WEST ORANGE, NJ — The National Association of Haitian Professionals (NAHP) has partnered with the Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation (JDT Foundation) and New Jersey Haitian Student Association (NJHSA) Alumni to host a one-day symposium entitled « Haiti Investment and Education » on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at the Newark Museum (Billy Johnson Auditorium) in New Jersey from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The event is free to the public “The Haitian Diaspora represents an untapped resource for investment in Haiti so far. Amcham Haiti is the gateway to investments into Haiti, finding local partners, and meeting key government officials,” said Philippe Saint-Cyr, MBA, the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti. “Amcham Haiti hopes to facilitate investments from the Diaspora that can represent millions in capital to fund current and new companies and provide thousands of jobs, especially outside of the Port-au-Prince area,” he concluded.
Over 200 professionals from the tri-state area and abroad, who represent leaders in their industries, are expected to attend the conference and discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist in the redevelopment of Haiti.
« The Haitian Diaspora represents tremendous opportunities for Haiti. Its combined intellectual and economic strengths offer the best chance to provide continued support and growth for the country,” stated Dr. Marjorie P. Brennan, MD, the founder and executive director of the Joseph Dennis Thomas Foundation. “We plan to engage this large pool of passionate and committed individuals to help support education and investment in Haiti, » said Brennan.
Topics will range from education and business to clean energy and agriculture. Featured speakers include: Philippe Saint-Cyr, MBA, the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti; Nathalie Liautaud, MA, the diaspora and investment outreach manager of the Pan American Development Foundation; Conor Bohan, the founder and executive director of Haiti Education Leadership Program (HELP); and Dr. Francois Pierre-Louis, City University of New York.
“Lack of access to education, from primary school to university, is one of the greatest obstacles to long-term social and economic development in Haiti. Conversely, there is overwhelming evidence that investment in education yields extremely high returns, both socially and economically,” said Bohan. “This year’s NAHP conference is an important platform for connecting Haitian diaspora and friends of Haiti to promising investment opportunities in the for-profit and non-profit sectors,”
National Association of Haitian Professionals, (NAHP)
The National Association of Haitian Professionals (NAHP) was created in 2011 as a non-profit organization with the vision of becoming the premier organization dedicated to preparing Haitian professionals in the Diaspora for leadership positions throughout the U.S. The NAHP develops partnerships that result in the creation of intellectual and economic wealth within the Haitian community while creating mentoring opportunities between Haitian professionals and high school or college age students to assist in growing the talent pipeline of professionals in various industries. We remain committed to making a difference in the United States by providing the cultural awareness and sensitivity vital in the management of the nation’s diverse workforce, and abroad by building a strong network of Haitian professionals and like-minded organizations to help rebuild Haiti.
Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation
The Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation is dedicated to entrusting the Haitian people to reverse the economic, environmental, health and social effects of deforestation, loss of agriculture, and lack of water system management. Through higher education opportunities, and with strong partnerships and collaboration, the Foundation works towards increased engagement in the development and conservation of natural resources for the benefit of the community.
New Jersey Haitian Student Association (NJHSA) Alumni
The New Jersey Haitian Student Association (NJHSA) Alumni Chapter’s purpose is to bring together the collective resources of NJHSA alumni in order to promote education and other services within the community; to maintain a liaison between the alumni; to maintain a continuing supportive relationship with NJHSA, its members, programs and events. The mission of the Alumni Chapter is to foster alumni loyalty, involvement and support.
