Our Story
Since the beginning, we have been committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community for Haitian women, and we welcome all members to join us in our mission to empower and uplift one another.
History
It began with the DC Haitian Ladies Brunch.
After moving from Boston to the Washington, DC area, Nadine Duplessy Kearns sought a community of supportive Haitian women. To create this connection, she organized a brunch with the five Haitian women she knew in the area. What began as an intimate gathering quickly grew, thanks to the efforts of Brunch Co-Host Cleve Mesidor, expanding to an impressive 50+ women by 2010. This inaugural public event marked the beginning of the Haitian Ladies Brunch.
After volunteering on the Brunch hosting committee, and noticing the growing number of women who eagerly traveled to DC to partake in the annual brunch, a group of visionaries came together to found the Haitian Ladies Network, which would include the Haitian Ladies Brunch as its anchor event. In 2017, founding members Karen Andre, Theola DeBose, Ariel Dominique, Nadine Duplessy Kearns, Thamar Harrigan, Kysseline Jean-Mary Cherestal, Fendy Mesy, A.D. Rachel Pierre, Phara Rodrique, Syncia Sabain joined forces to curate a three-day gathering that attracts hundreds of women of Haitian descent. Leveraging this transformative weekend, a powerful platform was created, fostering connections, empowering attendees, and celebrating Haitian culture.
2013
Ambassador Paul J. Altidor welcomed 200 professional women to the 8th Annual Brunch at the Embassy in Haiti.
2016
Haitian Ladies Weekend featured a White House Briefing for Haitian-American women in addition to the signature Embassy brunch.
2017
The first Annual Haitian Ladies Symposium with keynote Speaker Karine Jean-Pierre convened women around two themes: Engaging with Haiti and Elevating Your Personal Brand.
Our Pillars
Financial Well-being
Offering financial literacy initiatives tailored to different life stages, promoting long-term economic security
Wellness and Healing
Equipping women with resources to navigate relationships, physical and mental health, and overall well-being
Culture and Heritage
Celebrating Haitian culture and traditions, fostering education and reconnection
Bridging Haiti and Its Diaspora
Creating spaces for individuals, organizations, and businesses to connect, fostering two-way exchanges between Haiti and the diaspora
Voice and Influence
Providing immigration resources and advancing civic engagement to empower Haitian women in shaping their futures
Our Impact
HLN has empowered thousands of women through knowledge sharing, skill-building, and networking:
- 2.5M collective reach through partners and influencers
- 175+ Entrepreneurs showcased at conference marketplace (2019-2024) generating over $215K in sales
- 640+ Women-led businesses and entrepreneurs promoted on our digital platforms
- 55 activities hosted reaching 43,000+ participants
- 65 Prominent women changemakers and leaders hosted
- 30+ panels, workshops, and webinars delivered to inform and equip women to reach their life goals
- 50+ women running for office featured
- 60,000 FB Group members, 42K actively engaged
- 75+ artists and performers showcased
- 350+ trained in financial management
- 100+ trained on voter registration to support civic engagement
Goal & Vision
Our goal is to inspire every girl and woman of Haitian descent to achieve her life goals and lead in her community. Convene and create space for professional networking and inter-generational engagement for Haitian Ladies ages 13 to 100+ . Facilitate meaningful collaboration with women in Haiti.
Haitian Ladies Weekend
Our signature event, the Haitian Ladies Weekend, formerly the Haitian Ladies Brunch is an annual conference where thousands of Haitian Ladies from across the U.S. convene in Washington, DC to network, connect and inspire each other.
Founding Members
Founding Members: (left to right) back row: Kysseline Jean-Mary Cherestal, Thamar Harrigan, Karen Andre, Ariel Dominique, Fendy Mesy, A.D. Rachel Pierre; front row: Syncia Sabain Louis-Charles, Phara Georges Rodrigue, Nadine Duplessy Kearns, Theola Debose.
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The Haitian Ladies Network® is building a supportive lakou for Haitian women. Contribute to help us continue to build a thriving network and deliver impact.
