Haitian American Professionals Coalition (HAPC) hosted its 16th Anniversary by galvanizing its core member associations and the community to attend its Annual Holiday Fundraising and Awards Luncheon with the theme: "Promoting Interprofessional Connectedness, Collaboration & Service Excellence"

This spectacular 16th Annual Holiday Fundraising & Awards Luncheon hosted by the Haitian American Professionals Coalition (HAPC) at Miami Dade College - North Campus was well attended by professionals of diverse background, students, community and Media Leaders. HAPC's Dynamic Chairwoman - Nahomie Mirville, DNP, MSNEd, ARNP, FNP-BC and the Boards of Directors honored one exceptional organization and seven outstanding individuals who are Changemakers that have created high-impact and sustainable programs in the Haitian Community locally and abroad. Here are the highlights of HAPC's luncheon:

Naomi Blemur, Executive Director of Esther's House of Hope, Inc., Special Guest Speaker shared positive remarks and some pearls on the 3 Ps - "Purpose, Perspectives, and Priorities" and serving the community. The Keynote Speaker - Delle Joseph, Vice-President of TD Bank, gave a remarkable Keynote address on HAPC's 2017 Theme: Promoting Interprofessional Connectedness, Collaboration & Service Excellence. Florida State Senator Daphne Campbell, District 38th attended the luncheon and presented a Proclamation to HAPC for this august occasion. Other Proclamations received from the office of Commissioner Jean Monestime, Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, and Mayor Carlos Gimenez and City of North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph's Office and Broward County Mayor's Barbara Sharief's office. Official congratulations letters in the program booklet were sent by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Florida State Senator Daphne Campbell, Mayor Smith Joseph, and Commissioner Jean Monestime, District 2.

HAPC 2017 Honorees include: The Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Inc.(HANA) and Lynn Hood, President and CEO for Principle Long Term Care, Inc. were honored with the 2017 HAPC Outstanding Corporate Award, Jeff Lozama, Chairman of Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida & Executive Director of Man Dodo Foundation received the Outstanding Leadership Award, Keith A. Harrell, MSM, Founder/President of Footprints Across Haiti Corporation received the Humanitarian Award, Shirley Plantin, JD received the Outstanding Community Action Award, Pastor Judith Bardouille from ReNew Church received the Outstanding Partner Award and the two Outstanding Student Community Service Awards received by Gabrielle Barlatier & Jennifer Escobar, and Dr. Marie O. Etienne was the recipient of the Chairperson's Choice Award .

Attendees had the opportunity to network and enjoy delicious food - Haitian Cuisine and refreshments. In conclusion, HAPC Core Associations (HLA, HANA, HACCOF, CAVCP, CAC, and AHED) Leaders took part of HAPC's Unity Symbolic Oath for their support and renewed commitment to HAPC. Special thanks to our sponsors, partners, and supporters. We appreciate and thank Miami Dade College, PMSi, Reverend - Dr. Adenet Medacier from Shalom Community Church in Broward for the powerful invocation, the unforgettable and talented singer - Ms. Gabrielle Cange for singing both American and Haitian National Anthems, Patricia Thompson - pichuli Graphic Design, Xpert Signs & Printing, the two dynamic Emcees: Dr. Flore Lindor-Lartortue & Dr. Fabrice Laguerre for doing a fantastic job!

Dr. Mirville concluded the luncheon by stating that "as professionals, it is imperative to find a platform to give back, and that we all can make a difference through great collaboration and partnership".

The Haitian American Professionals Coalition (HAPC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which was established in 2001. HAPC is comprised of a core assembly of volunteer professional associations, organizations and individuals, business leaders, media and community members that seek to advocate and promote the well-being of Haitian communities in Florida, United States and abroad.

MISSION
Our mission is to mobilize and link professionals of diverse occupations in order to effectively address issues relevant to the community and to provide opportunities for growth and development.

HAPC Core Member Associations:
Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) - Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida (HANA) - Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) - Caribbean American Visual Cultural Preservation (CAVCP) - Community Access Center (CAC) - Association of Haitian Educators of Dade (AHED).