PIERRE
Errol Pierre is the Senior Vice President of State Programs at Healthfirst, Inc, the largest non-profit health plan in New York State, serving more than 1.8 million members. In this role, he is accountable for growth,profit/loss, sales and retention for the Medicaid and Long-Term Care, product portfolios as well as Community Engagement.
A Bronx, New York resident, Errol graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, a master’s degree in Health Policy and Financial Management from New York University, and a doctorate degree in Business Administration from Baruch College. Lastly, he is an adjunct professor atNew York University, Columbia University, and Baruch College teaching various courses in Healthcare and Business. In his spare time, Errol volunteers for numerous non-profit organizations as a board member of the Arthur Ashe Institute of Urban Health, Medinova, and a member of 100 Black Men’s New York Chapter where he serves on the national 100Black Men’s Health & Wellness Committee.
Prior to Healthfirst, Errol spent over 10 years at Empire BlueCross BlueShield, which is the largest for-profit health plan in New York State serving close to 5 million members. Errol’s career in health care started at Empire as an intern in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he held various leadership roles in Sales and Strategy, leaving the company as the ChiefOperating Officer in 2019.
Errol was recently named to City & State New York’s 2023 Responsible 100 list for using his time and talents to make the world a better place. In 2020, he was acknowledged as one of the Caribbean-American “Power 100” by Carib News and was awarded for “Outstanding Community Service” by the Aesclepius Medical Society. In 2018, he was recognized forwith the Outstanding & Dedicated Service Award by 100 Black Men and the Home Award by the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians. Errol is an avid traveler visiting over 35 different countries.
Errol added published author to his long list of accomplishments when his book, The Way Up: How to Climb the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color (Wiley) became available in December 2022.
GARRY PIERRE-PIERRE
Garry Pierre-Pierre is a Pulitzer-prize winning, multimedia and entrepreneurial journalist. In 1999, he left the New York Times to launch the Haitian Times, a New York-based English-language publication serving the Haitian Diaspora. He is also the co-founder of the City University Graduate School of Journalism‘s Center for Community and Ethnic Media and a senior producer at CUNY TV.He is a leading voice on Haiti, the Haitian diaspora and community media whose perspectives are often featured in multi-national media outlets. Connect with Garry on X @Pierre2Garry.
GUITHELE RUIZ-NICOLAS
Inspir, LLC is a communications, media and community building company led by Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas, the firm’s CEO and President. Its mission is: “ to be a positive influence for individuals and entities to reach greater heights through dialogues, connections, and resolve.” The firm offers comprehensive consulting services, Inspir, LLC partners with experts and organizations to best meet the diverse needs of its clients. Aside from outreach, areas of specialization include community surveys, focus groups management, public relations, government affairs, and diversity training.
As a proven leader, Guithele’s diverse background can be attested through her work and by the imprints she left in her 25 years of managerial experience in the public, non-profit and private sectors. she has been recognized for her expertise in building, organizing, managing, and improving programs and legislation for children, families, the elderly, veterans, immigrants, and communities as well as bringing diverse groups together. She instituted and fostered economic development programs for small businesses, managed diversity, trained and developed the workforce to meet today’s strategic needs of organizations.
AZIZI SEIXAS
Azizi Seixas, Ph.D. is Interim Chair of the Department of Informatics and Health Data Science at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is Founding Director of The Media and Innovation Lab (The MIL), Associate Director of the Center for Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences (TSCS) and Director of Population Health Informatics in the Institute for Data Science and Computing. He was recently named an Education Champion by Amazon Web Services for his innovative work using cloud computing technology and his advocacy for improving education and has been recognized by Cell Press as one of the top 100 most inspiring Black scientists in America.
Dr. Seixas’ research broadly focuses on two areas: 1) biological, behavioral, clinical, environmental, and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease/conditions, mental health, and brain health (dementia and aging), and 2) developing adaptive, precise, and personalized behavioral interventions to improve health and well-being with the use of machine learning, translational artificial intelligence, and digital technology. He is a key leader in the NIH-funded AIM AHEAD program which aims “to increase the participation and representation of the researchers and communities that are currently underrepresented in AI/ML modeling and applications through mutually beneficial partnerships”. Dr. Seixas approach to building healthcare equity includes rethinkingthe paradigms by which data are transformed to inspire action and encompasses rethinking how academic research institutes engage with underserved, disenfranchised, and overlooked communities, as well as fostering robust mentorship pipelines to diversify the STEM workforce and build generations of leaders from within these communities to drive research and innovate thinking. His work has been widely supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and several industry and foundation partners. Dr. Seixas has over 175 high impact peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and conference presentations and his work appears in several media-outlets such as CBS, CNN, NBC, Associated Press, The Guardian, Huffington Post, and is the sleep expert for NBC Health News. He is currently the Chair for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Medicine Disruptors Conference and Change Agents program, Vice Chair of the AASM Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning sub-committee, the Director of Early Career Faculty Development for NYU Langone Health’s Department of Population Health, member of the American Heart Association's Cardiac Rehab Advisory Group, permanent member of the NIH’s MESH Study Review Panel, and former Chair of AASM’s Young Investigator Research Forum.
Dr. Seixas’ research broadly focuses on two areas: 1) biological, behavioral, clinical, environmental, and psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease/conditions, mental health, and brain health (dementia and aging), and 2) developing adaptive, precise, and personalized behavioral interventions to improve health and well-being with the use of machine learning, translational artificial intelligence, and digital technology. He is a key leader in the NIH-funded AIM AHEAD program which aims “to increase the participation and representation of the researchers and communities that are currently underrepresented in AI/ML modeling and applications through mutually beneficial partnerships”. Dr. Seixas approach to building healthcare equity includes rethinkingthe paradigms by which data are transformed to inspire action and encompasses rethinking how academic research institutes engage with underserved, disenfranchised, and overlooked communities, as well as fostering robust mentorship pipelines to diversify the STEM workforce and build generations of leaders from within these communities to drive research and innovate thinking. His work has been widely supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and several industry and foundation partners. Dr. Seixas has over 175 high impact peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and conference presentations and his work appears in several media-outlets such as CBS, CNN, NBC, Associated Press, The Guardian, Huffington Post, and is the sleep expert for NBC Health News. He is currently the Chair for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Sleep Medicine Disruptors Conference and Change Agents program, Vice Chair of the AASM Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning sub-committee, the Director of Early Career Faculty Development for NYU Langone Health’s Department of Population Health, member of the American Heart Association's Cardiac Rehab Advisory Group, permanent member of the NIH’s MESH Study Review Panel, and former Chair of AASM’s Young Investigator Research Forum.
LYNDA STARR
Lynda Starr is a Soul-driven vocalist & songwriter from Brooklyn, NY. Born Youdlyn Moreau, the songstress creates and performs emotionally driven music to connect with audiences. As a classically trained vocalist and songwriter, Starr is knowledgeable in harmonization, vocal arrangements, music theory/composition, and storytelling through her songs.
Ms. Starr began singing at the tender age of 3, and knew in her heart that music was her ultimate passion. She began writing songs at 8 years old and has been honing her craft ever since, whether it is through cultivating joy in performing with the BLK HRS live band in New York City venues or writing songs for other artists.
Most recently in December 2023, Lynda Starr triumphed as the winner of Warner Music's Cover Song Contest hosted by Cover Nation, showcasing her talent with a stunning acoustic rendition of Cher's "Believe." 2022 was a monumental musical year for Lynda Starr as she was crowned the winner of ESSENCE Fest’s New & Next Artist Competition and was one of the Top 3 Winners of the legendary Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night in May 2022. She captured the ears and hearts of industry heavy-hitters including female Hip-Hop legend Da Brat, TV personality Rocsi Diaz, and has worked with other pioneers including Grandmaster Flash. In 2023, she returned to perform at ESSENCE Festival 2023 at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, LA.
With a mission to transform lives one song at a time, Lynda Starr is determined to empower, educate, heal and inspire her community and the world through music.
Most recently in December 2023, Lynda Starr triumphed as the winner of Warner Music's Cover Song Contest hosted by Cover Nation, showcasing her talent with a stunning acoustic rendition of Cher's "Believe." 2022 was a monumental musical year for Lynda Starr as she was crowned the winner of ESSENCE Fest’s New & Next Artist Competition and was one of the Top 3 Winners of the legendary Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night in May 2022. She captured the ears and hearts of industry heavy-hitters including female Hip-Hop legend Da Brat, TV personality Rocsi Diaz, and has worked with other pioneers including Grandmaster Flash. In 2023, she returned to perform at ESSENCE Festival 2023 at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, LA.
With a mission to transform lives one song at a time, Lynda Starr is determined to empower, educate, heal and inspire her community and the world through music.
COLBERT SAINT-LAURENT
Colbert Saint-Laurent is an entrepreneur, life coach, speaker and spiritual mentor dedicated to advocating for mental health and empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. His journey of self-discovery began in 2010 when he traveled to Haiti for relief work, leading to a profound spiritual breakthrough. Colbert now shares his transformative experiences to inspire and guide others on their own paths. Committed to fostering unity and positive change, he champions the concept of group economics, believing in the power of collective effort to drive meaningful progress.
LINDA THÉLÉMAQUE
Linda Thélémaque serves as the Chief Program Officer at Hope for Haiti, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering the organization's expansion and ensuring the excellence of its programs. Her responsibilities encompass shaping a strategic vision and approach to guide both short- and long-term programming objectives, fostering the creation of new initiatives, and promoting innovation.
With a rich professional history spanning 18 years, Linda has collaborated with various organizations to conceive, lead, and assess multimillion-dollar sustainable community projects aimed at enhancing social opportunities for marginalized populations, particularly women and children. Her work has extended across diverse geographical contexts, including Haiti, Uganda, India, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Linda's deep involvement with Haiti since 2008 showcases her strong commitment to the country and its people.
Her decision to move to Haiti in 2015 further demonstrates her dedication to making a direct impact on the ground. Maintaining ties to New York while residing in Les Cayes allows Linda to leverage resources, networks, and opportunities for collaboration that span both locations. This dual residency also enables her to bridge connections between Haiti and the broader international community, facilitating partnerships and initiatives that support the country's development goals.
She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematics from Fordham University and a Master's in Public Health from Brooklyn College.
RHYANE WAGNER
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Rhyane N. Wagner is the Senior Policy Manager for Black Voters Matter. Rhyane has 15 years of electoral and social justice work experience in the Deep South. She previously served as the Florida Senior State Organizing Manager for Black Voters Matter Fund. Rhyane graduated with a master's degree in Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University Biscayne Bay in 2011." Rhyane most recently completed her Power & Influence For Social Impact certification with Harvard Business School.
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