Medam Èske Nou La?
Because the countdown is on!
Haitian Ladies Weekend: Igniting Our Power 2026 is almost here, and this is your moment to claim your seat in the room. Three days of powerful conversations, unforgettable culture, entrepreneurship, wellness, and the kind of connection that only happens when Haitian women gather across generations, professions, cities, and borders. This year, we gather in many places: Washington, DC, and satellite cities around the world, but we belong to one network, one story, one weekend.
The guiding North Star for the weekend is Rasin Nou se Fòs Nou, Our Roots Are Our Strength. Our roots live in our history, culture, families, communities, faith traditions, language, creativity, and in the women who came before us. They also live in the women beside us and in the generations coming after us.
Every moment of this year's conference was designed with this intention. Expect leadership and professional development roundtables, energizing rhythm and movement wellness activities, and dynamic plenaries and breakout sessions on healing, heritage, and empowerment. This weekend will wrap up with the 20th signature Haitian Ladies Brunch with a closing keynote address and entertainment!
Throughout the weekend, we invite you to get lost in a book at the Dr. Solanges Vivens Author's Corner at Haitian Ladies Weekend, shop at Les Galeries à HLW by Bien Abyé, and relax with a cup of tea at Anba Mapou Featuring Simbi Giselle and Lakay Good.
We look forward to hosting you! This isn't just a conference. It's where our roots meet our future, where the strength of the women who came before us shows up in the women filling this room.
Sincerely,
Haitian Ladies Network Board of Directors
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
FRI
Oct
2
Registration Open
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Leadership & Professional Development Roundtable Sessions
Job Search Strategy: Network, Mentorship & Career Pivots
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
An engaging discussion about the experiences that influence professional growth. Guests will explore practical ways to create valuable connections, seek guidance from trusted leaders, navigate career transitions, and strengthen confidence.
Thamar Harrigan
Chief of Staff and Director of Operations, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Theola DeBose
Founder, JSKILLS
Rooted in Business: An Entrepreneur's Workshop
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Designed for entrepreneurs ready to grow, this roundtable dives into the practical realities of building and/or scaling a business, from accessing capital that matches where you are in your journey, to the operational and strategic shifts that come with growth. Attendees will walk away with clearer, actionable strategies for what comes next, grounded in real guidance rather than theory alone.
Kristina Sicard
Founder, Dracis Inc
The Boardroom: Why Haitian Women Belong at Every Decision-Making Table
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Haitian women remain vastly underrepresented in boardrooms, from nonprofits to corporations, yet our values of responsibility, resourcefulness, and collective progress have made us pivotal leaders for generations. Those same strengths are exactly why our voices belong wherever critical decisions are made. This roundtable explores why board service matters, how it sharpens your leadership and influence, and the practical steps to earn your seat at the table.
Guylaine Saint Juste
President & CEO, NABA Inc.
Sophia Kerby
Board Member, Women’s Funding Network (WFN) & Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Dr. Gina Guillaume-Joseph
Schleuse Data Corporation, Founder, CEO, CTO
Ex-Workday, CTO Government
Haitian Women Leaders Roundtable (Closed Session)
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This closed, invitation-only roundtable brings together Haitian women leaders who bridge Haiti and the U.S. and community and policy. It will serve as a starting point for assessing immediate and longer-term concerns, understanding work already underway, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and building coordination that can continue through Saturday and Sunday.
Hosted by the Haitian Ladies Network (HLN), the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), OSHAN, the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy (HAFFD), and ADC during Haitian Ladies Weekend.
Dr. Solanges Vivens Author's Corner Ribbon Cutting
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Every Haitian book carries more than a story. It carries memory, language, history, and possibility.
Dr. Vivens, our featured authors, and Haitian Ladies Network leadership will mark the opening with remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, photographs, and a champagne toast. Be among the first to enter the space, meet the authors, and discover the books they will share throughout Haitian Ladies Weekend. Our featured authors are:
We are proud to introduce the inaugural Dr. Solanges Vivens Author’s Corner.
Dr. Vivens, our featured authors, and Haitian Ladies Network leadership will mark the opening with remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, photographs, and a champagne toast. Be among the first to enter the space, meet the authors, and discover the books they will share throughout Haitian Ladies Weekend.
Our featured authors are:
Carla Beauvais
Jennifer Erie
Malou Beauvoir
Naed Jasmin Désiré
Fanie Jocelyn
Newcomer Mixer: Ann Rankontre
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Attendees new to Haitian Ladies Network are invited to start here. This casual mixer offers a chance to meet fellow first-timers, put faces to names, and get a feel for the community before the full conference kicks off. Guests can grab a drink, strike up conversation, and leave knowing they're not walking in alone.
Sisterhood in Action: Next-Gen Community Service & Mixer
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
A space for the next generation of Haitian Ladies Network members to connect, network, and build community with each other. Young professionals, students, and those new to the diaspora leadership space are welcome to meet others charting similar paths. Attendees will also make care kits for The Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at Georgetown University Hospital. This mixer offers good conversation, good energy, and the start of relationships that will carry well beyond the conference weekend.
Welcome Reception
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Join us as we open Haitian Ladies Weekend: Igniting Our Power 2026 with an evening of connection, culture, and collective strength. Guided by this year's theme, Rasin Nou Se Fòs Nou (Our Roots Are Our Strength), we're gathering Haitian women from Haiti and across the diaspora to reconnect, welcome new members, and begin the weekend together.
Our emcee for the evening is Thamar Harrigan. Evening highlights include remarks from HLN leadership and Haitian dignitaries, and a special performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Malou Beauvoir. Guests can also enjoy music by DJ Garv, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and Haitian rum punch, generously sponsored by L'Heritage Rhum.
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Leadership & Professional Development Roundtable Sessions
Job Search Strategy: Network, Mentorship & Career Pivots
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
An engaging discussion about the experiences that influence professional growth. Guests will explore practical ways to create valuable connections, seek guidance from trusted leaders, navigate career transitions, and strengthen confidence.
Thamar Harrigan
Chief of Staff and Director of Operations, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Theola DeBose
Founder, JSKILLS
Rooted in Business: An Entrepreneur's Workshop
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Designed for entrepreneurs ready to grow, this roundtable dives into the practical realities of building and/or scaling a business, from accessing capital that matches where you are in your journey, to the operational and strategic shifts that come with growth. Attendees will walk away with clearer, actionable strategies for what comes next, grounded in real guidance rather than theory alone.
Kristina Sicard
Founder, Dracis Inc
The Boardroom: Why Haitian Women Belong at Every Decision-Making Table
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Haitian women remain vastly underrepresented in boardrooms, from nonprofits to corporations, yet our values of responsibility, resourcefulness, and collective progress have made us pivotal leaders for generations. Those same strengths are exactly why our voices belong wherever critical decisions are made. This roundtable explores why board service matters, how it sharpens your leadership and influence, and the practical steps to earn your seat at the table.
Guylaine Saint Juste
President & CEO, NABA Inc.
Sophia Kerby
Board Member, Women’s Funding Network (WFN) & Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Dr. Gina Guillaume-Joseph
Schleuse Data Corporation, Founder, CEO, CTO
Ex-Workday, CTO Government
Haitian Women Leaders Roundtable (Closed Session)
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This closed, invitation-only roundtable brings together Haitian women leaders who bridge Haiti and the U.S. and community and policy. It will serve as a starting point for assessing immediate and longer-term concerns, understanding work already underway, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and building coordination that can continue through Saturday and Sunday.
Hosted by the Haitian Ladies Network (HLN), the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON), OSHAN, the Haitian American Foundation for Democracy (HAFFD), and ADC during Haitian Ladies Weekend.
Dr. Solanges Vivens Author's Corner Ribbon Cutting
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Every Haitian book carries more than a story. It carries memory, language, history, and possibility.
Dr. Vivens, our featured authors, and Haitian Ladies Network leadership will mark the opening with remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, photographs, and a champagne toast. Be among the first to enter the space, meet the authors, and discover the books they will share throughout Haitian Ladies Weekend. Our featured authors are:
We are proud to introduce the inaugural Dr. Solanges Vivens Author’s Corner.
Dr. Vivens, our featured authors, and Haitian Ladies Network leadership will mark the opening with remarks, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, photographs, and a champagne toast. Be among the first to enter the space, meet the authors, and discover the books they will share throughout Haitian Ladies Weekend.
Our featured authors are:
Carla Beauvais
Jennifer Erie
Malou Beauvoir
Naed Jasmin Désiré
Fanie Jocelyn
Newcomer Mixer: Ann Rankontre
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Attendees new to Haitian Ladies Network are invited to start here. This casual mixer offers a chance to meet fellow first-timers, put faces to names, and get a feel for the community before the full conference kicks off. Guests can grab a drink, strike up conversation, and leave knowing they're not walking in alone.
Sisterhood in Action: Next-Gen Community Service & Mixer
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
A space for the next generation of Haitian Ladies Network members to connect, network, and build community with each other. Young professionals, students, and those new to the diaspora leadership space are welcome to meet others charting similar paths. Attendees will also make care kits for The Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at Georgetown University Hospital. This mixer offers good conversation, good energy, and the start of relationships that will carry well beyond the conference weekend.
Welcome Reception
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Join us as we open Haitian Ladies Weekend: Igniting Our Power 2026 with an evening of connection, culture, and collective strength. Guided by this year's theme, Rasin Nou Se Fòs Nou (Our Roots Are Our Strength), we're gathering Haitian women from Haiti and across the diaspora to reconnect, welcome new members, and begin the weekend together.
Our emcee for the evening is Thamar Harrigan. Evening highlights include remarks from HLN leadership and Haitian dignitaries, and a special performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Malou Beauvoir. Guests can also enjoy music by DJ Garv, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and Haitian rum punch, generously sponsored by L'Heritage Rhum.
SAT
Oct
3
Registration Open
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Coffee, tea, and pastries
Wellness Activity: Pilates Lakay: Movement & Culture
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
A Haitian-led Pilates experience combining mindful movement, the rhythm of Konpa, and a cultural connection. All levels are welcome! Mats will be provided. Just bring your towel, a water bottle, and yourself!
In Partnership with SWIFF GROUP Inc. and Yoga & Konpa.
Chantal M. Joseph, Esq.
Attorney, Pilates Instructor
Grae Gousse
DJ, Engineer, Fitness Enthusiast
THE HLN WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Anba Mapou Featuring Simbi Giselle and Lakay Good
Step into Anba Mapou, a restorative space rooted in Haitian traditions of wellness, healing and ancestral knowledge. Inspired by the Mapou, a symbol of roots, strength, gathering and connection, the lounge invites women to slow down, rest and reconnect while discovering the wisdom of fèy, teas, herbal baths and other traditional healing practices through storytelling, shared knowledge and curated wellness experiences. A place to rest, remember, restore and reconnect with the wisdom carried through our roots.
Simbi Duplan
Spiritual Practitioner & Reiki Healer
Monica Joseph
Founder of Lakay Goods
Soba Quiet Room
9:00 AM - 5:00PM
Soba is the quiet heart of Anba Mapou, a protected space set apart from the movement and energy of the Weekend and designed simply for rest. Inspired by the idea of an inner, intimate space in Haitian cultural tradition, Soba invites women to step away, lower their voices, sit beneath the presence of the Mapou and take a moment for themselves. For the women who carry so much for so many, the room asks nothing of you. Come in, sit, breathe, reflect, close your eyes or simply be still. Here, repo is part of finding balans.
Clips & Highlights: The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Experience selected clips and images from The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti, an acclaimed documentary by filmmaker Alain Martin and executive produced by Roxane Gay. More than a decade in the making, the film explores a powerful chapter of Haitian history through a deeply personal tribute to Martin’s homeland and grandfather.
Les Galeries à Haitian Ladies Weekend (HLW) by Bien Abyé
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Our newly re-envisioned conference marketplace, bringing together Haitian women entrepreneurs, vibrant storytelling, and global creations.
Symposium
Mistress of Ceremonies:
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson
CEO and Founder, MagCap Media LLC
Introduced by: Thamar Harrigan
Chief of Staff and Director of Operations, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Main Ballroom Open
9:00 AM
Haitian National Anthem
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
Malou Beauvoir
Owner, Modern Manbo
Welcome By Haitian Ladies Network Board (HLN)
9:36 AM - 9:40 AM
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Acknowledgement and Updates
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Nehemia Claude
National Haitian American Elected Officials Network
Tessa Painson
Florida Immigrant Coalition
Santra Denis:
Avanse Ansanm/Haitian American Professionals Coalition
Nexus Foundation presents:
Engaging with Haiti Panel
10:15 AM - 11:35 AM
Haiti's institutions are broken, but its spirit is not. This panel goes beyond the headlines of crisis to meet three women who are actively rebuilding their communities: in agriculture, in scholarship and organizing, in culture and governance, proving that sovereignty and resistance are being constructed on the ground every day. This conversation will unpack how they do this work despite enormous odds, and what it actually looks like to engage with Haiti: not as spectators to its struggles, but as partners in its rebuilding.
Moderator: Monique Clesca
Fok Yo La, Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan, Commission pour la recherche d'une solution haitienne a la crise
Lucia Dominique Pascale Solages
Co-founder / General Coordinator, NÈGES MAWON
Naphtana Philippe
Co-founder/ CEO, KAÛNA
Magali Comeau Denis
Présidente - Coordonatrice, Fondation Aquin Solidarité - Commission pour la Recherche d'une Solution Haitienne à la Crise
Introduction of the Dr. Solanges Vivens Author's Corner at Haitian Ladies Weekend (HLW)
11:35 AM - 12:15 PM
Dr. Solanges Vivens
CEO of Vivens Media, Author, Philantropist, Filmmaker
Introducing: Les Galeries à HLW by Bien Abyé
12:15 PM - 12:20 PM
Dayanne Danier
Founder &. Creative Director Bien Abyé
Keynote Speech
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Monique André leads the Normalization Committee of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), overseeing the reform and governance of Haitian football at its highest level. A pioneer of women's football in Haiti, she played in the country's first women's football match and later became the first woman elected to the FHF Executive Committee. Appointed to the FIFA Normalization Committee for the FHF, she rose to its presidency and led major institutional reforms during a particularly challenging period. Under her leadership, Haiti has qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the men's FIFA World Cup, marking the senior men's return after more than 50 years. Join us as she shares what it takes to lead change in a male-dominated institution, and what her journey means for women stepping into spaces of power and sport.
Monique André
President of the Normalization Committee, Haitian Football Federation
Remarks by Johny Placide
Goalkeeper, SC Batista; former captain of the Haiti National Soccer Team
Networking Lunch & Marketplace
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
HerStory
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
HerStory explores how the roots of Haitian women shape their personal journeys, defining choices, and the work they lead today. Through honest reflections on pivotal experiences and lessons learned along the way, this session invites attendees to recognize parts of their own stories in the journeys of others. It celebrates the strength inherited from our culture and demonstrates how Haitian women can harness their experiences, embrace their potential, and create transformative impact within their communities and beyond.
Tara A. Nicolas
Founder, Tea Time with T
Moderator: Jessica Desvarieux
Filmmaker & Creative Director, The Phases of Moonie Productions
Breakout Sessions
Vini Lakay: Embracing Our Roots Through Ancestral Intelligence
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
An embodied, interdisciplinary workshop that names the grief of Haitian migration, honors the spiritual and ancestral wisdom encoded in Haitian healing traditions, and offers somatic, science-informed practices that make return to self and healing possible.
Dr. Charlene Desir
Professor, Nova Southeastern University-T.E.N. Global
Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis
Owner, Stellar Transformation
Dr. Barbara Ceptus Schreiber
Integrative Somatic Practitioner, Radical Presence Coaching and Consulting
Konnen Rasin Ou: Haitian History & Culture
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Join us for an interactive exploration of Haitian history, culture, and heritage — from the revolution that changed the world, to the music, folklore, cuisine, and customs that continue to define Haitian identity across generations and across the diaspora. Expect lively trivia, surprising facts, and moments of shared pride as we reconnect with the roots that ground us, wherever in the world we now call home.
Moderator: Fendy Mesy
Cobrand Card Digital Experiences + Capabilities, Marriott International
Nathalie Jean-Baptiste
Artist and Cultural Producer, Nathalie JB Arts
Emily Cadet
Teacher, Language Cadet
The C-Suite, On Your Own Terms
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
A practical guide to the C-suite and a candid look at how to lead from within it — navigating executive presence, decision-making, and high-stakes visibility without losing the cultural identity that got you there. Attendees will leave with tools to pursue executive roles and strategies to thrive in them, fully and authentically themselves.
Pascale Haspil
Founder / Leadership & Business Coach, Mind Ink
Sararuth Delice
VP Content and Marketing Research, Screen Engine ASI
Moderated by: Phara Rodrigue
Chief Operating Officer, DANB/The Dale Foundation,
Haitian Ladies Network Board member
NextGen Panel: Who You Are and Who You're Becoming
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Every new space asks something of you. This panel offers guidance for young people ages 23 and under on holding onto their identity and confidence while stepping into new environments and growing their careers. Through two complementary lenses, panelists explore what it takes to navigate transition well. You'll leave knowing how to stay grounded and adaptable when your surroundings change, and how to keep pursuing your goals as your life and career evolve.
Theola Debose
Founder, JSKILLS
Tatenda Rameau
Miss Universe Haiti 2026 and Journalism Graduate Student at Georgetown University
Moderator: Christine Chérestal
NextGen Committee, Haitian Ladies Network
Special Remarks by Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin City of North Miami, District 3
Special Remarks by W.K. Kellogg Foundation
5:00 PM - 5:10 PM
Dana Francois
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Program Officer, Latin America & the Caribbean
HLN Board Closing Remarks
5:10 PM - 5:45 PM
HLN Board Members
Break
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Haitian Ladies After Dark: Ann Pale — Love, Sex & Everything In Between!
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Join us for unfiltered conversation about dating, love, and relationships in today's world: swipe culture, situationships, red flags, and everything in between. All seen through a Haitian woman's lens, shaped by the traditions, expectations, and truths passed down from our mothers, aunties, and grandmothers.
Dr. Suzie Richardson-Armas
President and Co-Founder, New World Health Foundation
COO, New Health Community Centers
Shirley Dor
Media Personality and Social Media Strategist, Dorsainvil Creative and Haitians Who Blog
La Grande Danse: Our Roots in Motion
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Afro-contemporary Haitian folkloric dance class and cultural experience
Linda Isabelle Francois Obas
Founder and Artistic Director, XPression Ayiti
Official Haitian Ladies Weekend After Party
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Join us for the official Haitian Ladies Weekend After Party at Realm Rooftop Lounge! Enjoy Kompa, Raboday, and more. Come dressed to celebrate and ready to dance!
Location: Realm Rooftop Lounge
Music by: DJ ETN & DJ Joe CatDaddy
Special Guest: Johny Placide
Haitian Ladies Weekend attendees: Free admission included with your Haitian Ladies Weekend Pass!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE AFTER PARTY
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Coffee, tea, and pastries
Wellness Activity: Pilates Lakay: Movement & Culture
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
A Haitian-led Pilates experience combining mindful movement, the rhythm of Konpa, and a cultural connection. All levels are welcome! Mats will be provided. Just bring your towel, a water bottle, and yourself!
In Partnership with SWIFF GROUP Inc. and Yoga & Konpa.
Chantal M. Joseph, Esq.
Attorney, Pilates Instructor
Grae Gousse
DJ, Engineer, Fitness Enthusiast
THE HLN WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Anba Mapou Featuring Simbi Giselle and Lakay Good
Step into Anba Mapou, a restorative space rooted in Haitian traditions of wellness, healing and ancestral knowledge. Inspired by the Mapou, a symbol of roots, strength, gathering and connection, the lounge invites women to slow down, rest and reconnect while discovering the wisdom of fèy, teas, herbal baths and other traditional healing practices through storytelling, shared knowledge and curated wellness experiences. A place to rest, remember, restore and reconnect with the wisdom carried through our roots.
Simbi Duplan
Spiritual Practitioner & Reiki Healer
Monica Joseph
Founder of Lakay Goods
Soba Quiet Room
9:00 AM - 5:00PM
Soba is the quiet heart of Anba Mapou, a protected space set apart from the movement and energy of the Weekend and designed simply for rest. Inspired by the idea of an inner, intimate space in Haitian cultural tradition, Soba invites women to step away, lower their voices, sit beneath the presence of the Mapou and take a moment for themselves. For the women who carry so much for so many, the room asks nothing of you. Come in, sit, breathe, reflect, close your eyes or simply be still. Here, repo is part of finding balans.
Clips & Highlights: The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Experience selected clips and images from The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti, an acclaimed documentary by filmmaker Alain Martin and executive produced by Roxane Gay. More than a decade in the making, the film explores a powerful chapter of Haitian history through a deeply personal tribute to Martin’s homeland and grandfather.
Les Galeries à Haitian Ladies Weekend (HLW) by Bien Abyé
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Our newly re-envisioned conference marketplace, bringing together Haitian women entrepreneurs, vibrant storytelling, and global creations.
Symposium
Mistress of Ceremonies:
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson
CEO and Founder, MagCap Media LLC
Introduced by: Thamar Harrigan
Chief of Staff and Director of Operations, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Main Ballroom Open
9:00 AM
Haitian National Anthem
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
Malou Beauvoir
Owner, Modern Manbo
Welcome By Haitian Ladies Network Board (HLN)
9:36 AM - 9:40 AM
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Acknowledgement and Updates
9:40 AM - 10:00 AM
Nehemia Claude
National Haitian American Elected Officials Network
Tessa Painson
Florida Immigrant Coalition
Santra Denis:
Avanse Ansanm/Haitian American Professionals Coalition
Nexus Foundation presents:
Engaging with Haiti Panel
10:15 AM - 11:35 AM
Haiti's institutions are broken, but its spirit is not. This panel goes beyond the headlines of crisis to meet three women who are actively rebuilding their communities: in agriculture, in scholarship and organizing, in culture and governance, proving that sovereignty and resistance are being constructed on the ground every day. This conversation will unpack how they do this work despite enormous odds, and what it actually looks like to engage with Haiti: not as spectators to its struggles, but as partners in its rebuilding.
Moderator: Monique Clesca
Fok Yo La, Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan, Commission pour la recherche d'une solution haitienne a la crise
Lucia Dominique Pascale Solages
Co-founder / General Coordinator, NÈGES MAWON
Naphtana Philippe
Co-founder/ CEO, KAÛNA
Magali Comeau Denis
Présidente - Coordonatrice, Fondation Aquin Solidarité - Commission pour la Recherche d'une Solution Haitienne à la Crise
Introduction of the Dr. Solanges Vivens Author's Corner at Haitian Ladies Weekend (HLW)
11:35 AM - 12:15 PM
Dr. Solanges Vivens
CEO of Vivens Media, Author, Philantropist, Filmmaker
Introducing: Les Galeries à HLW by Bien Abyé
12:15 PM - 12:20 PM
Dayanne Danier
Founder &. Creative Director Bien Abyé
Keynote Speech
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Monique André leads the Normalization Committee of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), overseeing the reform and governance of Haitian football at its highest level. A pioneer of women's football in Haiti, she played in the country's first women's football match and later became the first woman elected to the FHF Executive Committee. Appointed to the FIFA Normalization Committee for the FHF, she rose to its presidency and led major institutional reforms during a particularly challenging period. Under her leadership, Haiti has qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the men's FIFA World Cup, marking the senior men's return after more than 50 years. Join us as she shares what it takes to lead change in a male-dominated institution, and what her journey means for women stepping into spaces of power and sport.
Monique André
President of the Normalization Committee, Haitian Football Federation
Remarks by Johny Placide
Goalkeeper, SC Batista; former captain of the Haiti National Soccer Team
Networking Lunch & Marketplace
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
HerStory
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
HerStory explores how the roots of Haitian women shape their personal journeys, defining choices, and the work they lead today. Through honest reflections on pivotal experiences and lessons learned along the way, this session invites attendees to recognize parts of their own stories in the journeys of others. It celebrates the strength inherited from our culture and demonstrates how Haitian women can harness their experiences, embrace their potential, and create transformative impact within their communities and beyond.
Tara A. Nicolas
Founder, Tea Time with T
Moderator: Jessica Desvarieux
Filmmaker & Creative Director, The Phases of Moonie Productions
Breakout Sessions
Vini Lakay: Embracing Our Roots Through Ancestral Intelligence
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
An embodied, interdisciplinary workshop that names the grief of Haitian migration, honors the spiritual and ancestral wisdom encoded in Haitian healing traditions, and offers somatic, science-informed practices that make return to self and healing possible.
Dr. Charlene Desir
Professor, Nova Southeastern University-T.E.N. Global
Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis
Owner, Stellar Transformation
Dr. Barbara Ceptus Schreiber
Integrative Somatic Practitioner, Radical Presence Coaching and Consulting
Konnen Rasin Ou: Haitian History & Culture
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Join us for an interactive exploration of Haitian history, culture, and heritage — from the revolution that changed the world, to the music, folklore, cuisine, and customs that continue to define Haitian identity across generations and across the diaspora. Expect lively trivia, surprising facts, and moments of shared pride as we reconnect with the roots that ground us, wherever in the world we now call home.
Moderator: Fendy Mesy
Cobrand Card Digital Experiences + Capabilities, Marriott International
Nathalie Jean-Baptiste
Artist and Cultural Producer, Nathalie JB Arts
Emily Cadet
Teacher, Language Cadet
The C-Suite, On Your Own Terms
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
A practical guide to the C-suite and a candid look at how to lead from within it — navigating executive presence, decision-making, and high-stakes visibility without losing the cultural identity that got you there. Attendees will leave with tools to pursue executive roles and strategies to thrive in them, fully and authentically themselves.
Pascale Haspil
Founder / Leadership & Business Coach, Mind Ink
Sararuth Delice
VP Content and Marketing Research, Screen Engine ASI
Moderated by: Phara Rodrigue
Chief Operating Officer, DANB/The Dale Foundation,
Haitian Ladies Network Board member
NextGen Panel: Who You Are and Who You're Becoming
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Every new space asks something of you. This panel offers guidance for young people ages 23 and under on holding onto their identity and confidence while stepping into new environments and growing their careers. Through two complementary lenses, panelists explore what it takes to navigate transition well. You'll leave knowing how to stay grounded and adaptable when your surroundings change, and how to keep pursuing your goals as your life and career evolve.
Theola Debose
Founder, JSKILLS
Tatenda Rameau
Miss Universe Haiti 2026 and Journalism Graduate Student at Georgetown University
Moderator: Christine Chérestal
NextGen Committee, Haitian Ladies Network
Special Remarks by Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin City of North Miami, District 3
Special Remarks by W.K. Kellogg Foundation
5:00 PM - 5:10 PM
Dana Francois
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Program Officer, Latin America & the Caribbean
HLN Board Closing Remarks
5:10 PM - 5:45 PM
HLN Board Members
Break
5:45 PM - 7:30 PM
Haitian Ladies After Dark: Ann Pale — Love, Sex & Everything In Between!
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Join us for unfiltered conversation about dating, love, and relationships in today's world: swipe culture, situationships, red flags, and everything in between. All seen through a Haitian woman's lens, shaped by the traditions, expectations, and truths passed down from our mothers, aunties, and grandmothers.
Dr. Suzie Richardson-Armas
President and Co-Founder, New World Health Foundation
COO, New Health Community Centers
Shirley Dor
Media Personality and Social Media Strategist, Dorsainvil Creative and Haitians Who Blog
La Grande Danse: Our Roots in Motion
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Afro-contemporary Haitian folkloric dance class and cultural experience
Linda Isabelle Francois Obas
Founder and Artistic Director, XPression Ayiti
Official Haitian Ladies Weekend After Party
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Join us for the official Haitian Ladies Weekend After Party at Realm Rooftop Lounge! Enjoy Kompa, Raboday, and more. Come dressed to celebrate and ready to dance!
Location: Realm Rooftop Lounge
Music by: DJ ETN & DJ Joe CatDaddy
Special Guest: Johny Placide
Haitian Ladies Weekend attendees: Free admission included with your Haitian Ladies Weekend Pass!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE AFTER PARTY
SUN
Oct
4
Registration Open
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Coffee & Tea Service
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wellness Event:
Roots & Rhythm: Barefoot Sculpt + Live Drummer Zumba
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Feel the beat and feel the burn. This session opens with barefoot bodyweight conditioning inspired by Pilates, targeting abs, glutes, and legs, before moving into a high-energy Zumba session powered by a live drummer. Come ready to sweat, move, and connect with your body and your roots. No equipment needed, just you, the beat, and the floor beneath your feet.
Edmee Cherdieu d'Alexis
Fitness and Wellness Director, Yale Club of New York City
THE HLN WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Anba Mapou Featuring Simbi Giselle and Lakay Good
Step into Anba Mapou, a restorative space rooted in Haitian traditions of wellness, healing and ancestral knowledge. Inspired by the Mapou, a symbol of roots, strength, gathering and connection, the lounge invites women to slow down, rest and reconnect while discovering the wisdom of fèy, teas, herbal baths and other traditional healing practices through storytelling, shared knowledge and curated wellness experiences. A place to rest, remember, restore and reconnect with the wisdom carried through our roots.
Simbi Duplan
Spiritual Practitioner & Reiki Healer
Monica Joseph
Founder of Lakay Goods
Soba Quiet Room
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Soba is the quiet heart of Anba Mapou, a protected space set apart from the movement and energy of the Weekend and designed simply for rest. Inspired by the idea of an inner, intimate space in Haitian cultural tradition, Soba invites women to step away, lower their voices, sit beneath the presence of the Mapou and take a moment for themselves. For the women who carry so much for so many, the room asks nothing of you. Come in, sit, breathe, reflect, close your eyes or simply be still. Here, repo is part of finding balans.
Gina Athena Ulysse's Rattle Workshop
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Join artist-scholar Gina Athena Ulysse for a hands-on exploration of sound, memory, and intention through the making of a community rattle. Together, participants will use string, cowrie shells, and other materials to create a collective work while reflecting on the rattle as an instrument of culture, connection, and expression. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to create, reflect, and connect.
Workshop attendees are asked to bring: Things that can be hung and strung such as odd pieces of jewelry they no longer use (e.g. single earrings, broken necklaces, rings etc) clothing or political buttons, pins, old keys or keychains, beads, keepsakes, ribbons, souvenirs, to contribute to a collective art object. The artist is especially interested in objects that carry some personal memory associated with their identity, organizing and political solidarity that they are willing to offer as symbols of our collective will.
Gina Athena Ulysse
Artist
Les Galeries à HLW by Bien Abyé - Marketplace
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Haiti in Action: Meet the Changemakers Transforming Communities
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join trusted organizations working alongside communities in Haiti to learn how they are adapting amid crisis and conflict. Discover innovative, culturally rooted solutions to long-standing challenges, learn how to identify organizations you can trust with your time and resources, and explore what development grounded in Haitian traditions could look like.
Moderator: Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph
President of the NEXUS Foundation Haiti 2055
Francesca Momplaisir
Author and Advocate, Fonkoze
Elizabeth Pierre-Louis
Program Director, FOKAL
Melinda Miles
Chief Development Officer, Hope for Haiti
Leonie Hermantin
Senior Consultant, Prodev
Meet the Director: Alain Martin from The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for an intimate meet-and-greet with filmmaker Alain Martin, director of the acclaimed documentary The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti, executive produced by Roxane Gay, featuring clips and photos from this decade-in-the-making tribute to his homeland and grandfather.
Alain Martin
Filmmaker and Director
Town Hall: From Conversation to Collective Action
National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Roundtable
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
When we gather, it is not only to celebrate who we are, but to recognize our collective power and practice using it. Join leading Haitian American organizations from across the country, including NHAEON, HAFFD, ADC, HAPC, Sant La, and FLIC, for a Town Hall focused on the evolving TPS and immigration landscape and key issues and areas of concern facing Haitian American communities. Together, we will identify 3 to 5 emerging priorities, explore opportunities for greater coordination and collaboration, and consider how each of us can use our time, talent, resources, relationships, and influence to turn shared priorities into collective action.
National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)
Haitian American Foundation For Democracy (HAFFD)
Ayiti Diaspora Collaborative (ADC)
Sant LaAvanse Ansanm
Florida Immigration CoalitionOrganizations Serving Haitian Americans Nationally (OSHAN)
Pre-Brunch Mixer
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
20th Annual Haitian Ladies Brunch
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mistress of Ceremonies:
Martine St-Victor
General Manager, Edelman
Introduced by: Rachel Pierre
Director of District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services (DHS), HLN Co-Founder and Board Member
National Anthem
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM
Malou Beauvoir
Owner, Modern Manbo
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
Video and Lunch
Nexus Foundation Remarks
Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph
FOKAL's Mutuelles de Solidarité and MARKETPLACE Partnership
Elisabeth Pierre-Louis, FOKAL
Dayanne Danier, Bien Abyé
Spoken Word Performance
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Gina Athena Ulysse
Artist
Beyond DC: The HLN Global Cultural Weekend
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
Haitian Ladies Weekend 2026 wasn’t only happening in Washington, DC. From October 2 to 4, women of Haitian descent gathered in Haiti, Montreal, Paris, Qatar, London, and virtually across Africa to connect, share experiences, celebrate our culture and history, and strengthen relationships across generations and borders. Let’s connect and watch a video montage to see how we came together around the world.
In Conversation with Carla Beauvais
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
Carla Beauvais is a social entrepreneur, author, and cultural advocate whose work has centered on elevating Black and Haitian voices in media, arts, and culture. In this fireside chat, she reflects on her journey of leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, and on what she has learned about creating opportunities, building community, and using influence to open doors for others
Carla Beauvais
Executive Director, Fondation Dynastie and City Councillor, Montreal City
Moderator Martine St-Victor
General Manager, Edelman
Invest in the Movement
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Linda Dorcena Forry
Former Massachusetts State Representative
Olivia Rodrigue
NextGen Committee
Michelle Jean-Louis
NextGen Committee
Acknowledgement of Johny Placide
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
Haitian Ladies Weekend 2026 pauses to honor Johny Placide, goalkeeper for SC Batista and former captain of the Haiti National Soccer Team. The moment opens with a video celebrating his tenure and his service to Haitian football, followed by a few words from Johny himself.
Johny Placide
Goalkeeper, SC Batista
Former Captain of the Haiti National Soccer Team
Remarks from Miss Universe Haiti 2026
3:10 PM - 3:25 PM
Newly crowned Miss Universe Haiti, Tatenda Rameau, will share remarks rooted in her platform, Found in Translation, exploring what it means to carry Haiti's spirit as a daughter of the diaspora, and the power of storytelling, culture, and connection to bridge the distance between Haiti and the communities who carry her forward.
Tatenda Rameau
Miss Universe Haiti 2026
Entertainment
3:25 PM - 4:30 PM
Ayiiti
Singer
Paul Beaubrun
Musician
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Coffee & Tea Service
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Wellness Event:
Roots & Rhythm: Barefoot Sculpt + Live Drummer Zumba
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Feel the beat and feel the burn. This session opens with barefoot bodyweight conditioning inspired by Pilates, targeting abs, glutes, and legs, before moving into a high-energy Zumba session powered by a live drummer. Come ready to sweat, move, and connect with your body and your roots. No equipment needed, just you, the beat, and the floor beneath your feet.
Edmee Cherdieu d'Alexis
Fitness and Wellness Director, Yale Club of New York City
THE HLN WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Anba Mapou Featuring Simbi Giselle and Lakay Good
Step into Anba Mapou, a restorative space rooted in Haitian traditions of wellness, healing and ancestral knowledge. Inspired by the Mapou, a symbol of roots, strength, gathering and connection, the lounge invites women to slow down, rest and reconnect while discovering the wisdom of fèy, teas, herbal baths and other traditional healing practices through storytelling, shared knowledge and curated wellness experiences. A place to rest, remember, restore and reconnect with the wisdom carried through our roots.
Simbi Duplan
Spiritual Practitioner & Reiki Healer
Monica Joseph
Founder of Lakay Goods
Soba Quiet Room
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Soba is the quiet heart of Anba Mapou, a protected space set apart from the movement and energy of the Weekend and designed simply for rest. Inspired by the idea of an inner, intimate space in Haitian cultural tradition, Soba invites women to step away, lower their voices, sit beneath the presence of the Mapou and take a moment for themselves. For the women who carry so much for so many, the room asks nothing of you. Come in, sit, breathe, reflect, close your eyes or simply be still. Here, repo is part of finding balans.
Gina Athena Ulysse's Rattle Workshop
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Join artist-scholar Gina Athena Ulysse for a hands-on exploration of sound, memory, and intention through the making of a community rattle. Together, participants will use string, cowrie shells, and other materials to create a collective work while reflecting on the rattle as an instrument of culture, connection, and expression. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to create, reflect, and connect.
Workshop attendees are asked to bring: Things that can be hung and strung such as odd pieces of jewelry they no longer use (e.g. single earrings, broken necklaces, rings etc) clothing or political buttons, pins, old keys or keychains, beads, keepsakes, ribbons, souvenirs, to contribute to a collective art object. The artist is especially interested in objects that carry some personal memory associated with their identity, organizing and political solidarity that they are willing to offer as symbols of our collective will.
Gina Athena Ulysse
Artist
Les Galeries à HLW by Bien Abyé - Marketplace
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Haiti in Action: Meet the Changemakers Transforming Communities
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join trusted organizations working alongside communities in Haiti to learn how they are adapting amid crisis and conflict. Discover innovative, culturally rooted solutions to long-standing challenges, learn how to identify organizations you can trust with your time and resources, and explore what development grounded in Haitian traditions could look like.
Moderator: Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph
President of the NEXUS Foundation Haiti 2055
Francesca Momplaisir
Author and Advocate, Fonkoze
Elizabeth Pierre-Louis
Program Director, FOKAL
Melinda Miles
Chief Development Officer, Hope for Haiti
Leonie Hermantin
Senior Consultant, Prodev
Meet the Director: Alain Martin from The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for an intimate meet-and-greet with filmmaker Alain Martin, director of the acclaimed documentary The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti, executive produced by Roxane Gay, featuring clips and photos from this decade-in-the-making tribute to his homeland and grandfather.
Alain Martin
Filmmaker and Director
Town Hall: From Conversation to Collective Action
National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Roundtable
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
When we gather, it is not only to celebrate who we are, but to recognize our collective power and practice using it. Join leading Haitian American organizations from across the country, including NHAEON, HAFFD, ADC, HAPC, Sant La, and FLIC, for a Town Hall focused on the evolving TPS and immigration landscape and key issues and areas of concern facing Haitian American communities. Together, we will identify 3 to 5 emerging priorities, explore opportunities for greater coordination and collaboration, and consider how each of us can use our time, talent, resources, relationships, and influence to turn shared priorities into collective action.
National Haitian American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON)
Haitian American Foundation For Democracy (HAFFD)
Ayiti Diaspora Collaborative (ADC)
Sant LaAvanse Ansanm
Florida Immigration CoalitionOrganizations Serving Haitian Americans Nationally (OSHAN)
Pre-Brunch Mixer
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
20th Annual Haitian Ladies Brunch
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mistress of Ceremonies:
Martine St-Victor
General Manager, Edelman
Introduced by: Rachel Pierre
Director of District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services (DHS), HLN Co-Founder and Board Member
National Anthem
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM
Malou Beauvoir
Owner, Modern Manbo
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM
Video and Lunch
Nexus Foundation Remarks
Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph
FOKAL's Mutuelles de Solidarité and MARKETPLACE Partnership
Elisabeth Pierre-Louis, FOKAL
Dayanne Danier, Bien Abyé
Spoken Word Performance
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Gina Athena Ulysse
Artist
Beyond DC: The HLN Global Cultural Weekend
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
Haitian Ladies Weekend 2026 wasn’t only happening in Washington, DC. From October 2 to 4, women of Haitian descent gathered in Haiti, Montreal, Paris, Qatar, London, and virtually across Africa to connect, share experiences, celebrate our culture and history, and strengthen relationships across generations and borders. Let’s connect and watch a video montage to see how we came together around the world.
In Conversation with Carla Beauvais
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
Carla Beauvais is a social entrepreneur, author, and cultural advocate whose work has centered on elevating Black and Haitian voices in media, arts, and culture. In this fireside chat, she reflects on her journey of leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, and on what she has learned about creating opportunities, building community, and using influence to open doors for others
Carla Beauvais
Executive Director, Fondation Dynastie and City Councillor, Montreal City
Moderator Martine St-Victor
General Manager, Edelman
Invest in the Movement
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Linda Dorcena Forry
Former Massachusetts State Representative
Olivia Rodrigue
NextGen Committee
Michelle Jean-Louis
NextGen Committee
Acknowledgement of Johny Placide
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
Haitian Ladies Weekend 2026 pauses to honor Johny Placide, goalkeeper for SC Batista and former captain of the Haiti National Soccer Team. The moment opens with a video celebrating his tenure and his service to Haitian football, followed by a few words from Johny himself.
Johny Placide
Goalkeeper, SC Batista
Former Captain of the Haiti National Soccer Team
Remarks from Miss Universe Haiti 2026
3:10 PM - 3:25 PM
Newly crowned Miss Universe Haiti, Tatenda Rameau, will share remarks rooted in her platform, Found in Translation, exploring what it means to carry Haiti's spirit as a daughter of the diaspora, and the power of storytelling, culture, and connection to bridge the distance between Haiti and the communities who carry her forward.
Tatenda Rameau
Miss Universe Haiti 2026
Entertainment
3:25 PM - 4:30 PM
Ayiiti
Singer
Paul Beaubrun
Musician
HOTEL
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC, 20008
PARKING
Valet Parking is available at Omni Shoreham Hotel for $64.90 per day (including tax).
Register for Haitian Ladies Weekend 2026
Partnership Opportunities
Don’t miss the chance to join Haitian Ladies Weekend as a sponsor and connect with our global network of 100K+ women. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your support for the Haitian community and gain visibility among an engaged audience.
Email partnerships@haitianladies.org for more information.
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Contact Us
General Info: info@haitianladies.org
Sponsorships: partnerships@haitianladies.org
Vendors: vendors@haitianladies.org