Emigrating from Haiti as a teen in 2000 to join his father in America, Bernard Georges has committed himself to supporting Haitian immigrants by sharing his knowledge and experience, building an organization committed to putting these learnings into action, all the while continuing his own education in order to strengthen the work of New Bridges for Haitian Success (NB4HS), which he founded in 2013 to support other Haitians navigating their way through a new life in Rhode Island.

His own educational trajectory in this country began as a 2004 graduate of Providence’s Central High School, followed by earning an associate’s degree in law enforcement at the Community College of Rhode Island, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2015 from Roger Williams University. Mr. Georges pursuing his law degree at Roger William University.

Mr. Georges’ work as Founder and Executive Director of NB4HS has led to the formation of a team of professionals supporting the Haitian community with programs and services to ensure access to community resources as well as promoting successful assimilation to American culture and societal norms. The mission of NB4HS, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, is to help Haitian immigrants assimilate to life in Rhode Island through community-level services that support well-being and positive decision making to promote a connected Haitian community with access to increased opportunities and economic empowerment.

As an important component of Mr. Georges’ role as a leader and advocate for and member of for the Haitian community, Mr. Georges continues to engage in developing his own skills in order to benefit the community. Mr. George’s most recent professional accomplishments include earning a Certificate in Trauma Treatment from the Harvard Medical School Program, Mr. Georges receives the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and Global Humanitarian leadership award at the 2023 World Leader Summit of Peace Sustainability Conference in conjunction with the United Nations at Washington Press Club. He was also named a 2020 Georges Outstanding Global Leader by the Council for Justice, Equality & Peace at the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) Conference, an award presented during the 58th session of the Commission for Social Justice Development at the United Nations.

Locally, Mr. Georges has held numerous leadership positions, receiving public recognition for excellence and leadership. He serves on the boards of several community organizations, as the Board Chair for The Refugee Dream Center from 2015 to July 2022, a member of the International Economic Ambassadors Office of Governor Dan McKee, a member of the Diversity and Equality Advisory Committee Office of Congressman Jim Langevin, and a member of the Providence School District Wide Advisory Council.

Mr. Georges is most proud of his work through his own non-profit work within the Haitian community helping thousands of immigrant families. Mr. Georges’ tireless work ethic, commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards, and ever-growing connections to the community have contributed to his gaining increased opportunities to promote Haitian issues with local, state, and federal legislators and increased international ties to include Haitian university officials and political leaders in Port-au-Prince. Mr. Georges has also been active publicly, interviewing with Rhode Island Public Radio, WPRI, ABC 10 news, WPRO, ABC 6 News, PNB, RIFUTURE, and the Providence Journal. Additionally, NB4HS has an active social media presence with its Facebook and Instagram pages, which are seen by hundreds of viewers daily.

Elizabeth Louis, PhDAs an early career psychologist, I am appreciative of opportunities within APA and beyond that have nurtured me as a Black, Haitian American woman. I am cognizant of how my experiences and intersecting identities have been shaped through the lens of psychological science and global health. My identity as a first-generation scholar started from the Upward Bound TRIO program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Leadership Alliance Summer Research at Stanford University, and U.S. Agency for International Development. During my doctoral program, I was selected for a U.S. State Department Boren National Security Fellowship where I lived in Haiti to research mental health with a local nongovernmental organization. I was also part of the weather and climate psychology lab at the University of Georgia and completed my dissertation on natural disasters. After internship, I completed the National Institutes of Health Fogarty Fellowship in Rwanda. I learned about historical trauma, healing, and how mental health manifest intergenerationally. I have cultivated a research, practitioner, and global lens that aligns with the mission within APA’s Board of Directors. I am a member of the Committee for Global Psychology with past experiences within the APA MOU with Portugal, the Board of Educational Affairs Task Force for Masters’ Programs, the Commission on Accreditation, and the Leadership Academy. I am confident that my understanding of the structures and stakeholders of APA and my application of psychology equips me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered to join others in their commitment and service to APA.

Statement on issues facing APA/psychology
As an early career psychologist, I can recall different times personally and professionally where the concept of best decisions versus right decisions are front and center. During these precious moments of our lives, there are numerous challenges, issues, overt and subtle defeats that have contributed to the psychological impact.

I recognize that there are situations in which APA will be called to make tough decisions. Key issues facing psychology does not fully encompass the following: the mental health crisis; access to culturally appropriate mental health care; addressing racism, microaggressions and other isms; the toll that disparities play a role in health and mental health outcomes; the dominance of Western approaches in global psychology; ensuring policies and practice that uphold the rights of underserved and stigmatized communities; promoting and upholding mental health initiatives that serve people regardless of status with dignity and respect; and issues that affect groups across age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, spirituality, religion, education, disability, neighborhood, country, language, and other identities that reminds us of not only defining wellness but living a life with mental well-being. It is imperative to identify the values that root us and our collective processes that will steer us in making decisions that will impact present and future generations.

I am reflective of the Haitian principle of lakou that seeks to co-create sacred and affirming forms of belonging where voices are welcomed and people can embrace their best selves while also heal or address vulnerable aspects of their selfhood in community. As a collective group, we must lead with intentions and foster lakous that will aspire and inspire creative initiatives to resolve challenges that are both foreseen and unseen.

Leading with accountability and transparency along with facing our past histories to inform our future steps is critical as we represent psychology at the practice, research, policy, academic, advocacy, community, and global levels. It requires us to be present, attentive and proactive to the needs of members, communities and society, while also apply international perspectives to enrich the association’s trajectory. We must journey in collective efforts with diverse individuals, groups and communities with shared visions that can be attained and overcome struggles. I leave you with this African proverb:

“Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.”

Let our truths liberate us from the misaligned and misinformed narratives that have reinforced the issues of today in order to decisively rewrite, reposition, restructure, and reimagine tomorrow’s solutions and proclaim victories!

Fena Fenelon, CEO & founder of the Sofenomenal Agency Group (2019), is a Haitian-American, Boston-based Culture brand consultant specializing in strategically utilizing branding tools to showcase the diversity, richness, and dynamism of cultures around the world. With a keen eye for design, messaging, language, and storytelling, Fena helps businesses, organizations, and communities unlock their true voice and connect with their audience in an authentic, intentional, and impactful way.

Fena, along with her company has made a stamp in the city of Boston. The Sofenomenal Agency Group has been a go-to expert for all things branding in and around the city. Boasting a vast portfolio of successful projects and happy clients, Fena is committed to creating meaningful and memorable experiences that drive results and make a lasting impact.

The Sofenomenal Agency Group focuses on building bold brands for new and pivoting businesses nationally.

Strategically designing visuals that enhance the brand story and build a connection between business and customer.

We also intentionally use our branding expertise to uniquely create safe spaces for the community we represent with events such as BLVCKTOBERFEST and most recently, BLACK OUTSIDE BLOCK PARTY where we were able to completely take over Downtown Crossing in collaboration with Kickback Boston & Bent with the support of The City of Boston & Downtown Boston Bid.

We truly believe in “BRANDING THE WORLD WE WANT TO SEE”

Introducing Francois Exilhomme: A Beacon of Inspiration and Catalyst for Change

In the ever-evolving tapestry of the Haitian American community, there emerges a luminary whose journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering determination. Francois Exilhomme, a results-oriented professional and entrepreneurial spirit, is a shining star in the realm of higher education. With over 20 years of expertise in strategic recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and marketing, he embodies the spirit of achievement that deserves nomination at the 4th Annual Haitian American Young Professionals Award.

Francois’s story is not just one of professional accomplishments, but a narrative etched with purpose and the unyielding quest for inclusivity and empowerment. As the CEO and Founder of National Diversity Fairs (NDF), a social enterprise dedicated to assisting under-represented high school and college students in their pursuit of higher education, Francois stands as a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking to navigate the labyrinthine world of academia.

Francois’s journey to founding NDCF was shaped by personal experiences that underscored the transformative power of education. As a first-generation student and individual, he faced the daunting challenge of being overlooked for promotional opportunities simply because he lacked a graduate degree. It was this crucible moment that ignited his conviction in the pivotal role of advanced education in the modern workforce. He understood that the pursuit of additional degrees and certifications was not just about academic accolades, but about unlocking one’s full potential and breaking down the barriers to success.

Moreover, Francois’s astute observations while working in graduate school admissions revealed a stark truth—a lack of diversity within graduate student programs. His resolve to bridge this gap and champion inclusivity became the cornerstone of NDF’s mission. Through this noble endeavor, he seeks to educate and inspire all individuals, especially first-generation and under-represented students, to envision a career, not just a job, and to equip themselves with the education and degrees necessary to realize their dreams.

Beyond his impactful work, Francois finds solace and balance in the simple joys of life. He cherishes precious moments spent on vacations with his family, cultivating bonds that serve as a wellspring of motivation for his endeavors. Moreover, he imparts his wisdom and discipline to the community as a Jiu Jitsu instructor at his studio, New Vision Academy of Jiu Jitsu, nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, Massachusetts.

Francois Exilhomme’s journey is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and community upliftment. His unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders aligns seamlessly with the values and aspirations we hold dear. In his story, we find not just inspiration, but a call to action—to dream big, aspire higher, and uplift those around us. Francois Exilhomme is a visionary whose legacy will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for generations to come.

IT Director/MBA/Global IT Operations/Strategy/Problem Solver/Entrepreneur . Co-owner of orchid7 fusion bar and grill in Dedham , MA. A great and vibrant restaurant that all Haitians and the world are proud of .
MBA graduate from Bentley University
MIT Executive Education