Leonie Marie Hermantin

Leonie M. Hermantin was born in Haiti and grew up in New York City. Ms. Hermantin’s career reflects her commitment to her community and to her chosen professional path in community development.  She has more than 20 years of grassroots community experience in Miami’s Haitian community.

From 1996 until 2008, Leonie worked in Miami, first as a Visiting Professor at FIU’s School of Architecture.  She subsequently served as Executive Director of the Haitian-American Foundation (HAFI) a community agency, providing services addressing the growing needs of Haitians and Haitian Americans living in Miami-Dade County. She went on the become Director of Research and Strategic Planning at the Haitian Neighborhood Center, Sant La.  In 2008, Leonie’s sights turned to Haiti’s rural communities and from 2018-2011, she served as the Deputy Director of the Lambi Fund of Haiti, a Haitian-led community foundation, focusing on the needs of Haiti’s rural population.

In 2011 Leonie launched her own consulting firm, Hermantin Consulting LLC, offering her the opportunity to work both in Haiti and in the US.  One of her most profoundly rewarding experiences has been to work with PRODEV, a Haitian-led Foundation whose mission is to provide poor children access to quality education. Hermantin Consulting provides services to the Children’s Trust, FOKAL and FIU.  Leonie recently returned to Sant La as the Director of Development, Communications and Strategic Planning.

Ms. Hermantin holds a Juris Doctorate from University of California at Berkeley as well as a master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning. She has served on multiple boards and currently sits on the Center for Haitian Studies’ Board of Directors. She is a proud and engaged member of Coral Gables Congregational Church UCC.