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Symposium information
This year’s theme is Backstories: The Epidemic. Backstories are possibly the most important factors to consider when serving a hurting, disenfranchised, vulnerable, under-represented, misunderstood, or bullied youth. As providers we have become obsessed with providing quick fixes to our youth’s problems, rather than determining the pathology of their problems. The root causes and influences are at an all-time high lending to our youth living in a state of emergency. This year’s conference will expose participants to the epidemic known as Backstories and how they contribute to youth and gun violence. Our speakers are a diverse group of experts in their respective fields who will bring vast knowledge and effective skill sets to help participants circumvent and mitigate urban youth conflict by implementing substantive, socially, and culturally appropriate interventions. All presenters will present modern and aggressive approaches and interventions to meet and address the needs of our most vulnerable clients…our children and youth. This symposium will engage our professional audience, accelerate much needed dialogues, and most importantly provide tools and resources that can be utilized to facilitate impactful and lasting change.
Who: The primary target population for this conference are social service providers, educators, law enforcement officials (including lawyers and judges), healthcare providers, faith leaders, parents, college students majoring in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, and Public Health are all invited to attend. Participants will benefit from the unfiltered truths that will be discussed throughout the conference. The symposium targets people who work with, want to work with, or are invested in urban at-risk youth ages 7-22 years old. Many professionals who work with urban at-risk youth do not know or understand the extent of the harsh reality these children/youth are living, which ultimately makes their programs, services, and interactions with the youth, ultimately unrelatable.
Accepting Sponsors for 2021
Gilbert Chrispin
Gilbert Anthony Chrispin has spent over 15 years as a human resources specialist, consultant, and organizational development expert. His life's mission is to help people become effective leaders and better humans. In doing so, Gilbert has forged a unique perspective on sustaining organizational structures while also carving the way to the necessary, sometimes incremental changes across departments.
Gilbert graduated from Trinity College in Chicago, Illinois in 2002 with a double major in Business Management and Human Resources. Following his time in Chicago, he returned home and started his management career with Enterprise Rent A Car and later served as an educator with Miami Dade County Public Schools for 3 years; until he was recruited to work in the health and human services sector as a HR specialist in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to his roles at companies like Odyssey Health, Gentiva Health and Shelby Residential & Vocational Services, Gilbert acted as the human services specialist at start up agencies across the southern region of the US. During his time in Memphis, Gil co-founded Mi-Me Bath & Body, a beauty and skincare company that has had their products featured in Teen Vogue, The Huffington Post, Nylon and Refinery 29.
Gil currently serves as a Senior HR Compliance Specialist at Broward County Schools where he is one of only three specialists investigating discrimination and sexual harassment complaints for the 6th largest school district in the country. Additionally, Gil is the co-founder and creative director of Chrispin + Crane (C+C), a new media company focused on reframing dialogue and changing culture. In Chrispin + Crane's relative short existence, Gilbert and his co-founder developed a partnership with the City of Miramar to bring the city it's first outdoor winter film series. Additionally, his work at C+C lead to him writing and publishing the "My Kinda Sex Workbook", a tool specifically designed to help people of all ages better tap into and communicate their sexual needs and desires. This workbook served as the blueprint for C+C's reknowned "11 Things I can Learn From a Sex Worker" conference and workshop and subsequent follow up brunch held in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Gilbert currently holds a seat on the Avanse Ansam board of directors, a South Florida organization creating a movement that engages Haitian American Millennials in crafting a shared agenda for the advancement of the Haitian community & increasing Haitian American Millennials volunteerism, commitment, connectivity, and investment in the Haitian Community in South Florida & in Haiti.
As recently as November of 2019, Gilbert was one of the brains behind creating a small investment house specifically targeting minorities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other traditionally underserved and disregarded groups. The aim of this venture is to educate these groups of people on the power of establishing a collaborative dollar, ditching the buy a job mindset, and embracing the concept of building wealth from scratch by embracing the concepts of patience and sacrifice.
When he isn’t working or spending time with his family, you can find him fervently devouring the pages of a Monocle or Courier magazine, somewhere on a tennis court working intensely on his backhand, on his balcony contemplating how to improve his quality of life, planning his next getaway and trying to find new and interesting ways to champion, love and appreciate his beautiful wife Ebonni.
Gilbert graduated from Trinity College in Chicago, Illinois in 2002 with a double major in Business Management and Human Resources. Following his time in Chicago, he returned home and started his management career with Enterprise Rent A Car and later served as an educator with Miami Dade County Public Schools for 3 years; until he was recruited to work in the health and human services sector as a HR specialist in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to his roles at companies like Odyssey Health, Gentiva Health and Shelby Residential & Vocational Services, Gilbert acted as the human services specialist at start up agencies across the southern region of the US. During his time in Memphis, Gil co-founded Mi-Me Bath & Body, a beauty and skincare company that has had their products featured in Teen Vogue, The Huffington Post, Nylon and Refinery 29.
Gil currently serves as a Senior HR Compliance Specialist at Broward County Schools where he is one of only three specialists investigating discrimination and sexual harassment complaints for the 6th largest school district in the country. Additionally, Gil is the co-founder and creative director of Chrispin + Crane (C+C), a new media company focused on reframing dialogue and changing culture. In Chrispin + Crane's relative short existence, Gilbert and his co-founder developed a partnership with the City of Miramar to bring the city it's first outdoor winter film series. Additionally, his work at C+C lead to him writing and publishing the "My Kinda Sex Workbook", a tool specifically designed to help people of all ages better tap into and communicate their sexual needs and desires. This workbook served as the blueprint for C+C's reknowned "11 Things I can Learn From a Sex Worker" conference and workshop and subsequent follow up brunch held in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Gilbert currently holds a seat on the Avanse Ansam board of directors, a South Florida organization creating a movement that engages Haitian American Millennials in crafting a shared agenda for the advancement of the Haitian community & increasing Haitian American Millennials volunteerism, commitment, connectivity, and investment in the Haitian Community in South Florida & in Haiti.
As recently as November of 2019, Gilbert was one of the brains behind creating a small investment house specifically targeting minorities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other traditionally underserved and disregarded groups. The aim of this venture is to educate these groups of people on the power of establishing a collaborative dollar, ditching the buy a job mindset, and embracing the concept of building wealth from scratch by embracing the concepts of patience and sacrifice.
When he isn’t working or spending time with his family, you can find him fervently devouring the pages of a Monocle or Courier magazine, somewhere on a tennis court working intensely on his backhand, on his balcony contemplating how to improve his quality of life, planning his next getaway and trying to find new and interesting ways to champion, love and appreciate his beautiful wife Ebonni.
Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop
Dr. Kilan C. Ashad-Bishop is a biomedical scientist and advocate for inclusion who has carved her niche at the intersection of science, health, and social change. She is a proud alumna of Morgan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and the University of Miami, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. Kilan is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development and the Director of College Access for Breakthrough Miami. Her professional experience spans academic research, policy, and the nonprofit and private sectors, but her goal remains to improve the health and well being of communities of color.
Nancy Metayer
Nancy Metayer is an Environmental Scientist and former member of the Broward County Soil and Water Conservation District with a decade of public service experience, leading on issues ranging from environmental advocacy to disaster relief. Nancy has a record for championing community resilience and building pipelines for access and equity. Nancy is a graduate of Florida A&M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree, and Johns Hopkins University where she received her Master of Health Science degree.
Nancy has undertaken work across multiple government agencies and nonprofit organizations - both domestically and internationally. She has brought long-term strategy expertise to programs seeking to improve environmental conditions, water, sanitation, and public health across vulnerable communities. She has been a staunch advocate for those impacted by water crises nationwide and worked extensively in response to devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Michael (2018), and Hurricane Dorian (2019). Most recently, Nancy led a long-term strategic initiative, the Florida Disaster Preparedness Plan (FDPP), which focuses on building disaster and community resilience in vulnerable neighborhoods across the state of Florida. She is currently the Statewide Coalition Manager for NEO Philanthropy, where she supports efforts regarding reproductive and gender justice.
Nancy has undertaken work across multiple government agencies and nonprofit organizations - both domestically and internationally. She has brought long-term strategy expertise to programs seeking to improve environmental conditions, water, sanitation, and public health across vulnerable communities. She has been a staunch advocate for those impacted by water crises nationwide and worked extensively in response to devastating natural disasters such as Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Michael (2018), and Hurricane Dorian (2019). Most recently, Nancy led a long-term strategic initiative, the Florida Disaster Preparedness Plan (FDPP), which focuses on building disaster and community resilience in vulnerable neighborhoods across the state of Florida. She is currently the Statewide Coalition Manager for NEO Philanthropy, where she supports efforts regarding reproductive and gender justice.
Santra Denis
A South Florida native, Santra Denis currently serves as the Interim Executive Director at Miami Workers Center, a strategy and action center whose purpose is to build the power and self-determination of south Florida’s most oppressed communities. As Interim ED, she is eager to prepare Miami Workers center to kick-off a powerful next decade of power, community building and advocacy campaigns.
Previously, she served in several positions including Chief Programs Officer and Vice President of Community Prosperity at Catalyst Miami. Santra has extensive experience working in nonprofits, including managing and developing budgets, overseeing programs and projects, writing and managing grants, and building and supporting partnerships.
Santra developed her own activism as an anti-racist community advocate and is committed to centering BIPOC community leadership and racial justice in our progressive movement. Santra has been very active in her community, founding and leading Avanse Ansanm, an organization that engages, connects, and builds power among Haitian-American Millennials and co-hosting a radio/Facebook Live show, The VSS Hour. Santra serves on several community boards, including the Community Advisory Board at Florida International University Research Center in Minority Institutions and Miami Dade County’s Office of New Americans. She is a New Leaders Council Fellow and a Sant La Fellow. She has been recognized by the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women as a Valiant Woman of the Vote; Ruth’s List Broward as a “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Award Recipients; the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida as part of the Inaugural class of Leaders for the esteemed award of “20 Under 40 Young Professionals” as well as “40 under 40” Leaders of Today, among others. Santra graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in health science, and from Florida International University with a Master of Public Health in Policy and Management.
Previously, she served in several positions including Chief Programs Officer and Vice President of Community Prosperity at Catalyst Miami. Santra has extensive experience working in nonprofits, including managing and developing budgets, overseeing programs and projects, writing and managing grants, and building and supporting partnerships.
Santra developed her own activism as an anti-racist community advocate and is committed to centering BIPOC community leadership and racial justice in our progressive movement. Santra has been very active in her community, founding and leading Avanse Ansanm, an organization that engages, connects, and builds power among Haitian-American Millennials and co-hosting a radio/Facebook Live show, The VSS Hour. Santra serves on several community boards, including the Community Advisory Board at Florida International University Research Center in Minority Institutions and Miami Dade County’s Office of New Americans. She is a New Leaders Council Fellow and a Sant La Fellow. She has been recognized by the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women as a Valiant Woman of the Vote; Ruth’s List Broward as a “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Award Recipients; the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida as part of the Inaugural class of Leaders for the esteemed award of “20 Under 40 Young Professionals” as well as “40 under 40” Leaders of Today, among others. Santra graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in health science, and from Florida International University with a Master of Public Health in Policy and Management.
Lionel Lightbourne
Lionel LightBourne is a husband, father and product of Miami, FL's Liberty City community who has over twenty (20) years of professional work experience in various social service & not-for-profit arenas. He presently serves as a Care Coordinator at Gang Alternative Inc, a not-for-profit organization established to reduce and eradicate youth violence in Miami's Little Haiti & Liberty-City communities. Mr. LightBourne was recognized as a Miami Dade County Peace Maker at the 2014 International Day of Peace, and previously served as 2nd Vice President for Legal Services of Greater Miami Inc. He is a founding fatherhood task force member for Broward County’s Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Fatherhood Program. He previously served as a workshop facilitator and panelist at NBCDI's (National Black Child Development Institute) 46th & 47th Annual Conferences. Mr. LightBourne’s products and perspectives were featured with notables such as: Bishop Victor T. Curry (New Birth Baptist Church), Dr. Michael Nobel (Nobel Peace Prize), Yolanda King (MLK’s Eldest Daughter), Dr. Phil (Dr. Phil “Sagging Pants” Show), Sean "P Diddy" Combs (Hold Ya Head Music Video), CBMA (Campaign for Black Male Achievement) and Sen. Frederica Wilson's 5000 Role Models of Excellence Program. He has been blessed to be featured in numerous local and national publications on an array of topics.
Katina Hernandez
Katina Hernandez earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at Nova Southeastern University, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Integral Transpersonal Psychology. Katina Hernandez is a Special Agent of the Department of Homeland Security / Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) assigned to HSI Miami to the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force. Katina Hernandez attended the Criminal Investigator School and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement School at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. Katina was also trained in the discipline of Immigration Violations and Human Trafficking which she has been working for the last 8 years.
Katina has conducted successful investigations and prosecutions involving Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking in which one of the Human Trafficking cases resulted in a life sentence. She has also participated in numerous Human Trafficking conferences and outreaches across South Florida educating the community on Human Trafficking. During her tenure as a Special Agent, Katina had the opportunity to participate in task force groups that included components in different Federal and State and Local agencies. Katina was awarded as an Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer in the year of 2016.
Katina has conducted successful investigations and prosecutions involving Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking in which one of the Human Trafficking cases resulted in a life sentence. She has also participated in numerous Human Trafficking conferences and outreaches across South Florida educating the community on Human Trafficking. During her tenure as a Special Agent, Katina had the opportunity to participate in task force groups that included components in different Federal and State and Local agencies. Katina was awarded as an Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer in the year of 2016.
Dr. Sidney Coupet
Dr. Sidney Coupet is an Internal Medicine physician with over 10 years of experience in providing primary care to ethnically and linguistically diverse patients. Dr. Coupet is the founder of SPARK Health, an organization that supports clinics to deliver comprehensive community healthcare services using an innovative membership model called Direct Primary Care (DPC). The model is comprehensive and consist of primary & preventative care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, and wellness. Dr. Coupet is the Chief Medical Officer at Coupet Quality Clinic, the flagship center for SPARK Health that is located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL., where he provides healthcare services to hundreds of ethnically diverse patients. Dr. Coupet also serves as the primary care advisor for Santé Nou, a US healthcare logistics company that provides emergency care for people traveling to Haiti, while simultaneously delivering primary & preventive care for those residing in Haiti.
Dr. Coupet has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career. In 2005, he was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship which he used to develop and facilitate health workshops for previously incarcerated men in Pittsburgh, PA. In light of his various experiences, leadership and his commitment to the healthcare profession, he was awarded the Black Achievers Award in Medicine in 2008. Dr. Coupet was featured in South Florida Hospital News for his leadership in bringing the DPC model to Broward County and his practice was recognized in the Florida Sun Sentinel News as an alternative model to cost effective primary and preventative healthcare services. While Dr. Coupet is actively communicating and educating the public about the pandemic via social media, radio, and publications, he is also providing critical information to other community health clinics around the country in order to effectively participate in reducing and flattening the curve for the Coronavirus.
Dr. Coupet obtained his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and received a Master of Public Health in Health Policy Management at the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Dr. Coupet went on to do a fellowship at the University of Michigan as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar where he received a Master in Health Services. Dr. Coupet has delivered multiple presentations at local and national health conferences and published numerous peer-reviewed scholarly papers focusing on global health.
Dr. Coupet has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career. In 2005, he was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship which he used to develop and facilitate health workshops for previously incarcerated men in Pittsburgh, PA. In light of his various experiences, leadership and his commitment to the healthcare profession, he was awarded the Black Achievers Award in Medicine in 2008. Dr. Coupet was featured in South Florida Hospital News for his leadership in bringing the DPC model to Broward County and his practice was recognized in the Florida Sun Sentinel News as an alternative model to cost effective primary and preventative healthcare services. While Dr. Coupet is actively communicating and educating the public about the pandemic via social media, radio, and publications, he is also providing critical information to other community health clinics around the country in order to effectively participate in reducing and flattening the curve for the Coronavirus.
Dr. Coupet obtained his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and received a Master of Public Health in Health Policy Management at the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Dr. Coupet went on to do a fellowship at the University of Michigan as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar where he received a Master in Health Services. Dr. Coupet has delivered multiple presentations at local and national health conferences and published numerous peer-reviewed scholarly papers focusing on global health.
Dr. Lynn Labrousse
Dr. Lynn Labrousse is a Florida Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Florida International University before obtaining her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life University. Dr. Lynn Labrousse has been in private practice in Miami, Florida, since 2002, with a focus in Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Physiotherapy.
After establishing practice and completing her family, Dr. Lynn Labrousse attended The University of Science Art & Technology in Montserrat and also holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. She is the founder and CEO of Fey Essence ®™, a line of natural products and services designed to support women’s wombs and reproductive health.
She is a two time Legacy Honoree, “As One of South Florida’s Most Powerful Black Business Leaders” and “As of Miami’s Most Influential and Powerful Black Women in Business and Industry”.
Dr. Lynn Labrousse is a dedicated mother, doctor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Serves God.
After establishing practice and completing her family, Dr. Lynn Labrousse attended The University of Science Art & Technology in Montserrat and also holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. She is the founder and CEO of Fey Essence ®™, a line of natural products and services designed to support women’s wombs and reproductive health.
She is a two time Legacy Honoree, “As One of South Florida’s Most Powerful Black Business Leaders” and “As of Miami’s Most Influential and Powerful Black Women in Business and Industry”.
Dr. Lynn Labrousse is a dedicated mother, doctor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Serves God.
Harold Fernandez Pryor II
Harold Fernandez Pryor II is the proud husband of attorney, Nikeisha Williams Pryor and the father to an amazing son, Harold F. Pryor, III (Trey). He is a 5th generation Floridian. He is the son of a former corrections officer and city clerk. Harold’s parents instilled in him the importance of honesty and integrity and led to his interest in the legal field advocating for justice and fairness for all.
Harold excelled both academically and athletically in high school, and he was invited to play football for the University of Florida Gators Football team. While at the University of Florida, he was awarded the Department of Political Science’s Multi-Cultural Scholar of the Year. Due to his exemplary service in Student Government and involvement with the Center for Leadership & Development, Harold was inducted into Florida Blue Key, the State of Florida’s most prestigious leadership honorarium. Harold attended and graduated from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law where he was a member of the Nova Trial Association and Junior Staff Editor for the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law, and was chosen by his fellow classmates to deliver the graduation commencement address.
Harold served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Office of the State Attorney in and for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, prosecuting serious criminal offenses in the Felony Trial Unit. There, he developed a reputation for being a tough, fair, and skilled trial lawyer, and was often lauded for his compassion for victims and his constant quest for truth and fairness through every stage of the prosecutorial process. Harold strongly believes that as a prosecutor, securing guilty verdicts should never be a prosecutor’s primary goal; but rather the pursuit of truth and justice throughout the process should be paramount.
In addition to serving as an Assistant State Attorney, Harold worked as an Associate Attorney in two prominent Florida Law firms before going on to serve as In-house Counsel for a telecommunications company where he specialized in business litigation, FCC consumer related issues, employment law, and commercial transactions.
Harold is a past president of the historic T.J. Reddick Bar Association, Broward County’s black bar association. As President, Harold led the charge in having the statute of the former Florida Governor Napoleon B. Broward removed from the Central Courthouse. Subsequently, Harold was instrumental in convincing the Broward County commission to rename the North Wing of the courthouse after Judge Thomas J. Reddick, Jr., Broward County’s first African-American to serve on the Bench. Harold was elected by his peers to serve as a member of the Board of Governors for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, representing the 17th Judicial Circuit (Seat 1). He is also an active member of the Broward County Bar Association. With a passion for mentoring youth, Harold volunteer with the Broward County School Board’s My Future Is Now program, he is a member of the Urban League of Broward County-Young Professionals Network.
Harold’s experience in both criminal law and the private sector makes him an ideal choice to handle the challenges of serving the citizens of Broward County as State Attorney.
Harold excelled both academically and athletically in high school, and he was invited to play football for the University of Florida Gators Football team. While at the University of Florida, he was awarded the Department of Political Science’s Multi-Cultural Scholar of the Year. Due to his exemplary service in Student Government and involvement with the Center for Leadership & Development, Harold was inducted into Florida Blue Key, the State of Florida’s most prestigious leadership honorarium. Harold attended and graduated from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law where he was a member of the Nova Trial Association and Junior Staff Editor for the ILSA Journal of International & Comparative Law, and was chosen by his fellow classmates to deliver the graduation commencement address.
Harold served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Office of the State Attorney in and for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida, prosecuting serious criminal offenses in the Felony Trial Unit. There, he developed a reputation for being a tough, fair, and skilled trial lawyer, and was often lauded for his compassion for victims and his constant quest for truth and fairness through every stage of the prosecutorial process. Harold strongly believes that as a prosecutor, securing guilty verdicts should never be a prosecutor’s primary goal; but rather the pursuit of truth and justice throughout the process should be paramount.
In addition to serving as an Assistant State Attorney, Harold worked as an Associate Attorney in two prominent Florida Law firms before going on to serve as In-house Counsel for a telecommunications company where he specialized in business litigation, FCC consumer related issues, employment law, and commercial transactions.
Harold is a past president of the historic T.J. Reddick Bar Association, Broward County’s black bar association. As President, Harold led the charge in having the statute of the former Florida Governor Napoleon B. Broward removed from the Central Courthouse. Subsequently, Harold was instrumental in convincing the Broward County commission to rename the North Wing of the courthouse after Judge Thomas J. Reddick, Jr., Broward County’s first African-American to serve on the Bench. Harold was elected by his peers to serve as a member of the Board of Governors for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division, representing the 17th Judicial Circuit (Seat 1). He is also an active member of the Broward County Bar Association. With a passion for mentoring youth, Harold volunteer with the Broward County School Board’s My Future Is Now program, he is a member of the Urban League of Broward County-Young Professionals Network.
Harold’s experience in both criminal law and the private sector makes him an ideal choice to handle the challenges of serving the citizens of Broward County as State Attorney.
Ebonni N. Chrispin
My mission is to cause and support positive, systemic change to happen for businesses, organizations and communities through advocacy, governmental affairs and community engagement. After graduating from the University of Central Florida and working with companies like Coca-Cola and Lebhar-Friedman, I took my love for management, community engagement and marketing to start The Idea, Inc. in May 2010. As the owner I manage million-dollar marketing budgets, multiple teams and liaise with governments and corporations to launch businesses and large scale events and projects. I was the Co-Chapter Director for New Leaders Council in Broward County Florida and currently serve on the Broward County Cultural Division and Art Serve. I have served on the Arts and Business Council of Miami and the Marketing and Community Outreach Vice-Chair for the South Florida Youth Summit. I currently do legislative affairs and community engagement for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. My goal in all the work I do is to provide a seat at the table for diverse demographics to help create a kind, just and equitable society.
I am married to a wonderful, bear of a man, Gilbert Chrispin. We love to travel, banter and watch Pose and drug tv series on Netflix. It is more him than me that enjoys the drug series, but I watch.
I am married to a wonderful, bear of a man, Gilbert Chrispin. We love to travel, banter and watch Pose and drug tv series on Netflix. It is more him than me that enjoys the drug series, but I watch.
Francesco Duberli
Mr. Francesco Duberli, founder and Chief Executive of Survivor’s Pathway, is a clinical psychologist with master’s degrees in both public health and clinical mental health. He is known nationally and internationally for his work developing and implementing advocacy programs that promote equality, inclusion and social justice in United States and Latin America. His work has focused on developing awareness about the challenges; needs and barriers faced by the immigrant Latino community giving especial attention to Latino immigrant woman and the LGBTQI communities living in United States. His work has focused on the analysis and development of cultural and gender-oriented interventions to prevent different types of violence experienced by these communities such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violent crimes. Mr. Duberli was elected in January 2019 as the chairman of the Miami Dade County, Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. Furthermore, Mr. Duberli was elected on 2013 as chairman of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council of Greater Miami (DVSAC)where he has led different community initiatives that have benefited victims of domestic and sexual violence in Dade county. Mr. Duberli has received numerous recognitions such as the Justice for All Award from the Florida Attorney General and the Coral Gables Police Department in 2012, The “Justice for All Award” from Coral Gables Police Department on 2016. In 2013 he received the Hispanic Initiative award by the Florida department of health recognizing his work and contribution with the Hispanic community And 2019 he received the 2019 Presidential Citation- Awarded by National Latino Psychological Association, the 2019 Congressional recognition- Recognized by U.S Congress woman Federica Wilson for the outstanding and invaluable services to the community and 2019 Diversity Champion awarded by The Global Innovative Consulting Network and The Florida Association of Non- Profits. Mr. Duberli has dedicated his career to advance the dialogue about the impact of violence in the Latino community and the development of polices that allow these communities to access justice.
Ismail Joseph
Proud of his humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Ismail Joseph is the founder of Student Life 101- an Educational Service Agency, an ordained minister, youth advocate, student career specialist, dynamic speaker and a Higher Education Professional with 10+ years of industry experience.
With a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master in Higher Education from Purdue University Global and proud alumni of Florida Memorial University with a Bachelors in Management Information Systems, his 10-year career embodies work for a diverse range of organizations, including small business startups; large corporations; the private sector and non-profit agencies. He specializes in presentation coaching and leadership training to students transitioning from high school to college and from college into the workforce.
He has successfully served a range of clients, including entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporate professionals and federal government organizations such as the Miami Job Corps. As a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), alongside his extensive experience College Admissions, Academic Advising and Career Services with both non-profit and for profit institutions, he’s credited as a Student Career Coach with a passion for transformational leadership in the world of academics.
Drawing on many years of experience in higher education, community development and leadership, he now focuses mainly on youth advocacy, career coaching and speaking at events geared towards the personal and professional development of millennials.
He resides here in South Florida as a licensed and ordained Minister with his beautiful wife Loraine and 3 children. He faithfully believes in the life philosophy that “you don’t have to be great to get started but, you have to get started to become great”.
With a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, a Master in Higher Education from Purdue University Global and proud alumni of Florida Memorial University with a Bachelors in Management Information Systems, his 10-year career embodies work for a diverse range of organizations, including small business startups; large corporations; the private sector and non-profit agencies. He specializes in presentation coaching and leadership training to students transitioning from high school to college and from college into the workforce.
He has successfully served a range of clients, including entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporate professionals and federal government organizations such as the Miami Job Corps. As a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), alongside his extensive experience College Admissions, Academic Advising and Career Services with both non-profit and for profit institutions, he’s credited as a Student Career Coach with a passion for transformational leadership in the world of academics.
Drawing on many years of experience in higher education, community development and leadership, he now focuses mainly on youth advocacy, career coaching and speaking at events geared towards the personal and professional development of millennials.
He resides here in South Florida as a licensed and ordained Minister with his beautiful wife Loraine and 3 children. He faithfully believes in the life philosophy that “you don’t have to be great to get started but, you have to get started to become great”.
Natacha Janac
Natacha J. Janac is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology program at Albizu University. She earned her Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Mental Health from Tennessee State University and an additional Master’s degree in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami, School of Education and Human Development. Her clinical interests include working with ethnically diverse children, adolescents, and families, particularly immigrants from the Caribbean region and diaspora. Providing strength-based, multiculturally competent care to all families is central to her therapeutic approach. Natacha is the Chairwomen of Rebati Santé Mentale and travels to Haiti quarterly to train and raise awareness on Mental Health issues. Natacha is also a founding board member of Ayiti Community Trust, Haiti’s first grantmaking community foundation. An organization built on Haiti’s assets. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She was also honored by the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) as the “Top 20 Under 40” Young Haitian-American Professionals (YoPros) in South Florida.
James Lopez
James Lopez is the Executive Director of Power U Center For Social Change. As an afro-latino, James has been involved in a multitude of social justice related work ranging from environmental justice, to criminal justice reform. As the Director of Power U, James is committed to helping build strong organizations in South Florida that prepare young people to lead important movements in their lifetime. This includes providing them with the development and resources to fight for stronger schools and communities that meet their needs such as adequate mental health and support. He sees Power U as an institution that can set the foundation needed in order to make that a reality in the state of Florida.
Dr. Charlene Désir
Dr. Charlene Désir is a professor at Nova Southeastern University’s - Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. She received her doctorate from Harvard University.Dr. Désir’s academic interest is in the academic, psycho-social, and spiritual development of Haitian and Haitian Americans; specifically psycho-social trauma and its effects on cognitive, identity development. Dr. Désir has published on the topic of Haitian immigrant identity, spirituality, and becoming a reflective researcher. Dr. Désir founded the Empowerment Network (TEN), Global, a non-profit that supports the personal, spiritual, and academic development of women and students in Haiti and the US. She was the 2012 president of the Haitian Studies Association and a gubernatorial appointee to the Children’s Services Council in Broward County, FL by Governor Rick Scott. Dr. Désir has worked as a school psychologist, K-12 school counselor, a school administrator in Massachusetts and a spiritual advisor and professor
Sidney Cherelus
Sidney is the CEO of Cherelus Consulting and Concierge Services, a healthcare organization which provides personalized care to both insured and uninsured patients. He has extensive experience in the nonprofit and health care sector collaborating with diverse groups, both internal and external. Sidney also serves as a Mental Health Counselor at Project Men Inc, a youth mentoring organization that inspires young boys to be persistent in their goals and become leaders in their community through mentorship and empowerment training.
Sidney’s long-term commitment and passion for service driven work for over 12 years as a trauma informed mental health therapist has helped him impact children and adolescents in group home, addiction, juvenile, and non-profit settings. His recent activities include partnering with schools in the Miami-Dade county area to increase attendance with troubled youth and frequently speaking at leadership retreats aimed in cultivating future leaders of tomorrow.
In addition to his work full-time as a mental health counselor, Sidney is devoted to his work on promoting healthy families and thriving marriages. He has a podcast titled “The Couples Club” and facilitates marriage workshops quarterly.
Sidney is a first generation Haitian-American male, has two siblings and lives in Lauderhill, Florida. He is married to his beloved wife of 6 years, Jidlyne Remy Cherelus and has one daughter, Aubrey R. Cherelus age 5. He is interested in cycling, attending religious gatherings, playing chess, and learning to fix things at his new home.
Sidney’s long-term commitment and passion for service driven work for over 12 years as a trauma informed mental health therapist has helped him impact children and adolescents in group home, addiction, juvenile, and non-profit settings. His recent activities include partnering with schools in the Miami-Dade county area to increase attendance with troubled youth and frequently speaking at leadership retreats aimed in cultivating future leaders of tomorrow.
In addition to his work full-time as a mental health counselor, Sidney is devoted to his work on promoting healthy families and thriving marriages. He has a podcast titled “The Couples Club” and facilitates marriage workshops quarterly.
Sidney is a first generation Haitian-American male, has two siblings and lives in Lauderhill, Florida. He is married to his beloved wife of 6 years, Jidlyne Remy Cherelus and has one daughter, Aubrey R. Cherelus age 5. He is interested in cycling, attending religious gatherings, playing chess, and learning to fix things at his new home.
Dr. Guerda Nicolas
Dr. Guerda Nicolas, Professor in the Educational and Psychological Studies department at University of Miami, School of Education and Human Development; Secretary General of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Association; and Co-Founder of Ayiti Community Trust. She obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Boston University. She completed her predoctoral training at Columbia University Medical Center and her postdoctoral training the New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University, Department of Child Psychiatry. As a multicultural (Haitian American) and multilingual psychologist (Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole), her research is reflective of her background and interests. Her current research focus on the integration of race and culture and well-being for ethnically diverse and immigrant communities. Some of the projects that she is currently working on includes: promoting academic excellence among ethnically diverse youth, identify development of Black youths, and empowering ethnically diverse parents to be effective parents. In addition, she conducts research on social support networks of Caribbean populations with a specific focus on Haitians. She has published several articles and book chapters and delivered numerous invited presentations at the national and international conferences in the areas of women issues, depression and intervention among Haitians, social support networks of ethnic minorities, and spirituality. She is the recipient of the 2018 Humanitarian Award of the American Psychological Association.
She is the Co-Editor of the Book Series, Pan-African Psychologies with Palgrave Publisher,
https://www.palgrave.com/gb/campaigns/call-for-papers-social-science/pan-african-psychologies-cfp/15526138
Her recent books includes: Contemporary Parenting: A Global Perspective, by Routledge Press. Through a global, multidisciplinary perspective, this book describes how four factors influence parenting practices: a countries historical and political background, the parent’s educational history, the economy and the parent’s financial standing, and advances in technology. Part 1 reviews each of these factors in detail. Part 2 features cases that illustrate the impact these factors have on parenting practices around the world including Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Building Mental Health Capacity in Haiti through Collaborative Partnerships
by Nova Publishers. This monograph is a guidebook focusing on how to implement mental health training programs internationally. The book is structure in a way that utilizes Haiti as an example of what scholars who are interested in global mental health can do to effectively implement a training program internationally.
Social Networks and the Mental Health of Haitian Immigrants by Caribbean Studies Press provides information regarding the lives of Haitian immigrants through research at the intersection of culture, social networks, and mental health. In addition, recommendations for providing culturally sensitive and effective services are included in the book.
Conséquences Psychologiques de la Pauvreté Extrême En Haïti (The Psychological Consequences of Extreme Poverty in Haiti) by Grégory Gustemable and Guerda Nicolas; Caribbean Studies Press
Despite the prevailing narrative of Ayiti being the poorest in the western hemisphere, few published books focus on the psychological effects of poverty on the residents of the country. This book is not meant to be the in and be all but serve to provide an example of one community in the country and the impact of poverty on the residents of that small community. Similar to many countries, Ayiti is very diverse in many elements and thus, it should not be expected that the result of this small town in Haiti is applicable to all parts of Haiti. It is our hope that the information presented will entice more research on this area in different parts of the country with further examining on variables such as age, gender, etc. to illuminate the consequences of poverty on all and develop some clear plan of actions for moving forward. From reading the stories of the individuals in this book, it is clear that something must be done now to eradicate poverty in Ayiti.
She is the Co-Editor of the Book Series, Pan-African Psychologies with Palgrave Publisher,
https://www.palgrave.com/gb/campaigns/call-for-papers-social-science/pan-african-psychologies-cfp/15526138
Her recent books includes: Contemporary Parenting: A Global Perspective, by Routledge Press. Through a global, multidisciplinary perspective, this book describes how four factors influence parenting practices: a countries historical and political background, the parent’s educational history, the economy and the parent’s financial standing, and advances in technology. Part 1 reviews each of these factors in detail. Part 2 features cases that illustrate the impact these factors have on parenting practices around the world including Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Building Mental Health Capacity in Haiti through Collaborative Partnerships
by Nova Publishers. This monograph is a guidebook focusing on how to implement mental health training programs internationally. The book is structure in a way that utilizes Haiti as an example of what scholars who are interested in global mental health can do to effectively implement a training program internationally.
Social Networks and the Mental Health of Haitian Immigrants by Caribbean Studies Press provides information regarding the lives of Haitian immigrants through research at the intersection of culture, social networks, and mental health. In addition, recommendations for providing culturally sensitive and effective services are included in the book.
Conséquences Psychologiques de la Pauvreté Extrême En Haïti (The Psychological Consequences of Extreme Poverty in Haiti) by Grégory Gustemable and Guerda Nicolas; Caribbean Studies Press
Despite the prevailing narrative of Ayiti being the poorest in the western hemisphere, few published books focus on the psychological effects of poverty on the residents of the country. This book is not meant to be the in and be all but serve to provide an example of one community in the country and the impact of poverty on the residents of that small community. Similar to many countries, Ayiti is very diverse in many elements and thus, it should not be expected that the result of this small town in Haiti is applicable to all parts of Haiti. It is our hope that the information presented will entice more research on this area in different parts of the country with further examining on variables such as age, gender, etc. to illuminate the consequences of poverty on all and develop some clear plan of actions for moving forward. From reading the stories of the individuals in this book, it is clear that something must be done now to eradicate poverty in Ayiti.
Ezra Dieuveille
Ezra Dieuveille was born and raised in Little Haiti, FL in 1984. His loving Haitian immigrant parents would bring Ezra and his older brother to church every Sunday. At church, Ezra found Christ and developed a great foundation on being a leader. God used Ezra in ministry as a teen. He became the president of the Bible Club at his high school, Miami Northwestern, home of the bulls! The Bible club was famous for having prayer circles during lunch in the middle of the spill out section. They were unashamed and public about their faith. There were many times where the prayer circle would have more than hundred students coming for prayer. In his senior year, Ezra was voted “Most Leadership” by his graduating class in 2003.
Mr. Dieuveille also served faithfully at his church as youth group president where he and his leadership team held various youth activities such as Bible studies, picnics, and a annual summer youth conferences. He was also part of a gospel rap group named OCS (Original Christian Soldiers) where they would go to many churches throughout South Florida to spread the wonderful message of Christ through the vehicle of hip-hop music.
As a young adult, Ezra would meet Diana Joseph, a dynamic young woman of God who was a liturgical dancer. After 2 years of courting they would get married in 2009. They now have two handsome boys, Arze and Aiden. He and his wife have been members for over 10 years at Community Christian Church under the leadership of Senior Pastor Eddy Gervais. Ezra served a period of 4 years as a deacon and Diana currently serves as co-servant leader with the marriage ministry.
Professionally, Ezra dedicated himself to working at Gang Alternative(GA), a faith based nonprofit organization, since 2011. Ezra would work his way up to become a program manager helping Middle and High school students with aggression, life skills, summer employment, drug prevention, and countless important factors that youth needed. He would also volunteer to lead the youth group ministry that GA had on Friday evenings, preaching and teaching young people about Christ.
Academically, Mr Dieuveille went on and received his AA from Miami Dade College and BA in Sports Management with a minor in business from Barry University. Also at Barry University, Ezra would receive his Masters in Public Administration from Barry University.
Towards the end of 2018, Mr. Dieuveille was called by God to take a leap of faith and start the path of an entrepreneur. He resigned from GA and started his company, Baton Youth Services, LLC. Baton is a youth and family financial empowerment organization. We want to help families understand and utilize financial tools to bring and build generational wealth into their household. Baton also will be mentoring youth through the School To CEO Pipeline program. School To CEO Pipeline is a message of hope and promise, fighting the narrative and harsh reality of school to prison pipeline. This movement and program aims to educate and build young leaders and entrepreneurs in the black and brown communities. We want our young people to become the CEO of their lives instead of being property of the state (prison).
Mr. Dieuveille also served faithfully at his church as youth group president where he and his leadership team held various youth activities such as Bible studies, picnics, and a annual summer youth conferences. He was also part of a gospel rap group named OCS (Original Christian Soldiers) where they would go to many churches throughout South Florida to spread the wonderful message of Christ through the vehicle of hip-hop music.
As a young adult, Ezra would meet Diana Joseph, a dynamic young woman of God who was a liturgical dancer. After 2 years of courting they would get married in 2009. They now have two handsome boys, Arze and Aiden. He and his wife have been members for over 10 years at Community Christian Church under the leadership of Senior Pastor Eddy Gervais. Ezra served a period of 4 years as a deacon and Diana currently serves as co-servant leader with the marriage ministry.
Professionally, Ezra dedicated himself to working at Gang Alternative(GA), a faith based nonprofit organization, since 2011. Ezra would work his way up to become a program manager helping Middle and High school students with aggression, life skills, summer employment, drug prevention, and countless important factors that youth needed. He would also volunteer to lead the youth group ministry that GA had on Friday evenings, preaching and teaching young people about Christ.
Academically, Mr Dieuveille went on and received his AA from Miami Dade College and BA in Sports Management with a minor in business from Barry University. Also at Barry University, Ezra would receive his Masters in Public Administration from Barry University.
Towards the end of 2018, Mr. Dieuveille was called by God to take a leap of faith and start the path of an entrepreneur. He resigned from GA and started his company, Baton Youth Services, LLC. Baton is a youth and family financial empowerment organization. We want to help families understand and utilize financial tools to bring and build generational wealth into their household. Baton also will be mentoring youth through the School To CEO Pipeline program. School To CEO Pipeline is a message of hope and promise, fighting the narrative and harsh reality of school to prison pipeline. This movement and program aims to educate and build young leaders and entrepreneurs in the black and brown communities. We want our young people to become the CEO of their lives instead of being property of the state (prison).
Dr. Shirley Plantin
Dr. Shirley Plantin is the Chief Executive Consultant for U-Turn Youth Consulting and the author of The Backstory of a New Reality and its supplemental Workbook. She facilitates trainings and workshops for systems (i.e., Education, Criminal Justice, Healthcare, and Social services) unmasking the Backstories and the intersectionalities that lead to the school-to-prison pipeline, the mistrust in law Enforcement, and ultimately to the gun violence in urban communities. Dr. Plantin currently serves as a Commissioner on the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Continuing Justice Commission. She also serves on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s Subcommittee on Accountability and Societal Change, addressing systemic injustices and racial inequities within law enforcement. She is also a member of the Florida Gang Investigators Association.
Dr. Plantin has been recognized locally and nationally for her leadership, vision, and dedication to issues regarding youth and gun violence, the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and the improvement of community-police relations. Most notable are the recognitions from Delta Epsilon Sigma and the National Criminal Justice Association. She has also been recognized by The State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and Local Municipalities. Most recently, Legacy Magazine recognized her as 1 of 50 Most Powerful & Influential People in Business and Industry in South Florida. Dr. Plantin has also been recognized as 1 of 40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today & Tomorrow in South Florida. The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board has recognized her as a "Vessel: Woman of Substance". In addition, the City of North Miami, the Man Dodo Foundation, and Level-Up Coaching and Leadership Consulting Group have all awarded Dr. Plantin with their “Woman of Excellence” Leadership Awards.
Locally, Dr. Plantin serves on multiple Boards and committees throughout Miami-Dade County. Among them are the Countywide Together for Children Board of Trustees, and the Executive board of Power U for Social Change.
Dr. Plantin holds an Executive Juris Doctorate from Concord School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in History with a specialization in Criminal Justice.
Dr. Plantin has been recognized locally and nationally for her leadership, vision, and dedication to issues regarding youth and gun violence, the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and the improvement of community-police relations. Most notable are the recognitions from Delta Epsilon Sigma and the National Criminal Justice Association. She has also been recognized by The State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, and Local Municipalities. Most recently, Legacy Magazine recognized her as 1 of 50 Most Powerful & Influential People in Business and Industry in South Florida. Dr. Plantin has also been recognized as 1 of 40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today & Tomorrow in South Florida. The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board has recognized her as a "Vessel: Woman of Substance". In addition, the City of North Miami, the Man Dodo Foundation, and Level-Up Coaching and Leadership Consulting Group have all awarded Dr. Plantin with their “Woman of Excellence” Leadership Awards.
Locally, Dr. Plantin serves on multiple Boards and committees throughout Miami-Dade County. Among them are the Countywide Together for Children Board of Trustees, and the Executive board of Power U for Social Change.
Dr. Plantin holds an Executive Juris Doctorate from Concord School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in History with a specialization in Criminal Justice.
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