Organizational Governance Structure
The organization is governed by a leadership team composed of executive officers, administrative staff, project management, and advisory members. Each role contributes to decision-making, oversight, and operational execution.
- Executive Leadership
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Rony Desir — President
The President is the highest executive authority. He provides overall leadership, represents the organization publicly, oversees strategic direction, and ensures that all departments function effectively.
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Marie Altagrace — Vice President
The Vice President supports the President in leadership duties, helps coordinate major initiatives, and may act on behalf of the President when needed. She contributes to strategic planning and organizational oversight.
- Financial and Administrative Management
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Yves Midy — Treasurer
The Treasurer manages the organization’s finances, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring responsible use of funds. He safeguards financial integrity and transparency.
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Jennica Merzier — Administrative Secretary
The Secretary handles documentation, meeting records, correspondence, and administrative coordination. She ensures smooth internal communication and maintains official organizational records.
- Project and Program Operations
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Bermann Durogene — Project Coordinator
The Project Coordinator oversees the planning, execution, and monitoring of organizational projects. He ensures that activities align with goals, timelines, and available resources.
- Advisory Council
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Myrlande Presmy — Counselor (Conseillère)
Provides guidance, advice, and strategic insight to support decision-making and organizational development.
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Marie Jude Desir — Counselor (Conseillère)
Works alongside the leadership team to offer recommendations, evaluate initiatives, and support governance processes.
Our organization was inspired by the growing needs of Haitian-origin individuals, Black Francophones, and allophones in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many newcomers and families experienced isolation, economic hardship, language barriers, limited access to culturally appropriate services, and a lack of spaces where they felt represented and supported. At the same time, we recognized the absence of a strong community hub dedicated to promoting Haitian culture, supporting Francophone integration, and empowering youth and families.
A group of Haitian professionals, community leaders, and volunteers came together with a shared vision of creating a space rooted in solidarity, inclusion, cultural pride, and mutual support. What began as a grassroots initiative evolved into a long-term commitment to strengthening our community through programs focused on youth empowerment, cultural preservation, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
What keeps us motivated is the resilience and potential of the people we serve. Seeing youth gain confidence, newcomers build connections, and families access opportunities reinforces the importance of our work. Every success story reminds us that community-led support can create lasting change.
Our organization is uniquely positioned for this work because we are deeply connected to the community and understand its realities firsthand. Our leadership and volunteers reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of those we serve, allowing us to build trust and meaningful relationships. We combine lived experience, community partnerships, and grassroots engagement to deliver culturally relevant and accessible initiatives that respond directly to community needs.
Our project responds to the growing need for culturally relevant community support, youth engagement, economic empowerment, and social inclusion among Haitian-origin individuals, Black Francophones, and allophones in the Greater Toronto Area. Many members of these communities continue to face barriers such as social isolation, racism, unemployment, language challenges, limited access to mentorship, and a lack of culturally responsive services and safe community spaces.
Youth and newcomers are particularly affected. Many struggle to access professional networks, employment opportunities, leadership development, and programs that reflect their cultural identity and lived experiences. At the same time, families and community organizations often operate in silos, limiting collaboration and collective impact.
This project creates opportunities for connection, mentorship, skills development, cultural engagement, and community participation. It aims to strengthen relationships between youth, families, local organizations, and community leaders while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and empowerment.
This is the right time for the project because the Haitian and Francophone populations in Toronto are growing rapidly, particularly following increased migration in recent years. The social and economic impacts of the pandemic also continue to affect many vulnerable communities, increasing the need for accessible support systems and inclusive community initiatives.
In addition, there is growing public recognition of the importance of addressing systemic racism, supporting Black communities, and investing in youth leadership and mental well-being. Our project aligns with these priorities by creating inclusive, community-driven solutions that promote equity, resilience, and long-term community development.