Summit Agenda
November 6-8, 2025 | UMass Boston
Summit Schedule
Preliminary schedule for the inaugural Haitian American Business Summit
Day 1
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Registration
Check-in, badge collection, and networking opportunity
Main Lobby
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Official welcome and introductions
Grand Ballroom
The State of Haitian American Businesses
Panel
This opening panel explores the current landscape, opportunities, and challenges facing Haitian-owned businesses across the U.S. The discussion will highlight growth trends, barriers to capital, and the importance of collaboration across regions.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Marc Saint Clair, MBA
Panelists:
Mishella Etienne-Campbell
Access to Capital, Credit, and Wealth Building for Haitian Americans
Panel
This panel brings together representatives from Eastern Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, the SBA, and more to discuss practical strategies for accessing capital, improving credit, and building long-term wealth. Panelists will share insights on small business financing, credit readiness, and investment opportunities tailored to Haitian Americans.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Marc Saint Clair, MBA
Panelists:
Aliana Piñeiro, Eddy Desir, Jason Solomon
Social Media Marketing
Workshop
More information will be published soon!
Workshop Room 2
Funding Self-Determination – A Global Initiative for Haitian Prosperity
Panel
This panel brings together experts and policymakers to address Haiti’s ongoing human rights and self-determination challenges. It will examine the lasting impact of colonial injustices and current crises such as violence, displacement, and migration, while focusing on actionable pathways to economic empowerment. A central focus will be the proposed Haitian People’s Fund (HPF) — a global financial vehicle aimed at supporting Haitian entrepreneurs, reducing systemic barriers, and fostering long-term prosperity and resilience.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Rebecca Roseme Obounou
Panelists:
Clifford Nau, Dr. Guerda Nicolas, Dr. Howard Jean-Denis
Networking Lunch
Networking
Grand Ballroom
Staying Strong: Community Solutions for Mental Health and Business Resilience
Panel
The challenges of the modern world have highlighted the critical link between mental wellness and business success. Staying Strong: Community Solutions for Mental Health and Business Resilience is a candid and crucial conversation about this very connection. Join a diverse group of experts as they unpack how fostering mental health within our communities can directly lead to more innovative, productive, and resilient businesses. You'll hear about real-world solutions and learn how to implement them in your own community or organization.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Dr. Gabrielle Abelard
Panelists:
Giscard M. Saintil, Jessica Jefferson, Patricia Mura Desert
Financing a Small Business
Workshop
Join us for a dynamic session on Financing a Small Business. This workshop will cover the pros and cons of starting from scratch, buying an existing business, or franchising. You'll also learn about key funding options, including SBA loans, grants, equity, and crowdfunding, to help you make your business vision a reality.
Workshop Room 2
Workshop Facilitator:
Ramesh Advani
Ai for your small business
Workshop
Learn how to use Artificial Intelligence to save time, cut costs, and grow your small business! In this hands-on session presented by Quadrillion Tech Solutions, we’ll show you how AI can help you create a full business plan in minutes, design logos, build websites, and even produce video commercials. You’ll also discover tools that handle social media posts, answer inbound and outbound customer calls, respond to inquiries, manage your books, and keep your schedule on track. Through live demos and simple step-by-step guidance, you’ll leave with an action plan you can start using right away—no tech background required.
Workshop Room 1
Day 2
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Registration
Check-in, badge collection, and networking opportunity
Main Lobby
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Official welcome and introductions
Grand Ballroom
Starting a Business
Panel
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Aliesha Porcena
The Customer Experience Revolution – Elevating Service Standards in Haitian American Businesses
Panel
Customer service has long been a significant challenge within the Haitian business ecosystem, often affecting customer trust and business growth. This panel will confront that issue directly—exploring the root causes, cultural dynamics, and practical steps toward improvement. Panelists will share proven strategies and best practices to help Haitian American businesses enhance customer experience, strengthen loyalty, and elevate service standards across industries.
Grand Ballroom
Panelists:
Evenflow E. Guillomaitre, Nathalie Lecorps, Theo Gilbert-Jamison
Doing Business with the State of Massachusetts
Workshop
Join us for a session on Doing Business with the State of Massachusetts. You'll discover the different types of diversity certifications, how they can help you market your business, and the key role of the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) in connecting certified businesses with state procurement opportunities.
Workshop Room 1
Workshop Facilitator:
Michelle Mendes
Haitian Music & Movies: Industry or Illusion?
Panel
This dynamic panel will explore whether Haitian entertainment—spanning music, film, and digital media—can grow into a thriving, self-sustaining industry. Artists, filmmakers, producers, and cultural entrepreneurs will share insights on unlocking real opportunities in monetization, expanding distribution networks, and overcoming systemic challenges. Together, they’ll discuss what it will take to transform creative passion into lasting economic impact.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Jean Julien
Panelists:
Farah Larrieux, Fritz Hyacinthe aka Fito Farinen, Raynald Delerme aka Baba, Robenson Lauvince, Yvon Jerome
Raising the Bar - Elevating the Customer Experience from Average to Extraordinary
Workshop
Workshop Room 2
Workshop Facilitator:
Theo Gilbert-Jamison
Networking Lunch
Networking
Grand Ballroom
Leadership Matters – Shaping Policy, Advocacy & Civic Engagement for Economic Empowerment
Panel
Leaders explore how civic participation and advocacy can foster economic advancement and representation.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Jessicah Pierre
Panelists:
Eunice D. Zeigler, Ruthzee Louijeune, Tamisha Civil
Navigating a New Era: Haitian Immigrants Under Changing U.S. Immigration Policies
Panel
This panel explores how shifting U.S. immigration laws—such as TPS, asylum policies, and border enforcement—affect Haitian immigrants, families, and entrepreneurs. Experts and community leaders will discuss current challenges, emerging opportunities, and strategies for resilience, while highlighting the vital contributions of Haitians to America’s social and economic fabric.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
Jean-Claude Sanon
Panelists:
Carline Desire, Dr. Dieufort Fleurissaint, Mirian Albert
One Diaspora, One Mission – Building a Global Haitian Business Network
Panel
This closing panel unites diaspora leaders to discuss building a cohesive global Haitian business ecosystem.
Grand Ballroom
Moderator:
James Reginald Colimon
Panelists:
Firmin Backer
Day 3 - Gala
Awards Gala VIP Reception
Awards Reception
Guests will enjoy early access to an exclusive cocktail hour, offering a chance to mingle with award finalists, elected officials, and featured artists in an intimate, upscale setting. The evening begins with a touch of glamour as attendees make a memorable entrance during the red carpet ceremony, capturing stunning photos with distinguished guests and honorees. As the ambiance unfolds, guests can savor a curated selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres while enjoying complimentary beverages throughout the cocktail hour. This refined experience sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and connection.
Main Lobby
HAYP Awards Ceremony
Awards Ceremony
Enjoy the evening with reserved seating for eight, ensuring you and your guests have a dedicated table to take in every moment of the awards ceremony and gala night. From start to finish, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to celebrate honorees and connect with fellow guests in style and comfort. The night features a gourmet three-course meal crafted to delight every palate, paired with captivating live entertainment running from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. With fine dining and dynamic performances, the evening promises an unforgettable experience of celebration and elegance.
Grand Ballroom
Ready to join us at the summit?
Register today to secure your place at this premier event.