I was born in Lapointe des Palmistes, Port-de-Paix, Haiti. When I was a child, I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I currently have a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida Southern College.

Dr. Rubens Petit Homme was born in La Pointe Des Palmistes, Port-de-Paix, Haiti, where his passion for community health and service began. Growing up, he noticed a troubling trend: many elders in his community were battling hypertension, diabetes, or both. Inspired by his grandmother’s resilience and the dedicated work of local healers, he envisioned a future where he could alleviate these chronic health challenges and bring lasting change to his hometown. In 2008, Dr. Petit Homme emigrated to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. Settling in Lakeland, Florida, he faced the challenges of navigating his educational and professional journey without access to mentorship from peers in the immigrant community. Determined to make a difference, he co-founded BASSA, an organization dedicated to fostering mentorship and empowering young individuals within the Haitian-American community. As part of his mission, Dr. Petit Homme played a pivotal role in establishing the BASSA Medical Center in Port-de-Paix. Through its flagship program, "Assistance Program for Vulnerable Elderly," the center works tirelessly to address hypertension and diabetes, bringing much-needed care and education to underserved populations. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Petit Homme enjoys playing and watching soccer, writing poetry, and training for marathons. His dedication to community health and cultural preservation continues to inspire his work, bridging his Haitian roots with his American journey to create a legacy of service and advocacy.

A committed and visionary physician, Webens N. Mettelus dedicates his career to designing and implementing healthcare projects aimed at improving the well-being of the most vulnerable communities. Originally from Jean-Rabel, one of the poorest communes in Haiti, he is driven by the deep conviction that human beings are the greatest wealth of our planet. This philosophy, central to his journey, is reflected in the motto of the Berakhah Association for Scholarship and Social Advancement (BASSA), of which he is a founding member: "We are the blessing we seek." As a project leader within the Mission Église Chrétienne de la Nouvelle Vie d’Haïti (MECNOUVIH), his social commitment has led, despite significant challenges, to the realization of several initiatives, including the COENHA Medical-Social Center in Croix-des-Bouquets, a facility dedicated to supporting the elderly and orphans. In 2023, alongside the BASSA team, he co-founded the BASSA Medical Center in Port-de-Paix, a center specializing in the management of chronic diseases while integrating innovative programs to address local health challenges. These include the Clinical Subscription Program, a health mutual fund for families with one or more members suffering from chronic illness, and the Support Program for Vulnerable Elderly People (PAPAV), which assists 500 elderly individuals in vulnerable situations. His journey reflects a consistent commitment to putting his skills at the service of the community, with a clear vision: "To build a future where health and human dignity are accessible to all."

Sherlande was born and raised in Haiti, in the small town of Lapointe in Port-de-Paix. From an early age, her mother instilled in her the values of compassion and generosity: "If you have enough, share it with someone who has nothing." This philosophy shaped Sherlande’s perspective on life and inspired her to extend that mindset to community growth. She firmly believes that education and healthcare are the cornerstones of a thriving society. “Education inspires dreams; health makes them possible,” she says. For Sherlande, helping others succeed is not just an act of kindness, it’s a strategy for empowering entire communities. Two pivotal events deeply influenced Sherlande’s dream to make healthcare accessible to all. The devastating 2010 earthquake and the 2011 cholera outbreak in Haiti opened her eyes to the dire consequences of inadequate healthcare. Witnessing preventable deaths during those crises motivated her to take action. She realized that healthcare is more than a necessity; it’s the foundation of resilience and progress. Driven by this mission, Sherlande pursued a career in nursing, graduating in 2019. Since then, she has dedicated her life to serving underserved communities, working in hospitals that provide care to vulnerable populations. Through her work with BASSA, she has found a platform to align her passion and values, making a meaningful impact by delivering education and healthcare to those who need it most. Sherlande’s ultimate dream is to see every person in Haiti, and wherever she calls home gain access to quality healthcare and education. She believes that when people are empowered with knowledge and health, they can create brighter futures not just for themselves, but for their entire community.

Shmerlanda Vilfranc’s journey began in the serene town of La Pointe des Palmistes, Haiti. In 2011, she moved to the United States, driven by dreams of building a brighter future. After graduating from North Miami Senior High in 2013, Shmerlanda pursued her passion for nursing, a profession that reflects her deep commitment to helping others and making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. Currently working on an oncology unit, Shmerlanda provides compassionate care to patients battling cancer. This role has profoundly influenced her perspective on life, teaching her the true meaning of strength, resilience, and compassion. Her experiences have deepened her commitment to cherishing every moment and bringing kindness and comfort to those in need. As a proud mother of two, Shmerlanda draws inspiration from her children, who remind her daily of the importance of love, perseverance, and striving for excellence. She aspires to advance her career and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), a goal that motivates her to continuously expand her knowledge and skills to deliver the highest quality care to her patients. Beyond her professional pursuits, Shmerlanda is dedicated to uplifting and empowering others, whether it’s improving their health, inspiring them to reach their goals, or offering support in times of need. Her purpose is clear: to bring hope, healing, and joy to every life she touches.

Spencer Cadet, originally from Thomazeau, Haiti, brings a deep commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which profoundly impacted his family and community, Spencer was inspired to pursue a career in medicine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in Biology, earned in 2017, during which he also gained valuable experience volunteering at the Maliheh Free Clinic, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and local refugee centers. Following graduation, Spencer worked as a laboratory professional at Myriad Genetics before starting his medical education at Howard College of Medicine in 2020. As he prepares to graduate in May and begin a three-year Internal Medicine residency, Spencer remains dedicated to his mission of serving underserved communities, particularly in Haiti. He is actively involved with organizations like BASSA, aligning his efforts with their mission to provide critical healthcare services in the region. In addition to his professional and volunteer pursuits, Spencer enjoys working out, staying engaged with Haitian politics, attending cultural events, and learning Spanish. His passion, dedication, and personal connection to Haiti make him an invaluable asset to the board.

Originally from Bainet, a picturesque town in southeastern Haiti, Alejandro De Litchienco COBY is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate in the fields of emergency care and health education. His life’s journey has been guided by a deep commitment to community service and reducing inequalities in health and education. Alejandro studied medicine in Haiti, gaining invaluable experience working directly with vulnerable populations. His dedication to making a tangible impact led him to establish LUX-AID, an organization focused on providing risk management and first aid training to at-risk communities in Haiti. He also co-founded HERMES: Haiti Emergency Rescue Medical and Safety, a collaborative initiative that brings together professionals and leaders from Haiti’s civil protection sector to develop emergency response systems, enhance safety, and protect communities at risk. Through these initiatives, Alejandro has successfully merged his medical expertise with his passion for community development. His work has facilitated partnerships with both local and international stakeholders, creating effective intervention systems tailored to the unique needs of the populations he serves. After completing his medical studies and dedicating years to community health initiatives in Haiti, Alejandro joined BASSA as the Partnerships Coordinator. This role aligns seamlessly with his skills and values, offering him a platform to contribute to reducing disparities in education and healthcare while promoting sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. Alejandro’s experience as a certified trainer in Canada, particularly in occupational health and safety (CNESST), has equipped him with the tools to teach, mentor, and inspire diverse groups. At BASSA, he leverages this expertise, alongside his extensive fieldwork in Haiti, to foster targeted learning, community resilience, and impactful partnerships. Alejandro firmly believes that unity, solidarity, and collaboration are the pillars of sustainable change. From Bainet to BASSA, through LUX-AID and HERMES, his mission remains clear: to build a world where health, safety, and education are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances.

Liseberth Guillaume, originally from Les Cayes, Sud, a southern province of Haiti, embarked on a transformative journey to New York at the age of 14. Since then, she has made New York her home, where her experiences and aspirations have been profoundly shaped. Driven by purpose, Liseberth dedicated seven years to the healthcare sector, excelling in clinical and operational roles that primarily served immigrant and underserved communities. These roles deepened her understanding of delivering essential care and inspired her to pursue broader societal impacts. This motivation led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan College of New York, where she was inducted into the Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society. Currently, Liseberth is focused on election services, contributing to critical processes such as data collection, issue resolution, and team training to ensure the smooth execution of election operations. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in communications and digital media to amplify her ability to make an impact through strategic communication and effective outreach. In her leisure time, Liseberth indulges her creative side through reading, exploring historical documentaries, and engaging with her Haitian roots. Her journey from Les Cayes to New York underscores her enduring commitment to influencing policies and strategies that uplift both her local and Haitian communities.