Governance

 
I was moved to support the Fonkoze family after seeing its incredible work in Haiti firsthand during a trip in 2012. Few, if any, organizations have national reach and are literally — and physically — invested throughout the country with durable human and service-delivery infrastructure. That model of ‘leaving no Haitian behind’ continues to inspire me.
In this recent crisis, the international development community and many critical organizations have retreated from Haiti. In stark contrast, Fonkoze is still standing and fighting to ensure its work supporting Haitian women perseveres. This of course hasn’t come without major challenges, but it speaks to a key truth about Fonkoze: we are Haitian-led and we are embedded in communities around the country…so we don’t run or give up when the going gets tough. In fact, that’s when we’re needed more than ever.

“If you know Haiti, I’m willing to bet you know Fonkoze. A Haitian organization creating impact at scale for more than 30 years, Fonkoze’s countrywide network of branches has supported our clients and members through crises big and small. I feel lucky to have had the chance to work for Fonkoze on the ground and to witness the life-changing impact clients experience. I will never forget the joy of a Chemen Lavi Miyo (CLM) graduation: the music, the fellowship, and the testimonies of proud graduates after 18 months of hard work. In the words of one such graduate: “Now, I am a person.” I am inspired, too, by the dedication and passion of our Haitian staff who work tirelessly and in incredibly difficult circumstances to reach our clients. I’m proud to serve on the board of Fonkoze USA as we continue to combat poverty and empower Haitian families to build better futures.”