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
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!
FREE: Visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dr. Joanne Hyppolite
African Diaspora Curator, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Dr. Joanne Hyppolite
African Diaspora Curator, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Attendees will be welcomed by museum curator Joanne Hyppolite for a Meet & Greet in the Heritage Hall. An information Q&A will take place at 1:30 pm. Then, ladies will explore the museum on their own.
Registration Opens
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
West Registration Desk
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
West Registration Desk
Byenvini: Newcomers Mixer
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Empire Ballroom
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Empire Ballroom
First time attending the Haitian Ladies Weekend? Come and get to know your fellow newbies and the Steering Committee Members.
Pap Jazz Nan Lakou ft. Pauline Jean
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Empire Patio & Hammock Lawn
Pauline Jean
Joël Widmaier
Mushy Widmaier
Johnbern Thomas
Gérald Kébreau
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Empire Patio & Hammock Lawn
Pauline Jean
Joël Widmaier
Mushy Widmaier
Johnbern Thomas
Gérald Kébreau
In collaboration with the Fondation Haiti Jazz, celebrate the evolution of Kreyol jazz and get a taste of Haiti’s culture, art, and food.
Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abyé
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Ambassador Room
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Ambassador Room
Shop Haitian women-owned businesses for unique fashion, health and beauty, food products and lifestyle services.
Saturday, October 7
Registration Open
6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
West Registration Desk
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
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
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Haitian Ladies Marketplace Curated by Bien Abyé
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Ambassador Ballroom
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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).
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
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Coffee & Tea Service
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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!
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.
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 partnerships@haitianladies.org to learn more.
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Contact Us
General Info: info@haitianladies.org
Logistics & Exhibitors: events@haitianladies.org
Speakers & Workshops: conference@haitianladies.org
Sponsorships: partnerships@haitianladies.org
Vendors: vendors@haitianladies.org
