[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     HONORING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE 
                  ADVANCEMENT OF HAITIAN PROFESSIONALS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the 
great state of Florida, I rise to mark the fifth anniversary of the 
National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP) 
and to honor its years of service to the Haitian-American community and 
our nation.
  NAAHP was founded in 2008 as the National Association of Haitian 
Professionals (NAHP) by a group of ambitious college students to 
connect Haitian professionals and build ladders of opportunity for the 
Haitian diaspora domestically and abroad. In 2015, NAHP officially 
became the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian 
Professionals to reflect the organization's growth and pursuit of new 
initiatives since its launch in 2011.
  In the past five years, NAAHP has become one of the leading 
associations for Haitian professionals and also an advocate on issues 
affecting the global Haitian community.
  NAAHP has hosted many conferences around the world to engage the 
Haitian diaspora, recognized influential Haitian leaders, awarded 
scholarships to students of Haitian descent, launched the Network After 
Work Social Hour Series, and offered year-round college readiness 
programs through its College Readiness Access & Retention Institute.
  NAAHP has led the Haitian diaspora in confronting a number of issues 
affecting Haitians abroad. Since 2015, it has been one of the foremost 
advocates fighting the denaturalization of Dominicans of Haitian 
descent. In response to Haiti's derailed 2015 presidential elections, 
NAAHP proposed several solutions which were adopted and helped to 
mitigate the political crisis.
  Every year, the NAAHP conference gathers Haitians from around the 
world to highlight the Haitian diaspora's success, network, and share 
solutions to address Haiti's challenges. I am so pleased that the NAAHP 
decided to convene in Washington, D.C., for its fifth annual 
conference. As the Member of Congress representing the Congressional 
District with the largest population of Haitians, it gives me great 
pleasure to welcome NAAHP and the diaspora to Washington.
  This year's honorees include Congresswoman Mia Love (UT-4), 
Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine, National Urban League 
president Marc Morial, entrepreneur Leanna Archer, and renowned 
architect Rodney Leon.
  I personally thank Robert Raben, Cleve Mesidor, and Donald Gatlin 
from the Raben Group, Suze Francois, Albert DeCady, Ambassador Paul 
Altidor, Naomie Pierre-Louis, Ariel Dominique, and everyone at the 
Embassy of the Republic of Haiti, 1 Click, Off the Ground Solutions, 
Haiti Renewal Alliance, and Azure College for their unwavering support 
of NAAHP.
  I commend the NAAHP leadership team for their commitment, dedication, 
and excellence.
  The executive management team includes Serge Renaud (president), 
Marie Myka Texas, Samuel Charles, Vladimir ``Vlad'' Gilbert, Regine 
Albin, Ketsia Saint-Armand, Victoria Winslow, Kathy W. Elisca Clermont, 
Widline Luctama, Tracy Vertus, Kristia M. Beaubrun, Claslyne Doris Jean 
Pierre, Verlene Julceus, and Malika Raquel Bernard.
  The Board of Directors consists of Dr. Wilkerson Compere (chairman), 
Samuel Charles, Mackendy Elmera, Serge Renaud, Dr. Cledicianne Dorvil, 
and Anide Jean.
  The Advisory Board is co-chaired by Dr. Marjorie Pierre Brennan and 
Miche Jean, and includes Nathalie Liautaud, Bruno Surpris, Dr. C. 
Reynold Verret, Dr. Paul A. Belony, Ambassador Danielle Saint-Lot, 
Jaques M. Jean, Brigitte Rousseau, Adler C. Eliacin, and Harold 
Charles.
  The Scholarship Committee is led by co-chairs Dr. Marjorie P. Brennan 
and Jacques Medina Jean, and includes Widline Luctama, Regine Albin, 
Bruno Surpris, and Miche Jean.
  The Advocacy Committee is under the leadership of the Honorable Judge 
Lionel Jean-Baptiste, Joanne Antoine, and Cassandre Theano.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you, my colleagues in Congress, and all Americans 
to please join me in honoring the National Alliance for the Advancement 
of Haitian Professionals on their fifth anniversary and for hosting 
this year's conference in our nation's capital.

                          ____________________