NAAHP Blog

What is your occupation and academic background and how did you come to work in this field?

I am currently the Brooklyn Borough Director in the Community Affairs Unit, Office of the Mayor of New York City. I am also the Director of African American & Caribbean Affairs for the Mayor.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from St. John’s University (THE BEST SCHOOL EVER) and I have completed a number of Fellowships at Universities including the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School for Public Service.

What is the biggest challenge of your work?

The biggest challenge of my work is trying to help as much people as I can within a 24-hour day. Our city has about 8.3 million people and close to 2.5 in Brooklyn alone. There are many people out there who need help and experience challenges every day so its very difficult to get to everyone however I’ve embraced the challenge and try to help as many people as I can every single day.

Identify one or two of your proudest achievements?

One of my proudest achievements was being able to help feed 2000 people during Hurricane Sandy. I was responsible for Coney Island during the storm and the residents out there were so happy to receive food after not eating in days. The smile on those people’s faces reminded me of why I continue to work in public service every day.

Another proud moment for me was when I was able to help my Haitian people after a devastating fire left about 40 Haitians without a place to stay in East Flatbush Brooklyn. I loved being there whether it was helping them navigate resources within my city agencies, DHS, NYPD, FDNY, DOHMH, or whether it was speaking at the community meeting to inform my Haitian community about the services our agencies were offering to help keep them safe and secure housing. Speaking to them in Creole and showing them that a fellow Haitian American had their best interest at heart was very calming to those victims of the fire.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

10 Years from now I would like to represent one of the Caribbean districts in Brooklyn in the New York State Senate. I would also like to be the Chairman of the Board for my non-profit, The Haitian American Caucus, and continue to help raise substantial amounts of money for the country of Haiti.

What would be your advice to young people who want their careers and lives to have impact?

My advice to young people may sound cliché but it would be to pursue education. I believe education is the key to everything. When I say education I do not only mean in the classroom but everywhere. Learning is everything in this world so if you are not constantly learning and keeping your brain moving you will be irrelevant.  When you have an overall understanding of how the world works and you have disciplined yourself to complete a major or profession you can do much more for others. Hit those books and get those advanced degrees. I am currently pursuing one myself and I would have wished someone told me to do this earlier in my life.

Would you recommend NAHP to Haitian students and professionals? Why?

I would definitely recommend NAHP to Haitian students and professionals. People have this misconception that networking events and organizations are to be used purely for quid-pro-quo, you do for me, I do for you. I do not believe this theory. Young Haitian professionals need to see Haitian Americans in high positions. Sometimes they need that motivation or just to know that another Haitian American is able to get that job or get that award is very necessary. Having access to some of the powerful Haitian movers and shakers in New York City is a privilege that comes with responsibility for students; they need to learn to give back and to keep community service a priority. I think all Haitian students should join or pursue membership in NAHP. I will do whatever I can in my power to help NAHP succeed.