Haitian Ladies Weekend

Igniting Our Power 2023

Washington, DC  |  October 6-8, 2023

floral pattern with purple tones

Bonjour ladies!

We cannot wait to have you at the annual Haitian Ladies Weekend: Igniting Our Power!

Every year, #HLW brings hundreds of professional female leaders of Haitian descent of all ages together for a fantastic weekend of fellowship and culture.

This year, we have curated several breakout sessions to enhance your experience. Start your day with a yoga session, enjoy a forum about Engaging with Haiti, Real Tech Talk; Financial management: retirement and estate planning; HerStory (spotlighting Haitian Ladies with amazing stories of inspiration).

Shop the exciting pop-up curated by Bien Abyé and support Haitian women-led businesses. End the day evening with cultural celebrations and immersions with dancing and music.

The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with the 18th annual Haitian Ladies Brunch! We are looking forward to hosting you.

Sincerely,
The Steering Committee

2023 Highlights

2023 Keynote Speaker

Michele Montas keynote speaker

Michèle Montas

Award-winning Journalist

2023 Saturday Keynote Speaker

Michèle Montas is an award-winning journalist with over twenty years’ experience at Radio HaitiInter which she directed after her husband, journalist Jean Dominique was gunned down in 2000. During her three forced exiles in New York, Michèle Montas worked in Communications for the United Nations, serving for 3 years as Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General and later as Senior Adviser to the UNMission in Haiti. She has served since as a consultant for the UN.

She is a 2002 recipient of the Maria Moors Cabot Prize for excellence in reporting from Columbia University( NY) and a 2003 recipient of the Reporters Without Borders’ Prize for the Defense of Freedom of the Press (Paris). In 2005, she also received the Percy Qoboza award from the National Association of Black journalists. She holds a BA degree from the University of Maine, an MS degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Maine.

Michaëlle Jean

Former 27th Governor General, Commander-in-Chief of Canada

2022 Sunday Keynote Speaker

The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean is the former 27th Governor General, Commander-in-Chief of Canada, sworn in September 27, 2005, for a five-year mandate. On October 1st, 2010, the United Nations immediately called on her to become UNESCO Special Envoy to support reconstruction efforts in Haiti. From 2011 to 2014, Michaëlle Jean also served as Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, where her offices as UNESCO Special Envoy were hosted. Seasoned stateswoman and diplomat, her voice is gifted with the power to convene everywhere in the multilateral sphere, in every UN forum, from New York to Geneva, all the way to the Security Council, as well as within the European Union, the European Parliament, the OECD, the African Union.

Michaelle Jean

Brunch

‍Special Remarks

Karine Jean-Pierre

Press Secretary & Assistant to the President

2023 Sunday Brunch Keynote Speaker

Karine Jean-Pierre is currently the Press Secretary and Assistant to the President. She is the first Black person and first openly queer person to serve as the White House Press Secretary.  Karine is a long-time advisor to President Biden, having served in senior communication and political roles in the Biden Administration, the Biden campaign, and in the Obama Administration.

Prior to her role on the campaign, she served as Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn.org and an NBC and MSNBC Political Analyst. Jean-Pierre served as Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Obama-Biden administration and as Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. She served as Southeast Regional Political Director for President Obama’s 2008 campaign, Deputy Campaign Manager for Martin O’Malley for President, Campaign Manager for the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Initiative, and Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Legislative and Budget Affairs for two members in the New York City Council.

Previously, she worked at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, pushing major companies to change their business practices, and is a published author. Born in Martinique and raised in New York, Jean-Pierre is a graduate of Columbia University.

Karine Jean-Pierre brunch keynote speaker 2023
Gessica Geneus headshot

Gessica Geneus

Award-winning Actress and Director (2021 Freda, 2017 Douvan Jou Ka Leve, and 2002 Barikad)

2023 Fireside Chat

Généus Gessica is an actress, singer and director from Haiti. She began her career when she was 17 years old. After the earthquake in 2010 she became actively involved in the re-construction of her country and she started working for the United Nations. She then won a scholarship to study at Acting International in Paris.

She returned to Haiti and created her own production company, Ayizian Productions, to develop her own work. Between 2014 and 2016 she directed Vizaj Nou, a series of short portraits of major figures from contemporary Haitian society. In 2017, her documentary film Douvan Jou Ka Leve (The Day Will Dawn) won seven awards and it continues to be shown around the world. Freda is her first feature film.

DJ Kemisa guest dj for brunch 2023

DJ Kemissa

Guest DJ

2023 Guest DJ

Kemissa TRECILE, known as DJ Kemissa is a DJ. and producer, and one of the few women in this field in Haiti. Music has always been her passion since childhood, and playing music in the form of playlists has always been an obsession. Her experience as a DJ began at the age of 16, where she hosted parties organized by my friends and family. The positive reactions from them, my passion, and the desire to show that a woman can be an excellent DJ, pushed her to launch her professional career in 2015. Since then, she has been ranked among the best, and has played on practically all major music stages in Haiti, the USA, and the Dominican Republic. In 2022, she created a group called FITISCH with a few other artists, and with it, she produced her first song entitled "Kòmandan". Thus, she has created three platforms ("Attention Je Connais mes Doigts", "Au TopKemissa," and "W.È.M (Women Empowerment Movement)") with different collaborators that are committed to the fight for women.

Featuring

DJ Kemisa guest dj for brunch 2023

DJ Kemissa

Brunch DJ

Chef Valerie abraham, guest chef for 2023 brunch

Chef Valery Abraham

Brunch Chef

2023 Speakers & Performers

Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

Saturday M.C. Vice President News Programming at Nickelodeon + Executive Producer, Nick News

Martine St-Victor

Sunday M.C. General Manager, Edelman

Dr. Solanges Vivens

Author, Visionary Business Leader

Daphne Valcin

CEO, Executive Coach, Corporate Trainer, Daphne Valcin Coaching, Inc.

Kya Pierre-Dawkins

Student, Boston University

Thajhea Desir

Senior at Howard University

Marsha Webb

CEO, New Century Tax & Planning

Regine Francois Williams

Managing Attorney, Francois William Legal LLC

Swanellie Paulin

AAMS®,CEPA, CRPC® | Financial Advisor | Edward Jones

Karen Andre

Moderator, Associate Director for Consumer Education and External Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Dominique Anglade

Coleader of the sustainable transition office at HEC Montréal and Cofounder of KANPE Foundation, HEC Montréal and KANPE Foundation

Régine Chassagne

Co-Founder, KANPE Foundation

Dr. Gina Guillaume-Joseph

Chief Technical Officer, Government, Workday

Dr. Joanne Hyppolite

African Diaspora Curator, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Guerdy Abraira

TV, Personality, Real Housewives of Miami, Event Planner Extraordinaire, Cancer Warrior

Tamara B. Rodriguez

Entrepreneur, health and wellness ambassador, speaker, and author

Linda Duverné

Conscious Connector of Community Healing (Mental Health Professional), NYC DOHMH | Charlie Health

Marie Pereira

Legal Analyst, Former Prosecutor, Criminal Defense Attorney, Registered Nurse

Johann Alexis Bounouni

Founder and CEO of Gestion Etudes Comptabilité Audit (GECA)

Dayanne Danier

Creative Director and Owner of Bien Abyé

Dana François

Haiti Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Marie Maud Nazon Laplanche

Owner, Mind body Ayiti / Jardin de Theo / Clinique Orlo

Margarette C. Graham

First Vice-President, ProFin President of Volleyball Haitian Federation and Treasurer of Centre d’Art

Marie-Louise Jean

Owner, Nourish

Thamar Harrigan

Host Committee Chair, International Trade Attorney

Sabine Manigat

Sociologist, Professor, and Researcher, Haiti's Quisqueya University

Monique Clesca

Moderator, International Development Consultant, Haiti Pro-democracy Advocate

Marie-Marguerite B. Clérié

President of L' Association Professionnelle d'Ecoles Privées -APEP

Maureen Jules-Perez

Divisional CIO, People Tech & Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB), Capital One

Stacey Samuel

Moderator, Executive Producer/CEO, Ground-To-Sky Media

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

U.S. House of Representative

Dotie Joseph

Moderator, State Representative Of District 108 North Miami, Florida

Charnette Frederic

Nhaeon’s Chairwoman, Councilwoman At Large 2nd Vice President Of The Council, Irvington, New Jersey

Mary Estime-Irvin

Nhaeon’s Chair Elect, Vice Mayor Of District 3, North Miami, Florida

Vanessa Joseph

Nhaeon’s Vice Chair, City Clerk, North Miami, Florida

Jasmine Muenz

Yoga Teacher/Lifestyle Consultant, The Individual Soul

Lotus Baker

Tribe Leader, Peace Love Art Yoga, LLC

Pauline Jean

Jazz/World vocalist, Composer

Christ Maika Joachim

Dancer, Xpressionayiti

Linda Isabelle Francois Obas

Artist, Choreographer, XPression

Joel and Mushy Widmaier

Accomplished pianist-keyboardist-composer and drummer/vocalist

WEEKEND AGENDA

Friday, October 6

A three-day experience packed with inspirational speakers, celebrations of Haitian culture, the 18th annual signature brunch, and endless networking!

Saturday, October 7

Registration Open
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
West Registration Desk

Yoga with Jasmine Muenz
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Palladium

Speaker:
Jasmine Muenz
Yoga Teacher, Lifestyle Consultant, The Individual Soul
This class offers a transformative journey that celebrates natural beauty, cultural heritage, and inner strength.
Coffee & Tea
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abyé
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Ambassador Ballroom


Shop Haitian women-owned businesses for unique fashion, health and beauty, food products and lifestyle services.
The Health Benefits of Traditional Haitian Cuisine with Marie-Louise Jean
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Congressional A

Speaker:
Marie-Louise Jean
Owner, Nourish


Haitian cuisine is an integral part of Haitian culture which focuses on leafy green fresh vegetables, roots, grains, and power-packed protein. Eating Haitian food offers many health benefits for all.
The HLN Kalewès Lounge curated by ZingLife Nation
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Hammond


A wellness space blending a multitude of wellbeing practices for attendees to relax, reflect and restore. Experiences include energy healing modalities, ancient medicine, somatic processing, breath work, meditative sacred art, and intuitive card reading for guidance through a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner calm. Opportunities to focus on breathing, affirmations, and grounding techniques will encourage balance and harmony and the ability to experience the fullness of each moment. Take a mental health break before, after and in-between sessions during the conference.
Meditation with Lotus Baker
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Whova App

Speaker:
Lotus Baker
Tribe Leader, Peace Love Art Yoga, LLC


Join us online for a guided meditation to relax the body and mind.
Byenvini: Newcomers Mixer
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM 
Empire Ballroom
In case you missed Friday's Newcomer's Mixer, come and get to know your fellow newbies and the Steering Committee Members.
HLN Welcome by Steering Committee
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Regency

Rediscovering Haitian Identity w/ Michele Montas (Keynote Speaker)
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Regency

Keynote Speaker:
Michèle Montas
Media consultant 2011, Senior Adviser to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to Haiti, 2010-2011, Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary General 2007-2009, Chief editor Radio Haiti (1987-2003), United Nations (retired), Radio Haiti
Award-winning Journalist and 2023 Saturday Keynote Speaker.
Engaging with Haiti Panel
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Regency

Speakers:
Monique Clesca
International Development Consultant

Sabine Manigat
Sociologist, Professor, and Researcher, Haiti's Quisqueya University

Marie-Marguerite B. Clérié
President of L' Association Professionnelle d'Ecoles Privées -APEP

Margarette C. Graham
First Vice-President, ProFin President of Volleyball Haitian Federation and Treasurer of Centre d’Art



In this pivotal moment in Haiti's history, come and hear from voices from the ground and learn how the Diaspora can build meaningful and long-lasting engagement with women in Haiti and be more effective advocates.
HERStory with Dominique Anglade & Regine Chassagne
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Regency

Speakers:

Dominique Anglade
Co-leader of the sustainable transition office at HEC Montréal and Cofounder of KANPE Foundation, HEC Montréal and KANPE Foundation

Régine Chassagne
KANPE Foundation

Karen Andre
Founding Member, HLN
Be inspired by the triumphs and resilience of Dominique Anglade, former party leader, deputy premier, and Minister of Economy in Canada who will be joined on stage by her co-founder Regine Chassagne, to share their stories that cross the intersections of friendship, business, and living a purpose-driven life.
Building Generational Wealth
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Palladium

Speakers:
Marsha Webb
CEO, New Century Tax and Planning

Swanellie Paulin
AAMS®,CEPA, CRPC® | Financial Advisor | Edward Jones

Regine Williams, Esq.

Managing Attorney, Francois William Legal LLC


How managing the money you make and taxes you pay can be powerful steps  to your financial legacy.
Digital Personal Branding: Strategies for Success (Gen Z Panel)
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Cabinet

Speaker:
Daphne Valcin
Chief Executive Officer, Executive Coach, Corporate Trainer, Daphne Valcin Coaching, Inc.

Kya Pierre-Dawkins
Student, Boston University

Thajhea Desir
Haitian Ladies Network




An Intimate Talk with Guerdy Abraira: love, relationship, self-care
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Regency

Speaker:
Guerdy Abraira
TV, Personality, Real Housewives of Miami, Event Planner Extraordinaire, Cancer Warrior



Women in Entrepreneurship in Haiti
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Forum

Moderator:
Dana Francois
Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Speakers:
Johann Alexis Bounouni
CEO, GECA

Marie Maud Nazon Laplanche
Owner, Mind Body Ayiti | Jardin de Theo | Clinique Orlo

Margarette C. Graham
First Vice President, PROFIN

Dayanne Danier
Creative Director/CEO, Bien Abye


Understand the business ecosystems and the challenges women entrepreneurs face in Haiti.
Real Tech Talk: A Conversation with Maureen Jules-Perez & Dr. Gina Guillaume-Joseph
3:30 PM - 4:30PM

Speakers:
Maureen Jules-Perez
Divisional CIO, People Tech & Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB)

Gina Guillaume-Joseph, PhD
Chief Technology Officer - Government, Workday


Practical steps on how to transition into tech industry jobs without a background in STEM. Plus, hear how to leverage tech innovations (like AI, cloud computing...) across fields to advance your careers.
Educated Girl, Empowered Woman: The Art of Living with Grace, Joy and Dignity
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Speaker:
Dr. Solanges Vivens
CEO, Vivens Media Group


Inspirational book reading and signing with Dr. Solanges Vivens
What I Wish My Haitian Mother Told Me
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Congressional

Speakers:
Linda Duverné
NYC DOHMH | Charlie Health, Conscious Connector of Community Healing (Mental Health Professional)

Gladys Longchamp
Manager, Finance and Administration, The World Bank (retired)


Join us for a multi-generational conversation on healing.

HLN Leading the Charge: Be A Part of The Call To Action!
5:15 PM - 5:45 PM

Regency

Know the mission, get mobilized, and ignite impact.

La Grande Danse
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Palladium

Speakers:
Linda Isabelle Francois Obas
XPression, Artist, Choreographer

Christ Maika Joachim
Dancer, Xpressionayiti


Drummers: Jean Menesky Magloire, Ernst Junior Blanc, Jean Mary Brignol





Master afro-contemporary haitian dance class open to all levels.

What to Wear: loose-fitting clothes (anything you can move freely in), Haitian folklore dance attire, and no shoes (barefoot).

*Grab Dinner with old and new friends and get a taste of the DC nightlife.

Sunday, October 8

Registration Open
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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

Thera-LakAy with Linda Isabelle Francois Obas
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Congressional A

Speaker:
Linda Isabelle Francois Obas
XPression, Artist, Choreographer
Therapeutic and holistic form of class using the tools of Haitian Spirituality and Traditional Dances to yield toward a therapeutic and holistic approach making it a more immersive experiment for the mind, body and soul.
Rabòday Fit with Christ Maïka Joachim
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Palladium

Speaker:
Christ Maïka Joachim
Dancer, Xpressionayiti
Fitness class based on the hot Haitian genre "Rabòday" class open to all levels
Meditation with Lotus Baker
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Whova App

Speaker:
Lotus Baker
Tribe Leader, Peace Love Art Yoga, LLC
Join us online for a guided meditation to relax the body and mind.
The HLN Kalewès Lounge curated by ZingLife Nation
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


A wellness space blending a multitude of wellbeing practices for attendees to relax, reflect and restore. Experiences include energy healing modalities, ancient medicine, somatic processing, breath work, meditative sacred art, and intuitive card reading for guidance through a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner calm. Opportunities to focus on breathing, affirmations, and grounding techniques will encourage balance and harmony and the ability to experience the fullness of each moment. Take a mental health break before, after and in-between sessions during the conference.
Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abyé
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Ambassador Ballroom


Shop Haitian women-owned businesses for unique fashion, health and beauty, food products and lifestyle services.
Candid Conversation with Haitian Elected Woman on US Policies Impacting Haiti
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Empire Ballroom

Speakers:
Charnette Frederic
Councilwoman at Large, Irvington NJ Chairwoman, National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)

Dotie Joseph
Florida House Minority Leader Pro Tempore State Representative, District 108

Mary Estimé-Irvin
Vice Mayor North Miami, FL Chair-Elect, National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
U.S. House of Representatives
District 20


Vanessa Joseph
North Miami City Clerk, Catholic Legal Services Immigration Attorney
Vice Chair, National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)



U.S. intervention in Haiti and Advocating for Immigration Relief: how you can engage in U.S. policies impacting Haiti and the Diaspora
18th Annual Haitian Ladies Brunch
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Regency

Mistress of Ceremony:
Martine St-Victor
General Manager, Edelman Montréal
The 18th Annual Haitian Ladies Brunch will be an experience like no other. Immerse yourself in the magic of authentic connections, the sounds of our rich culture, samples of delicious Haitian cuisine, and the energy of hundreds of Haitian women. 

There’s more!

Haitian women at pop-up shop
Shop the exciting

Marketplace curated by Bien Abyé

and support Haitian women-led businesses!

HOTEL

OMNI HOTEL
2500 CALVERT ST NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20008

Stay at our host hotel, the Omni Shoreham Hotel for a discounted nightly rate of $199!
*Valid until September 22nd.

REGISTER HERE

PARKING

Valet Parking is available at Omni Shoreham Hotel for $55/day per vehicle.

Partnership Opportunities

Opportunities start at the $1,000 Patron level for two all-weekend tickets plus the option of honoring a special Haitian lady in your life or including your business in the HLN business listing. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

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Contact Us

General Info: [email protected]
Logistics & Exhibitors: [email protected]
Speakers & Workshops: [email protected]
Sponsorships: [email protected]