US Haitian Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.

10/12/2026

🎤 PANELIST ANNOUNCEMENT

We are honored to welcome Andress Appolon, a distinguished global executive, investment strategist, and international business leader, as a panelist at the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit!

Andress serves as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham Haiti), Vice President of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean (AACCLA), and Founder and President of Appolon Strategies LLC.

With over two decades of experience in international investment, infrastructure development, finance, and executive leadership, Andress has played a pivotal role in advancing major economic initiatives in Haiti and beyond.

She previously served as CEO of Lafito Industrial Free Zone S.A. and Port Lafito S.A., overseeing an $80 million+ industrial platform and a $200 million international container port. Her distinguished career also includes managing a $2 billion infrastructure portfolio at the Inter-American Development Bank and advising international institutions, including the World Bank.

A graduate of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Carnegie Mellon University, Andress brings exceptional expertise in trade, investment, and economic development.

🎙️ PANEL DISCUSSION:
U.S.–Haiti Trade, Manufacturing, Export & Market Opportunities

How can Haiti attract investment, strengthen manufacturing, expand exports, and create meaningful trade opportunities with the United States?

Andress brings invaluable firsthand experience in developing large-scale investments, navigating complex markets, and building partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth.

Join us for this important conversation as business leaders, investors, and policymakers explore practical pathways to expand U.S.–Haiti trade, unlock investment opportunities, and create sustainable jobs.

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hills Ballroom | 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA 02368
🎟️ Register today: www.habsummit.com

10/12/2026

🎤 MODERATOR ANNOUNCEMENT

We are proud to welcome Rachelle Antoine, MSW, a dynamic leadership strategist, community advocate, and public affairs professional, as a moderator at the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit!

Rachelle serves as President of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce New York Chapter and Manager of External Affairs & Community Outreach for the JFK Airport Redevelopment Program.

A passionate advocate for leadership development and community empowerment, Rachelle brings extensive experience in strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership. She works with professionals and organizations to transform bold ideas into meaningful action and sustainable impact.

🎙️ MODERATING SESSION:
From Influence to Impact: Mobilizing the Haitian Diaspora for Haiti's Economic Future

How can the Haitian diaspora leverage its financial resources, professional expertise, global networks, and collective influence to drive investment, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and sustainable job creation in Haiti?

With her leadership experience and commitment to diaspora empowerment, Rachelle will guide this important conversation focused on moving beyond dialogue toward measurable action.

Join us as we connect entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and community leaders to help shape Haiti's economic future!

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hills Ballroom | 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA 02368
🎟️ Register today: www.habsummit.com

10/12/2026

🎤 MODERATOR ANNOUNCEMENT

We are proud to welcome Dr. Gabrielle Abelard, an award-winning mental health leader, educator, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized nursing professional, as a moderator at the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit!

With over 20 years of experience in mental health nursing, Dr. Abelard is the Founder and CEO of Abelard Psychotherapy, Inc., a multi-site community mental health clinic providing accessible behavioral health services throughout Massachusetts.

She also serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directs graduate nursing programs at the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.

A distinguished leader and advocate for mental health equity, Dr. Abelard has received numerous national honors, including the 2022 National Black Nurses Association Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She was also recognized by the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce as the 2019 Haitian American Young Professional of the Year and is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Nursing and the National Academies of Practice.

🎙️ MODERATING SESSION:
Staying Strong: Mental Health, TPS Uncertainty & Resilience in the Haitian American Community

At a time when many Haitian families are navigating immigration uncertainty, emotional stress, and challenges to their well-being, this important conversation will explore mental health, community resilience, access to support, and practical strategies for moving forward with strength and hope.

Dr. Abelard brings a powerful combination of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and deep commitment to the Haitian American community.

Join us as we bring together distinguished leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for meaningful conversations that strengthen our communities and shape our collective future.

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hills Ballroom | 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA
🎟️ Register today: www.habsummit.com

10/12/2026

🎤 MODERATOR ANNOUNCEMENT

We are proud to welcome Marleen Julien to the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit as a moderator.
Marleen serves as Chief Creolist at Creole Solutions.
Marleen is the founder and CEO of Creole Solutions, a Chicago-based language services company built on the belief that Haitian Creole is both a cultural asset and a source of economic opportunity.Born in Nan Mapou, near Cap-Haïtien, she spent over a decade at the Consulate General of Haiti in Chicago while building her freelance translation practice.

They will take part in: Starting & Growing a Business
A timely discussion for everyone building across the diaspora.
Marleen's experience speaks directly to this topic.

Each year the Summit convenes business owners, professionals and community leaders from across the Haitian diaspora to share what they know and build on it together.
We hope you will join us.

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hills Ballroom · 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA 02368
🎟 Register today at www.habsummit.com

10/10/2026

🎤 PANELIST ANNOUNCEMENT | HABS 2026

We are honored to welcome Jeffsky Poincy, Founder and Lead Policy Analyst of Haiti Briefing, as a distinguished panelist at the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit!

A respected policy and governance expert, Jeffsky brings more than a decade of leadership and advisory experience spanning government, economic development, international policy, and peacebuilding.

Through Haiti Briefing, a Washington, D.C.-based independent policy platform, he works to amplify Haitian voices, bridge the gap between Haiti's realities and international policymaking, and strengthen informed diaspora engagement.

His extensive experience advising on governance, public investment, and economic policy in Haiti, along with leading international initiatives across West Africa and Eastern Europe, brings a valuable global perspective to this critical conversation.

Featured Panel: Haiti Elections, Governance & Democratic Stability

As Haiti navigates a defining moment in its political future, this discussion will examine the importance of credible elections, accountable governance, strong institutions, and the role of the diaspora in advancing lasting democratic stability.

Join Jeffsky and other influential voices as we move beyond dialogue toward meaningful solutions for Haiti's future.

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hills Ballroom | 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA
🎟️ Secure your seat today: www.habsummit.com

Rebuilding Haiti Through Business, Trade & Diaspora Leadership

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

PANELIST ANNOUNCEMENT | HABS 2026

We are honored to welcome Kesner Pharel, renowned Haitian economist, financial analyst, and Chairman and CEO of Group Croissance S.A., as a featured panelist at the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit.

With more than four decades of experience in economics, finance, and public policy, Mr. Pharel is one of Haiti’s most respected economic voices. A former economist at the Bank of the Republic of Haiti and consultant to the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, he has played a significant role in shaping conversations around Haiti’s economic development, investment, and financial literacy.

Panel: U.S.–Haiti Trade, Manufacturing, Export & Market Opportunities

Mr. Pharel will bring his extensive expertise and economic perspective to a critical discussion on expanding trade, attracting investment, strengthening Haiti’s productive sectors, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

Join us for this important conversation as business leaders, investors, policymakers, and diaspora professionals come together to explore practical solutions for Haiti’s economic future.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blue Hills Ballroom | 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA

Register today: www.habsummit.com

10/08/2026

🎤 PANELIST ANNOUNCEMENT

It is our pleasure to welcome Gregory Francois, joining the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit as a panelist.
Gregory brings the experience of Founder/CEO at Dani Security to this conversation.
Greg Francois is a cybersecurity consultant, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader passionate about using technology to drive economic and social development. He is the founder of Dani Security, a cybersecurity firm helping organizations protect their digital assets, and the founder of ODED, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children in Haiti.

Topic: Digital Governance: Using Technology to Strengthen Transparency, Public Services & Institutions in Haiti
It is a conversation our community will not want to miss.
That background is exactly what this conversation calls for.

The Summit is where entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders across the diaspora meet to exchange ideas, build partnerships and move work forward.
We look forward to welcoming you to the conversation.

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 Blue Hills Ballroom · 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA 02368
🎟 Register today at www.habsummit.com

10/08/2026

55+ SPEAKERS. ONE DIASPORA. ONE SHARED VISION FOR HAITI'S FUTURE.

The U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring together more than 55 confirmed speakers for the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit!

With 25 speakers already announced and 30+ more to be revealed, this year's Summit will unite influential voices, business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers from across the Haitian diaspora and beyond.

Under the theme “Rebuilding Haiti Through Business, Trade & Diaspora Leadership,” we're moving beyond conversations toward actionable strategies, meaningful partnerships, and sustainable economic opportunities.

The focus is clear: How can we harness the diaspora's collective influence, expertise, resources, and global networks to help rebuild Haiti while strengthening Haitian American businesses?

From trade and investment to economic development, entrepreneurship, governance, and job creation, the Summit will explore practical solutions that turn diaspora leadership into measurable impact.

This is more than a conference. It's a call to action for a diaspora ready to lead, invest, collaborate, and build.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 9 AM – 6 PM

Blue Hills Ballroom | 21 Scanlon Dr., Randolph, MA

Be part of the conversation. Be part of the solution.

Seats are limited. Register today at www.habsummit.com

10/08/2026

NAAHP is pleased to share that Myka Valbrun-Texas , our Director of Project Development and Award Management, will participate as a panelist at the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit.

Myka will join the discussion “From Influence to Impact: Mobilizing the Haitian Diaspora for Haiti’s Economic Future.”

We look forward to her contribution to this timely conversation on diaspora engagement and economic opportunity.

Hosted by the US Haitian Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., the summit will bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and community leaders for discussions on business, trade, and diaspora leadership.

Blue Hills Ballroom, Randolph, MA
9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Details and registration: https://www.habsummit.com