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 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.
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.
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.
Ismail Joseph
Proud of his humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, Ismail Joseph is the founder of ISLO Credible Solutions, a Family-Solutions Firm, Host of the “FAST-TRACK” WebTV Show with InfocusTV, an Actor, Youth Advocate and Prolific Communicator/Speaker. In his various roles, Ismail’s expertise is in career development and planning for an audience that ranges from high school students through collegiate studies and beyond.
A big believer in financial freedom, he supports the livelihood of entrepreneurship and actively creates lucrative income opportunities for individuals and families.
With a Master of Science in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a Masters in Higher Education from Purdue University Global, 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 and has successfully served a range of clients, including entrepreneurs, corporate professionals and nonprofit organizations.
Ismail helps individuals, families, students and professionals with career development and leadership training. Drawing on many years of experience in higher education, community development and youth advocacy, he now focuses mainly on financial freedom, entrepreneurship and hosting the “FAST-TRACK” WebTV Show; 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”.
A big believer in financial freedom, he supports the livelihood of entrepreneurship and actively creates lucrative income opportunities for individuals and families.
With a Master of Science in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a Masters in Higher Education from Purdue University Global, 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 and has successfully served a range of clients, including entrepreneurs, corporate professionals and nonprofit organizations.
Ismail helps individuals, families, students and professionals with career development and leadership training. Drawing on many years of experience in higher education, community development and youth advocacy, he now focuses mainly on financial freedom, entrepreneurship and hosting the “FAST-TRACK” WebTV Show; 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”.
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 ®TM, 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 ®TM, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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. Charlene Desir
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.
Dr. Franceso 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mirva Cadet
Mirva Cadet is the Founder and President of Cornerstone Global Collaborative, whose mission is to help build the infrastructure of community-based organizations in the areas of strategic planning, organizational culture, program design, development, and implementation. Since the inception of her consulting firm, she has assisted several for-profit and non-profit organizations in their efforts to sustain and expand their services.
She began her career in Tallahassee as a Clinical Coordinator, then advanced her career as a Therapist, Program Developer, and a Non-profit Executive in Miami-Dade County. Eventually, Ms. Cadet further developed her skills in Non-profit Management, and Fund Development while serving as the Assistant Director for the North Miami Beach Gang Reduction Program. She later served as the Chief Operations Officer for Gang Alternative, Inc. for 11 years. In 2014, Rep. Frederica Wilson of the 24th District recognized Ms. Cadet in the Congressional Records as woman of the year for her hard-work and dedication to her community. She continues to develop new professionals in the field as an Adjunct Professor and trainer for FIU and as a Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). She also serves as a Director of Program for the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County where she oversees the Professional Development Department.
She began her career in Tallahassee as a Clinical Coordinator, then advanced her career as a Therapist, Program Developer, and a Non-profit Executive in Miami-Dade County. Eventually, Ms. Cadet further developed her skills in Non-profit Management, and Fund Development while serving as the Assistant Director for the North Miami Beach Gang Reduction Program. She later served as the Chief Operations Officer for Gang Alternative, Inc. for 11 years. In 2014, Rep. Frederica Wilson of the 24th District recognized Ms. Cadet in the Congressional Records as woman of the year for her hard-work and dedication to her community. She continues to develop new professionals in the field as an Adjunct Professor and trainer for FIU and as a Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). She also serves as a Director of Program for the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County where she oversees the Professional Development Department.
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.
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.
Krystina Francois
Krystina François is a social justice advocate, immigration expert, political educator, and policy strategist with a proven track record of engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors to form collaborative partnerships and advocate for the needs of underestimated communities. As Executive Director of the Office of New Americans of Miami-Dade, she spearheads an innovative initiative to bring legal and financial resources for immigrants out of the office and into the community.
Krystina is a first generation Haitian-American who is driven by the desire to create opportunities for immigrants and BIPOC femmes to have a voice. Krystina’s devotion to human rights and social justice began at a young age while attending The United Nations International School in New York City. As a freshman in high school she moved to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, where anti-government protests and political instability gave her valuable perspective on the conditions that force many immigrants to seek refuge in the U.S.
Krystina holds a bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History from CUNY-Hunter College. In her previous roles she served as Florida New Americans Program Director at the Florida Immigrant Coalition and Co-Director of Law for Black Lives. Krystina is also the founder of KMD Consultant Group, where she leads clients through program development, cross-sector collaboration and non-profit innovation. In her spare time, she volunteers with several organizations committed to improving the status of women and people of color including the Black Collective and the Junior League of Miami. She has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Miami Herald, NBC6, Bustle, WLRN and NPR. She is the recipient of the 2019 Rebecca Harndeon Bush Award from the Junior League of Miami and the 2020 Top “20 Under 40” YoPro Award by the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.
Krystina is a first generation Haitian-American who is driven by the desire to create opportunities for immigrants and BIPOC femmes to have a voice. Krystina’s devotion to human rights and social justice began at a young age while attending The United Nations International School in New York City. As a freshman in high school she moved to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, where anti-government protests and political instability gave her valuable perspective on the conditions that force many immigrants to seek refuge in the U.S.
Krystina holds a bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History from CUNY-Hunter College. In her previous roles she served as Florida New Americans Program Director at the Florida Immigrant Coalition and Co-Director of Law for Black Lives. Krystina is also the founder of KMD Consultant Group, where she leads clients through program development, cross-sector collaboration and non-profit innovation. In her spare time, she volunteers with several organizations committed to improving the status of women and people of color including the Black Collective and the Junior League of Miami. She has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Miami Herald, NBC6, Bustle, WLRN and NPR. She is the recipient of the 2019 Rebecca Harndeon Bush Award from the Junior League of Miami and the 2020 Top “20 Under 40” YoPro Award by the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida.
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.
