2026 Igniting Our Power

Monique André is a Haitian and international sports leader recognized for her contribution to football governance, institutional reform, and the advancement of women in sport. A pioneer of women’s football in Haiti, she participated in the country’s first women’s football match in 1977 and became the first woman elected to the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) Executive Committee in 2012. She later chaired the FHF Women’s Football Commission and served within the Haitian Olympic movement.  Appointed to the FIFA Normalization Committee for the FHF in 2021, she became its President in 2023, leading major institutional reforms during a particularly challenging period. Under her leadership, Haiti qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the senior men’s return after more than 50 years. In 2025, she was appointed to FIFA’s organizing committees for women’s national team competitions.

A Washington, D.C. native with Haitian roots who now calls Brooklyn home, Tara began her journey into the arts at age 3 in Lomé, Togo. With a B.A. from UPenn, she followed her passion to New York City, building a career that spans commercials, workouts on Netflix and Nike Training Club, and episodes of FBI and Hunting Party.

An unexpected life event set her on a lasting wellness journey, one that now shapes her work as a Global Nike Trainer, Reiki Master, and Meditation Instructor. In Brooklyn, she hosts and supports wellness events for women and communities of color, including her marquee gathering, Tea Time with T.