Diaspora Integration through Social entrepreneurship

Connect to Replenish is a guided hybrid-virtual exchange program that explores the dynamics of living and working in Haiti in comparison to other countries to increase intercultural understanding. It will connect professionals working in Haiti with those working outside of Haiti in order to create a space to share developments in mutual areas of expertise and to bridge the knowledge gaps on how each sector is evolving in different markets. 

It also aims to connect the Haitian Diaspora with their country of origin through dynamic networking that will enrich our awareness of what is happening in Haiti and increase their cultural understanding of working and managing business in Haiti. The program is open to all nationalities. Documents will be in English and program discussions will be made in the preferred language of the person speaking at the moment (English, Creole, or French).

The program is divided into 2 cycles per year, with each cycle lasting 4 months. The cohort commits to meeting as a group virtually once a month, and then at their leisure with their match.  The program’s curriculum is built in a way to facilitate connections and increase shared understanding of best practices for collaborating in Haiti. In addition, the program offers a debate with reputable Haitian leaders who will speak about the Haitian professional environment and its opportunities.

The first cohort of this program began on January 22, 2022 and will conclude May 18, 2022.  To build connections through the distance, health, and security barriers, the group meetings and one-on-one meetings with their peers will be held virtually. We will conclude with a face-to-face event in Haiti or New Orleans where all participants will have the opportunity to meet each other, as well as other special invited guests.