2025 CHANGEMAKERS & ONES TO WATCH HONOREES

Induction Ceremony and Dinner Reception

Saturday, June 7, 2025 | New York Academy of Medicine | 6:00pm-10:00pm

Celebrating Haitian Excellence!

The Haitian Roundtable is pleased to introduce the 1804 List of Changemakers and Ones To Watch for 2025. The 1804 List, named in honor of Haiti’s year of independence, celebrates Haitian-American thought leaders, industry innovators, rising stars, and unsung heroes. Since its inception, over 200 leaders across the U.S. have been inducted into this prestigious group.

The 1804 List Induction Ceremony and Dinner Reception will be held on Saturday, June 7th, 6:00-10:00PM, at the New York Academy of Medicine.

Karthilde Appolon is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional with a rich background in advanced dental education, clinical practice, and academic leadership. Over the years, Dr. Appolon has consistently demonstrated excellence in the field of dentistry, making significant contributions to patient care, education, and professional advocacy.

From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Appolon pursued advanced education at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Education, successfully completing Core Curriculum I-VI and earning the prestigious LVIF Fellowship in 2019. This comprehensive training equipped Dr. Appolon with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of restorative dentistry, with a particular focus on treating patients with Temporomandibular JointDisorders (TMD) and addressing failing dental work. Dr. Appolon’s journey in dentistry began at New York University College of Dentistry,where they earned their Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) degree in 2003.

Subsequently, they obtained North Eastern Regional Board Certification in 2003, showcasing their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of dental practice. Currently serving as a Founding member of the Appolon Dental Group under the leadership of Dr. Karthilde Appolon DDS PC since April 2009, Dr. Appolon performs all phases of restorative dentistry, specializing in cosmetic restorative revisions that often lead to facial enhancement. Their dedication to excellence in patient care is evident in their approach to addressing TMD and overcoming challenges associated with failing dental work.

In addition to their clinical practice, Dr. Appolon has actively contributed to dental education as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Community Health at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine from July 2009 to December 2010. This academic role allowed them to share their expertise and knowledge with the next generation of dental professionals.

As a committed member of the dental community, Dr. Appolon holds memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, New York County Dental Society, and the New York Dental Forum. This commitment to professional organizations is further demonstrated through board memberships, including serving as the President of the New York State Academy ofGeneral Dentistry from January 2019 to January 2020. Dr. Appolon has also served in various leadership roles, including President Elect, Secretary, Chairman of Nominating Committee, Chairman of New Dentist Committee, and Chairman of PACE Committee, showcasing their dedication to advancing the field of dentistry.

Dr. Appolon is not only an accomplished practitioner and educator but also a passionate advocate for the dental profession. They have represented New York State at the Academy of General Dentistry House of Delegates in multiple years, including 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021. This commitment to advocacy demonstrates Dr. Appolon’s desire to contribute to shaping the future of dentistry on a broader scale.

Cassandre Charles is the Head of Client Engagement at TIAA. A passionate marketing leader with over 25 years of experience connecting brands and their desired audiences. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to Haitian parents, Cassandre is a proud first-generation American. 

Before joining TIAA, Cassandre held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Consumer Marketing at Ovia Health, a SaaS-based digital health company, where she led the brand’s multimedia marketing initiatives. She also served as Vice President of Marketing at Essence magazine, where she developed revenue-generating campaigns for Fortune 500 advertising partners and was part of the leadership team that produced the Essence Festival of Culture.

In addition to her professional achievements, Cassandre is also an active and passionate full-spectrum doula, advocating for equity in maternal care for marginalized communities. She currently serves on the board of HealthConnect One and is a proud mother to two beautiful daughters. 

Marie Lourdes Charles is a Community Health Nurse, Researcher, and Educator with over 40 years’ experience, Dr. Charles is an Associate Professor with tenure at Pace University. Her practice, research, and scholarship aim at improving health outcomes by focusing on underrepresented populations, especially individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as people living in resource-poor communities.

 

As a member of the Board of Directors of AHRC, a 75-year-old organization servicing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she advocates for improvement in research and nursing care for this population. Furthermore, this experience evolved into grant funded research studies published and presented in peer-reviewed venues. Advocating for health equity in marginalized communities is a common thread in her personal and professional endeavors.

 

A founding member and Vice-President of the Health Education Action League for Haiti (HEAL Haiti), Dr. Charles collaborates with community partners in Haiti to provide resources, health screening, and education to underserved populations. HEAL-Haiti is currently addressing several global health issues including prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, healthcare workforce shortage, and disaster management education, in conflict/crisis-ridden areas of Haiti. 

 

Additionally, she served as a liaison between Pace University and Caribbean Communities of Brooklyn and Queens to execute the All of Us Educational Program from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Currently, she is involved in the PrEP Ring study in Uganda which was funded by several Pace University grants. Dr. Charles has received many awards for her contributions to Public Health including the Caribbean Impact Award from Caribbean Life and Advancing Health Equity Award from the Association of Community Health Nurse Educators (ACHNE). Moreover, she is an inductee as member of Sigma Theta Tau International and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine.

Wileen Charles is a seasoned television producer with over 28 years of experience in the industry, overseeing more than 3,600 hours of live-to-tape projects. She has held significant leadership roles, including Vice President of Production at “ABC Signature, the Walt Disney Television Studios” as recently as March 2024, where she managed scripted series such as AppleTv’s “Bad Sisters,” Onyx’s “Reasonable Doubt,” Hulu’s “UnPrisoned,” “Under the Bridge,” and “Home Economics”.

Prior to her tenure at ABC Signature, Wileen served as Vice President of Physical Production in Programming & Development at Hallmark Media. In this role, she created and implemented a new system called “From Cradle-to-Crave”. Which managed production from “Development budgeting to Delivery”. Overseeing an annual mix of 92 films and 6 TV series, including popular shows like “When Calls the Heart” and “Chesapeake Shores.”

Wileen’s extensive experience also includes her role as Line Producer and Unit Production Manager for Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” series for 9 seasons, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lifestyle Program in 2018.

In 2024, Wileen founded Braintree, where she serves as Founder and President. The company leverages top-tier creatives, production execs, and technical talent who deliver exceptional results for both domestic and international IP. Her diverse skill set encompasses Producing Scripted and Non-Scripted, Live-to-tape, Branded Marketing, Ad Sales, Integrated Partnerships, Network Campaigns, Premieres, Competitions, Docu-Series, Animated Series, LifeStyle Morning Shows, Brand Packaging, network announcements, and immersive events.

She is an active member of the Television Academy and is notably the first woman of color and Haitian to earn the title of Vice President stripes in Scripted Production at ABC Signature, Disney. Hollywood’s prestigious “Women in Production Society” welcomed

Wileen in 2022 to help further the active role of women in television and film production.

Mike Gauyo is a Haitian-American screenwriter whose writing credits include HBO’s critically acclaimed series, INSECURE and Netflix’s record-breaking hit series, GINNY & GEORGIA. He also Co-Created and was the Co-Showrunner of AMC Networks/ALLBLK original dramedy, SEND HELP. Mike is also the founder of Black Boy Writes Media, which is home to the Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative for aspiring Black writers. The program is now in its 5th year with 4 cohorts and over 50 mentees.

Sandra Lajoie is Vice President, Entertainment Unscripted Communications at NBCUniversal,  develops and implements consumer and trade communication strategies for unscripted competition, game, and documentary programming. She oversees the publicity efforts for NBC’s and Bravo’s high-profile original programming including The Voice, The Real Housewives of Potomac, Deal or No Deal Island, and others. And she led the press campaign for Bravo’s first half-hour comedy, Odd Mom Out, and Oxygen’s original crime docuseries Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Lajoie came as a young girl with her family to the United States in search of the American dream. She grew up in New York and Massachusetts. After graduating from Emerson College with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism, Lajoie moved to Los Angeles, where she spent six years developing her skills as a top entertainment communications specialist. She served as a publicist for Warner Bros. Television, working on a roster of hit series like The West Wing, Gossip Girl, Chuck, Cold Case, and Fringe, to name a few.

Lajoie’s career eventually led her back to New York, where she joined public relations agency Coburn Communication. During her tenure as an account supervisor and publicist for Coburn, Lajoie provided media counsel to key consumer brands including IMAN Cosmetics and Victoria’s Secret, as well as to the television networks PBS, CMT/MTV, and Animal Planet. She also developed and executed public relations and event programs to promote numerous celebrity fragrance launches for Elizabeth Arden, including Britney Spears Circus Fantasy, Mariah Carey Luscious Pink, and Badgley Mischka Couture.

Prior to her current position, Lajoie was Director, Communications for Bravo and Oxygen Media, where she managed the successful launches of several series, including Best Ink, Preachers of L.A., and Paris Hilton’s return to the reality genre in The World According to Paris. She also served as a multi-network representative on the Internal Diversity Council, an initiative established to foster innovation, business growth, and new ideas for NBCUniversal entertainment.

Lajoie is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, New York and works closely with Gyrl Wonder, a nonprofit organization that endeavors to cultivate opportunities for BIPOC women in media and entertainment.

Alain Lemaire is an award-winning Chef and is a native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Alain made the decision to pursue an education in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management at Johnson & Wales University. Today, Alain is the Co-owner and Executive Chef of a boutique-style catering company in Florida called Sensory Delights. He is also the Owner and operator of the Private Chef service “Ou Manje Deja?”, which includes Pop-ups and merchandise.

Alain has been featured on several TV shows. He was the host chef of the “Taste of Haiti” episode of the “Luda Can’t Cook” series on Discovery+ with award-winning rapper, actor, and restaurateur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. He was also a contestant on the Food Network’s hit series Fire Masters, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Chopped. Alain has participated in and featured as a guest chef in numerous food events and festivals throughout the United States and overseas, including Charleston Wine & Food Festival, Food, Wine and Fete, Grace Jamaican Jerk Fest, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and more.

From time to time, Alain lends his expertise on food, especially Caribbean cuisine, to several magazines and newspapers such as USA Today, The New York Times, Saveur Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, Epicurious, and more.

Regina Luzincourt is a seasoned senior executive with over 17 years of experience in government relations. She has held leadership roles across federal, state, and local government sectors, electoral campaigns, and public-private partnerships. Her expertise in implementing and overseeing change within complex political and commercial environments has made her a trusted figure.

Currently, Regina serves as the Director of Government Affairs at Toyota Motor North America, leading policy initiatives related to intellectual property and automotive safety. Before this, she was the Senior Director of Government Relations at Navient, where she deepened her expertise in financial services and governmental affairs.

Regina’s extensive background encompasses government relations, organizational management, political strategy, labor relations, and the execution of strategic multifaceted campaigns. Her ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders ensures that all perspectives are represented in developing policies that impact large and varied constituencies.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Regina is a proud alumna of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany, where she earned a B.A. in Communications & Rhetoric and an M.A. in Political Communication. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a dedicated mother to her son, DJ, and an active Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated member and Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated member.

With her wealth of experience and passion for equitable policy development, Regina Luzincourt is a leader and inspiration in government relations and public affairs.

Francesca Momplaisir is the author of The Garden of Broken Things and My Mother’s House. Born in Haiti, she is a multi-lingual scholar and novelist writing in English and Kreyol. Dr. Momplaisir studied at Columbia University, the University of Oxford, and New York University where she earned a doctorate in African and African diaspora literature. She is the recipient of a Fulbright fellowship to travel to Ghana to research the cultural retention of the transatlantic slave trade. Her debut novel was compared to Toni Morrison “at the height of her career” (Harper’s Bazaar) and made several best book lists including Elle and Vulture

She lives in the New York City metro area.

Errol L. Pierre is a published author, a college professor, and a healthcare executive. He currently serves as the SVP of State Programs at Healthfirst leading product, sales, and community engagement. 

He graduated from Fordham with a bachelor of science in business administration, from New York University with a masters of public administration in health policy and financial management, and from Baruch College with a doctorate in business administration. 

He is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University, NYU, and Baruch College teaching Health Economics and Health Transformation and serves on the board of the Citizens Budget Commission and Arthur Ashe Institute of Health. 

Lastly, he is the author of The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color, published by Wiley. 

Tamara Béliard Rodriguez is a seasoned businesswoman, investor, EMMY winning Producer, Author, and philanthropist, Tamara is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Fatima Group, a longstanding family-owned holding company with a predominant presence in three key industries: maritime and port services,hospitality, and media.

Beyond finance, Tamara has made a significant impact in media as the co-owner of Island TV, a Miami-based television network under the Fatima Group umbrella. With over 25 years of broadcasting experience, Island TV reaches millions through cable, over the air, and streaming while also available in 15 island markets via cable networks. With its diverse multilingual programming, Island TV serves as a vital bridge for the Haitian and Caribbean communities, providing essential news, cultural insights,

and civic education. 

The network fosters engagement by delivering accessible and relevant content

that empowers viewers, amplifies Caribbean voices, and promotes informed discussions on political, social, and economic issues that shape their lives.

Her work in media has earned her an EMMY award for Caribbean Cookout, a culinary series showcasing the richness of Caribbean cuisine and culture. In addition to her professional success, Tamara is deeply committed to philanthropy. She serves on multiple boards and leads initiatives that support education, economic empowerment, and healthcare access using her platform to drive meaningful change.

Tamara is the author of two acclaimed children’s books, Hair to the Queen! and Teo the Great, which delicately explores the impact of cancer while celebrating themes of resilience, self-love, and the power of family support. Inspired by her own journey as a breast cancer survivor, Tamara’s writing empowers children and families to navigate illness with strength and compassion. Her books emphasize the beauty of embracing one’s natural hair—especially after hair loss due to chemotherapy—reinforcing that true beauty comes from confidence, self-acceptance, and the love that surrounds us.

She is also a member of The International Women’s Forum (IWF) Florida Chapter, an invitation-only network of over 7,500 preeminent women leaders in 33 countries and was named to the Miami Host Committee Board of Directors for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. As a reflection of her rich background, Tamara is a polyglot. She is fluent in French, English, Haitian-Creole and is proficient in Spanish.

Alex Romain is a leading national trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience representing individuals and corporations in a broad range of high-stakes matters. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, white collar defense, and internal investigations.

Alex has handled high-profile white collar criminal matters, including the defense and ultimate exoneration of the late Sen. Ted Stevens. The American Lawyer described his team’s work on this case as “one of the best criminal defense performances in memory, resulting in a heightened scrutiny of prosecutors that will affect the Justice Department for years to come.” He also successfully represented the Baltimore Ravens and members of its senior leadership regarding the independent investigation conducted by former FBI Director Robert Mueller.

As lead counsel, Alex represented a leading global professional services company in an $830 million actuarial malpractice and breach of contract lawsuit brought by the City of Houston in connection with the city’s $6.2 billion pension crisis. He also successfully represented the former chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae against securities fraud claims in which the plaintiff sought more than $2 billion in damages. The court awarded Alex’s client summary judgment on all counts.

Alex maintains an active pro bono practice. As lead counsel, he recently represented the Alliance for Children’s Rights and the Learning Rights Law Center in a petition before the Supreme Court of California seeking to secure necessary educational services for students with special needs in the Los Angeles Unified School District during the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously served on Law360’s Trial Editorial Advisory Board.

Alex earned his BA from Yale University and his JD from the University of Michigan Law School. He clerked for the Hon. Sandra L. Lynch of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and for the Hon. Reginald C. Lindsay of the US District Court of the District of Massachusetts.

Alex has been recognized multiple times by Lawdragon, as one of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America; Los Angeles Business Journal, as a Leader of Influence: Top Litigator and Trial Attorney, by the Los Angeles Business Journal (2022); a Litigation Trailblazer by the National Law Journal(2022); a California Litigation Star, by Benchmark; and a Leader in Law by the Los Angeles Business Journal (2020).

Alex currently serves as Chair of the board of the Alliance for Children’s Rights and serves on the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Advisory Board. He recently served on the boards of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Alex is a classically trained pianist.

Pascale Sablan is the Chief Executive Officer, New York Studio at Adjaye Associates, with over 18 years of experience, has been on the team for numerous projects around the world. Pascale is the 315th living African-American woman registered architect in the United States. She is an activist architect who works to advance architecture for the betterment of society through bringing visibility and voice to the issues concerning women and BIPOC designers. She founded the Beyond the Built Environment organization to address the inequitable disparities in architecture.

She has been quoted in the New York Times regarding her efforts, and Forbes magazine described her as “the powerhouse woman…actively changing history with a simple mission: women and designers of color must claim and be credited for their contributions to the built environment.” More recently she was featured on Oprah’s Future Rising platform for Black trailblazers moving our world forward in the Audacious category.

In 2023, Pascale began serving a two year term as the President of the National Organization of Minority Architects, the 5th woman to hold this position in the organization’s 52-year legacy. She was awarded the Architectural League 2021 Emerging Voices award and the 2021 AIA Whitney M. Young. Jr Award for her advocacy efforts and ascended to the AIA College of Fellows, the youngest African American in the world to reach that honor in the organization’s 165-year legacy. She was the 2022 AIA National Secretary’s Advisory Committee Member. Pascale has given lectures at Colleges and Universities nationally and; cultural institutions such as the United Nations and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Sablan holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University.

Yamilée Toussaint is the Founder & CEO of STEM From Dance, which empowers girls with the skills, experiences, and confidence to pursue careers in STEM through the transformative power of dance. Combining her background in engineering, education, and a lifelong passion for dance, she started the program in 2012 to inspire girls of color to pursue STEM careers. 

Yamilée holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and a M.S. in Teaching from Pace University. She has earned numerous accolades, including the MIT MLK Leadership Award, Teach For America’s Social Innovation Award, AnitaB.org‘s Educational Innovation Award, Falling Walls Foundation Science Engagement Breakthrough of the Year, and a 2024 Top 5 CNN Hero.

Fapianey Alexandre is an aspiring physician-scientist and a proud advocate for Haitian excellence. Currently earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Education at the University of Florida, Fapianey has dedicated her academic and research career to improving health outcomes through science and advocacy. As a project leader in the Burke Laboratory at the UF College of Medicine, she investigates metabolic interventions for age-related cognitive decline. Her commitment to advancing healthcare equity and scientific discovery has earned her multiple accolades, including recognition for her contributions to the Haitian community. Fapianey will continue her journey at Meharry Medical College, where she will pursue an MD-PhD, combining her passion for research and clinical care to serve underserved communities.

Prince Prajjé Oscar Jean Baptiste is an acclaimed Haitian-American designer and Creative Director whose extraordinary career has redefined modern luxury fashion. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and cultural preservation, Prajjé has built a brand that transcends borders, inspiring audiences worldwide.

A graduate of the prestigious Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, Prajjé transformed his childhood dream into a reality, establishing his fashion house in 2003. Now based in Philadelphia, his brand encompasses a sophisticated atelier and a Couture Atelier in Haiti, reflecting his deep connection to heritage and craftsmanship.

Prajjé’s work is synonymous with artistry and innovation. As a two-time Project Runway alumnus, his visionary approach to design captivated millions, solidifying his reputation as a cultural storyteller. He serves as the Creative Director for Philly Fashion Week and the Haitian band ZILE, shaping their artistic direction and wardrobe with unparalleled flair.

In addition to his design prowess, Prajjé is a distinguished educator. He shares his expertise as a professor at Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Harcum College. He is also a guest professor and mentor at Moore College of Art & Design. His mentorship program, Atelier Prajjé Oscar Apprentice, nurtures the next generation of creative talent.

Prajjé’s designs have graced the pages of the world’s most esteemed publications, including Essence, Elle, Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone, Philly Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Rebel Magazine, Ticket Magazine, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Haitian Times, New York Times, Washington Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. His work has been spotlighted on major media platforms such as NBC, ABC, FOX, TMZ, Bravo TV, and First Look.

Prajjé Oscar’s creations exude sophistication, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Renowned for his masterful cuts, sumptuous textures, and impeccable attention to detail, his designs cater to the discerning men and women who embody downtown cool with uptown refinement. His philosophy—rooted in a commitment to tradition and savoir-faire through simplicity and understated elegance, empowering individuals through accessible luxury—ensures his clients feel confident and elegant.

“As a designer, I am profoundly responsible to those who wear my designs. My mission is to ensure they feel beautiful, empowered, and contemporary while offering them an aspirational and attainable luxury,” says Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste.

From commanding the international runways to dressing the most exclusive red carpets, Prajjé continues to redefine global luxury. His work bridges Haiti’s rich cultural narratives with the cutting-edge sensibilities of modern fashion, leaving an indelible mark as an international designer and creative force.

Tadia Toussaint has been empowered by the many cultures that surround her. A natural-born leader and community organizer, she pairs her craft of storytelling with hermany gifts and talents – claiming the titles of artist, producer and journalist. She is an Emmy-nominated video director and producer at BRIC TV, producing social justice focused programming and documentaries. She freelances at outlets catered to telling the stories of ethnic, marginalized communities.

 Her BRIC portfolio also includes the captures/ archiving of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn and Jazz Fest shows. As a recording music artist, Juilliard music school alum, she occasionally tours internationally, connecting with African, Caribbean & Haitian diaspora communities. She has a masters degree in Journalism from Craig Newmark School of Journalism (formerly known as CUNY School of Journalism) with concentrations on business, arts and culture reporting. She has had short documentaries published in Gothamist, and Univision. She has also written for Haitian Times.

She worked abroad in Haiti in 2016, reporting on a variety of stories about animal control, hospitals, and music. She has moderated and featured on panels discussing the role of media, arts and culture in society today. In 2018, she produced a 32-episode series called ‘Chokarella New York Takeover’ for a Haiti-based digital media platform, Chokarella. She previously worked in production at CBS Sports, VP Records.  She is the co-founder of a production company called Ouula Media, providing music video services for notable recording artists like Alan Cave, Stacy Barthe, Adekunle Gold, Fabolous and more.

2023 CATHERINE FLON AWARD HONOREES

The Catherine Flon Award, named for the courageous Haitian woman who sewed the first Haitian flag during Haiti’s Revolution for Independence, represents HRT’s most distinguished honor, reserved for exceptional leaders who embody resilience, profound impact, and historic significance.

This year’s award will be presented to Dr. Carole M. Berotte Joseph, a distinguished educator and the first Haitian-American president of a college in the United States.

Carole Berotte Joseph is a distinguished educator, visionary leader, and lifelong advocate for  equitable education. With over four decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to advancing  educational access and supporting underserved communities in the U.S. and Haiti. Born in Haiti and raised  in New York City, Dr. Joseph made history in 2005 as the first person of Haitian descent to be appointed  president of a U.S. college, holding leadership roles at MassBay Community College and Bronx Community  College. She has championed bilingual and multicultural education, particularly for Haitian-American and  immigrant students. 

A polyglot fluent in four languages, Dr. Joseph has been a driving force in cross-cultural understanding  and global education initiatives. She served on the board of the American Association of Community  Colleges (AACC) and was one of twelve community college presidents selected by the U.S. State  Department to promote the community college model internationally. Since 2011, she has contributed to  educational collaboratives in Haiti, helping to strengthen the country’s educational system. Dr. Joseph’s  legacy is defined by her commitment to justice, cultural inclusivity, and the transformative power of  education.

MIDWIN CHARLES LEGACY AWARD HONOREE

Established to honor the memory of our beloved friend and board member, Midwin Charles—an attorney, TV legal analyst, and radio host who passed away in 2021—this award pays tribute to her enduring legacy as a champion for social justice and the Haitian community.

We are honored to present the Midwin Charles Legacy Award to Marguerite Lathan, a philanthropist, psychotherapist and longtime Advisory Board Member of Fonkozé.

Marguerite Lathan, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, first emigrated to Canada, then to the United States, where she currently resides.

Marguerite made a name for herself as an international top model, representing renowned fashion houses as well as gracing the cover of Essence Magazine, before finding her calling as a licensed clinical therapist. Her background and experience gives her a unique understanding and approach to her many clients. She is EMDR and Trauma Resilience trained.

While Marguerite has worked as an individual, adolescent child and family therapist in Los Angeles, at Cedars Sinai Hospital’s Early Childhood Parenting Center, the Gramercy Housing Group, and at the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic, she has been primarily focused on working with at-risk children traumatized by sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence and  attachment disorders.

Marguerite is proud of her Haitian heritage and is passionate about utilizing all her skills in the pursuit of healing in Haiti. Fluent in both Creole and French, Ms. Lathan has been a consultant to the Headington Institute, where she has assisted the Director and Consulting Psychologist, Dr. Rick Williamson, in providing psychological support and Vicarious Trauma training to Haitian psychology students hired by humanitarian organizations offering crisis counseling to victims of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010.

As a result of her unwavering committed to making a difference in Haiti, Ms. Lathan has served on the board of Fonkoze USA and the Fonkoze Foundation in Haiti for the last ten years. Fonkoze is a family of 3 organizations that work together to provide the financial and non-financial services to empower Haitians – primarily women – to lift their families out of poverty.

In addition to her clinical work, Marguerite Lathan has co-authored articles in Art Therapy and Clinical Neuroscience magazine, Presently, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband Stan and their dual blue/brown eyed Australian shepherd, Ozzi. Their four daughters, their son and daughter-in-law and grandsons live nearby.

While she continues to offer her therapy services to clients via Telehealth in California, she devotes her free time to travel, gardening, movie going,  listening to a variety of podcasts, writing, singing,  jumping on her trampoline and Zen mindfulness breath work.