February 23, 2025 • 24 mins
Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Annabel Lissade. She is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she brings a unique global perspective to her academic and professional endeavors. Annabel is passionate about addressing systemic challenges and leveraging innovative solutions to create sustainable change, particularly in education and governance. Her academic focus, coupled with leadership roles and practical experiences, positions her as a forward-thinking changemaker dedicated to making a meaningful impact especially in her home country of Haiti.
Connect with Annabel!
LinkedIn: Annabel Lissade https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-lissade-0589a9229/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode
of Diversify Her.
I'm your host, raven Hayward,and today I have Annabelle Asad.
She's a junior at theUniversity of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, pursuing a doublemajor in economics and political
science, with a minor inentrepreneurship.
Originally from Haiti, shebrings a unique global
(00:23):
perspective to her academic andprofessional endeavors.
Annabelle is passionate aboutaddressing systematic challenges
and leveraging innovativesolutions to create sustainable
change, particularly ineducation and governance.
Her academic focus, coupledwith leadership roles and
practical experiences, positionsher as a forward-thinking
changemaker dedicated to makingmeaningful impact, especially in
(00:46):
her home country of Haiti.
I'm so excited to haveAnnabelle on my podcast today.
Something that I really wantedto focus on this season and this
year is getting more Gen Zleaders on my podcast.
I think it's really importantthat we're not only getting
advice and hearing the storiesof those that came before us,
(01:07):
but also those in our generationthat are doing amazing things.
So thank you so much, annabelle, for being on my podcast today.
How are you doing?
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Hey Raven, Thank you for having me today.
I'm doing amazing.
I'm really happy to be here andshare my story.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Yes, I'm so excited.
So first, from reading your bio, I understand that you're from
Haiti and you now attend ChapelHill in your junior year.
Could you just tell us firstoff what made you want to come
to Chapel Hill?
Wow?
Speaker 2 (01:39):
it's a very long story.
So I actually moved from Haitiin 2020.
Due to political instabilitiesin the country and school was
always shutting down, my momthought it would be better for
me to, like you know, come tothe US and all.
So I came here and, like Iactually had no idea Chapel Hill
existed before I came to the US, so it was like on a random day
(02:01):
, my brother was okay, let's gotour colleges.
So I got in the car with himand we toured colleges and we
got to Chapel Hill.
I really liked the campus.
So when I got home, I made myresearch and started researching
the school and started fallingin love with it and then applied
to the school and I got in.
So that's basically the reasonwhy I came to Chapel Hill.
(02:23):
It was basically like I likethe school, they offered me a
good package, so it made sensefor me to come here.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
You mentioned the political environment and what
was going on in Haiti.
Do you mind giving us a littlebackground about that, in case
some of my listeners don't knowwhat exactly you're referring to
?
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Yeah, so it's a very like, like it's been happening
for a while.
So I would say that like,especially during my high school
years in haiti, we've had a lotof political instabilities
within the government and like alot has been going on and
there's been a lot of riots or alot of different lockdowns were
happening and it was likerioting, especially like
(03:03):
security problems as well, so wehad a rise in like kidnappings
or rise in gang violence inHaiti as well.
So I would say that's basicallylike to sum it up there's a lot
more details as far as like whythings are going on, why it
started and everything.
Even I personally don't havethe full details of why
everything is going on, but sofar, like it's been a lot of
(03:26):
like political instabilities andlike riots against the
government.
Our president got killed in2021, so it's been like a lot of
like ups and downs and a lot ofdowns, specifically, I would
say, over the last few yearsyeah, that must be really hard,
and you even coming to the USyou mentioned during the year
2020.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
That's when you know our world even went on pause
with COVID and the pandemic andeverything.
So how would you say you wereable to handle that mentally?
Like?
What mental effects did thathave on you?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Man it was.
It was quite hard at first.
So I ended up in the US in avery unexpected way.
It was not a planned move, likelike I knew I was gonna move.
It was very like I came tovisit family and they I just
decided to like stay.
Like it was not a okay, like Iknow, like in a few months I'm
moving.
It was just I came for vacationand I stayed.
(04:20):
So it was very hard at first,especially with my language
barrier.
My native language is notEnglish.
I grew up speaking French andHaitian Creole, so I had a big
language barrier at first.
So even overcoming that washard, but eventually I got over
it and I went to a school whereit was predominantly white.
So, like in Haiti, I didn't goto a predominantly white school.
(04:43):
It was like everybody was likejust Haitian at at my school and
everything in my school was infrench.
So I would say it was verycultural.
It was a big culturaldifference and very shocking for
me at first.
But I think there's a sayingthat I, like you know, always
like move with my life and it'slike if you're not giving a seat
(05:03):
at the table, then you have tobring your folding chair.
So that was my like sayingthroughout my whole high school
and I was like, even though,like, this is not my home, this
is not where, like I probablywant to be, but I just have to
make the best out of it.
And I did the best out of myhigh school.
Like, I got into leadershippositions very early on.
I made it known that I was atthe school, I made my name known
(05:26):
at the school.
So it was hard because there wasa lot of barriers that I had to
like overcome, especially myfirst time being away from my
parents.
My mom still lives in Haiti andit was my first time being away
from home.
So it was hard at first,especially with the language
barrier.
I would say that was thehardest part, but I eventually
did overcome everything and, youknow, push through and I think,
(05:46):
especially seeing that like Ihave the opportunity and there
are a lot of kids back home thatdon't have the same
opportunities as me I I didn'tsee that Like I didn't see that
Like I had a choice to even likesit down and complain.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
I just had to do what I had to do and be an example
for younger Haitians that areback home and that don't even
have the opportunity to come tothe US and continue with their
education.
That's a lot to unpack in thatanswer that you just gave us,
and I think, even some Americanshere, especially myself.
Being a young black woman inAmerica, I feel that I'm faced
with a lot of adversity.
Black woman in America I feelthat I'm faced with a lot of
adversity and you, coming andbeing new to this country and
(06:28):
being seen as a black woman inAmerica and having that language
barrier that's just a lot ofadversity that you had to face
and battle and I think it'scommendable that you were able
to overcome those things, stillare overcoming those things and
you're doing really well inschool right now, and I
understand that you've startedyour own nonprofit or foundation
(06:48):
in Haiti.
Could you tell us a little bitmore about that?
Speaker 2 (06:52):
So yeah, so I grew up actually, my mom is a doctor in
Haiti and she did a lot ofvolunteering at a specific
orphanage with, like there'saround like at least 400 kids
there.
So I grew up going with her allthe time and I think seeing
these kids and seeing like thejoy that they have despite the
(07:12):
situation that they're in, hasbeen like one of my biggest
inspirations in life.
So I would like go very oftenwith my mom, like at least once
a month, and just go with herand just hang out there the
whole day.
And then, when I moved to theUS, I eventually decided to
start an initiative where, overwinter break because there's
(07:34):
something in Haiti that peopledo, it's like often, like over
winter break, they'll go andlike, or, like Christmas period,
they'll go and like give outgifts to kids and as much as
like these are things that, likeI look forward to do as well.
I think where I wanted to bedifferent is not only just gift
giving, but like, make anexperience for the kids that
(07:56):
like they'll remember because,like I tell my mom all the time,
like a toy, they can break itin two weeks, but like memories
are like things that will lastforever, especially if it's
something that they don't getvery often.
So I took this initiative tostart this, like I call it like
a big field day that I have, andit's usually like either one
day or two days, depending onthe situation Haiti and what we
(08:17):
have where I go and we haveeducational workshops with the
kids like I'll have differentprofessionals come in and talk,
whether it is like doctorscoming in to do like sex
education class for them, orlike I'll have business
professionals come in and liketalk about their journey.
I'll have different studentslike from other schools come in
and talk about their academicjourney as well, and then I'll
(08:40):
have like a robotics workshop.
I'll have different types ofworkshop.
There's also like I'll havelike a robotics workshop.
I'll have different types ofworkshop.
There's also like I'll havelike arts and crafts for like
younger kids.
I'll have cooking workshops,like all of different types of
workshops that I plan outthroughout the whole day, and it
will also have variouscompetitions with different
games, like education games, andlike the winners like they get
prizes and all.
(09:00):
And then we have like I have asoccer coach come in and we have
this big soccer tournament andthis is like the highlight of
the whole thing because kids inHaiti they love playing soccer,
so that's like one of ourbiggest highlights.
It's like doing the soccertournament.
We have a big halftime showbecause I also have a dance
teacher come in and like they doa dance.
They have dance classes withvarious style, because I grew up
(09:22):
dancing, so I also teach one ofthe classes.
So they do ballroom, they dohip-hop, afro and everything,
and then at the halftime they doa big halftime show where all
the kids at the sites of danceperform.
So, yeah, it's like a reallybig field day that I have and we
have lunch breaks with them andmusic DJs Usually I have a
local band as well come andperform for the kids.
(09:43):
So it's like a every Decemberin Haiti.
Eventually, my biggest dream andmy biggest goal is to like
actually open a center wherekids can come like after school
or like and just like there'llbe like different workshops for
(10:03):
them every day to do, or likethey can just hang out.
If they want to read a book,they can just sit down and read
a book, but something that likecombines education but also
having fun, because I stillbelieve that like education is
the key to like open so manydoors for people and like just I
feel like if you do have adegree attached to your name or
(10:26):
like some type of education,people will respect you 10 times
more than if you don't.
So, and education just canbring you very, very far.
I have a lot of friends that Iknow that, like education has
brought them pretty far in life,and especially for me as well,
like to something that I believein.
So, trying to like findsomething that like combines
education while also having funwith it, is something that, like
(10:49):
I've been trying to do in Haiti, and I do it every December and
hopefully, like it'll besomething that I can implement,
like more and more, like overthe years and like so, yeah,
that's my awesome, wow.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
so what's the name of the program called and how long
ago did you start it?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
So I started it, uh, two years ago.
It's called Soleil, which islike sun sun in Haitian Creole.
So basically, like it justmeans like sun and for me, like
what I see, the sun is likebringing light.
So I wanted to bring light intothe kids' day.
So like I call it soleil andlike they just have fun and like
(11:26):
it just brings light to themand like aligns their day,
aligns their December, alignsthat whole celebration period
like during December.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
So yeah, Wow, I love that and I think that it's so
cool that you're combining allof these different things and
the dancing and the soccer andeven the professionals that you
have come in.
And I like how you mentionedmemories, because I think a lot
of the time we forget to live inthe moment or we don't
(11:54):
necessarily know how good we hadit until it's gone.
But we can always reflect backon those memories or have those
core memories and even, like youmentioned before, just finding
the good in everything, and Ithink, especially since I've
come to college I don't knowabout you, but I know for me
it's kind of hard to find thegood in some things or just
(12:17):
always be grateful because itcan be so hard in the moment of
what you're going through.
And one of my goals for 2025and at least the rest of my
college career, is just toalways sit and reflect and just
be thankful for the moment.
You know those all-nightersthat we may have or those
moments where we're reallycramming for an exam.
(12:40):
Just remember we're living inthe moment that we prayed for,
like we're living in our dreams,or even we're living in moments
that some people aren'tfortunate to have, and so with
Soleil.
I know you mentioned your goalsand what you plan to do in the
future, but have you ever hadany setbacks in planning, or has
(13:01):
something gone wrong?
And if it did, how are you ableto combat those things?
Speaker 2 (13:06):
this is actually very funny.
You brought that up because Iactually had a big, big, really
big setback this past winterbreak, especially because I
don't know if you've seen thenews with the airport in Haiti
shutting down, so I was not ableto go for the first time since
I've moved to the US for thisDecember break.
(13:27):
So that was the biggest setback, because a lot of the materials
that I bring in, I actually flyback to Haiti with them.
So I literally had to like, anda lot of like the people that I
was bringing as well, like asfar as like even the artists,
the local artists, got stuckoutside of Haiti.
So I literally had to likebasically scratch most of the
(13:51):
program.
And it was like the most, likeit was one of my biggest
heartbreak this past winterbreak at least, because, uh, for
the longest, like, I've kepthope because, like, that
announcement of the airportshutting down happened like back
in October.
So I kept hope throughout thewhole month of October, whole
month of November, and I waslike, yes, I'm still gonna go.
Half of December still had hopeand then until, like, I
(14:13):
actually got an email that like,yeah, the airport's like
shutting down, we're not flyingtill like april.
So I like had to, like I stillhad my mom go in and do certain
stuff and like still was able tolike fun and like get some
materials in haiti, but notseeing the whole program.
That, like I had planned and Ihad already like got her
(14:33):
gathered all the funds, madesome of the orders and
everything come to fruitationwas one of my biggest setbacks,
and not because that, like therewas no will to do it, but more
so because the country didn'tallow me to do it.
And I'll say like also like Iwas talking to the director of
the orphanage where I do havethe program, and for the longest
(14:55):
, both of us were like yeah,we're just gonna keep hope, and
I remember she didn't want totell the kids at all that it was
not gonna happen.
Uh, like as planned, becausethe feedback and like the not
even the feedback, but like thejoy that the kids had from the
previous year and, like them,apparently they were excited
from what I've heard, like theywere talking about it the whole
year.
They just couldn't wait fordecember to happen.
(15:18):
And then, like, because thecountry didn't allow us, because
of the political situation ofthe country, we were not able to
like do the full program.
But I'm like I'm saying it's aminor step back for a major
comeback.
So hopefully, whenever theairport reopens and I'm able to
go and everybody's able to goback and like do everything, I
(15:39):
hope that probably it'll be oneof like the biggest biggest
field days that I've ever thrownin my life.
So I'm not being too negativeabout it.
It is a setback, but I'm justsaying it's a minor step back
for a really major comeback.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
That's so incredibly sad, but I commend you for your
positive outlook on it still andkeeping hope alive and I'm
definitely keeping hope alivefor you, and I'm sure my
listeners are as well and wecan't wait for December to come
and for Soleil to be even biggerand better than it has in the
past.
But it's amazing what you'vebeen able to accomplish in these
(16:14):
years and I want to know, as acollege student, how have you
been able to balance all thesethings?
Have you ever experiencedburnout?
Or have you ever experiencedblockages, where you want to do
something or you just get sobusy to where you almost lose
(16:34):
motivation to do it like how areyou able to still persevere and
push through?
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I would say two things.
Time management is reallyimportant.
If I didn't have it, I'm still,like you know, mastering it,
but like I'm trying to like getit down completely.
But I think that's alsoimportant.
But I'll say the main reason islike knowing my why and why I
started and why am I stillcontinuing and why is this
something I'm really passionateabout continuing.
(17:01):
So I would say so far, likejust like going back, I actually
wrote down my why on a piece ofpaper of why I was doing this
and why I want to continue doingthis, and I put actually I put
a picture of one of the programslike on my phone and every time
like looking back and I'm likeokay, I'm gonna look back at the
piece of paper, look back atthe picture, and this is why I'm
(17:22):
not gonna give up.
So I would say like this hasbeen like the biggest way for me
to not give up and likecontinue going.
I would say as well like havingsupportive people in my circle
that also want this to likehappen and see it flourish.
So last year I like took on abit like a really big part of
(17:43):
the program like on by myself,because it was one of the
biggest ones that I had thrown.
So I was like taking it on andI'm also like the type to like,
if I'm doing something, I try tolike do it all by myself.
But this year, like I had areally big supportive group I
brought in, brought in morepeople on my team to help me
accomplish that goal and likegoing over different activities,
(18:05):
going over the schedule that wehad planned and everything.
So I would say, my timemanagement, knowing my why and
also having a supportive circlehave been the like things that
have been keeping me on, likepushing me and like keeping it,
like keeping me going so far.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
So those are all really big things and very
important.
I'm just curious to know ifthere's someone out there that
maybe wants to start somethinglike this, or they have an idea
in their head when exactlyshould they start.
When you had the idea of Soleiland you were writing down your
(18:41):
why, when it was time for you toactually put it into fruition
and see it come to light, wheredid you start?
I'm sure there's manycomponents and many things that
go on behind the scenes, and howare you able to actually
produce it and put on theproduction, like, where do you
start?
Speaker 2 (18:58):
wow, where did I start?
I would say for me, I think thefirst thing I did when I like
first had the idea was call mymom and I was like okay, I have
this idea and what do you think?
At first, my mom is like so howdo you think you're gonna
accomplish something so big?
And like you're just gonna doit.
(19:19):
And like I was like yeah, Imean, I mean there's no other
way, I just have to do it.
Like it's just like, I'm like Iwant to do it.
So there's, if there's a will,there's a way.
So she was like well, how, yougoing to find the money for all
of this?
And I'm like I'll find it.
So I like started working andthen I like started saving up my
(19:39):
own money and then I like putthat I was putting some money
aside every month to like startthe program, start the program.
And then, eventually, like Ireached out to certain people
and I was like I give them mypitch on my initiative and this
is what I want to do, why I wantto do it, who is it going to
benefit, and everything.
So I was giving out pitches.
I was sending out cold emailsto different companies Like, for
(20:03):
example, like I have to bringin like lunch for the kids, so
it's like 400 plates for thestaff as well, so 500 plates
that I have to bring in.
So I was like you know what, Iknow I can just send out some
cold emails to like some foodcompany in Haiti.
So I just was sending out coldemails everywhere until I got an
answer.
So I was getting answers and Iwas like, okay, and I literally
(20:25):
that's literally how I started Iliterally was sending out cold
emails.
It's like knocking on doors andbeing like okay, this is my
initiative, initiative, this iswhy I want to do it.
And eventually, like people likestarted like supporting me,
supporting me, and then, oncepeople started seeing the
outcome, other people would comein and be like oh, I want to, I
want to actually pitch in aswell, like how can I help?
How can I do this?
(20:45):
And then that's how it likereally started until I got like
really big sponsorships to helpme.
But I think, starting small andyou small and you know, don't
be afraid to, don't be afraid toask people for help.
You know that's how you have tostart eventually, like I think
it's really hard to like startsomething on your own and have
no support and be like likedoing it by yourself and taking
(21:08):
on the whole brand by yourself.
I think asking for help isimportant.
So I just started asking forhelp.
My mom was she really motivatedme, like she would be like,
okay, then I know thisconnection that can help you
with this, and she was like justreach out.
So I was.
That really put me out of mycomfort zone too, because I'm
not someone that likes to askfor help at all, like I like to
do everything by myself.
But I also didn't realize thatit was not achievable by myself.
(21:30):
So I was just sending out coldemails, reaching out to people,
and then everybody startedpitching in and then, once it
got bigger and bigger, likeother people started reaching
out.
So I'd say like that's one wayto start just ask for help and
share your ideas and then youknow, see who's willing to help
and support you.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
I think, yeah, you basically hit it right on the
head, the nail right on the headthat you know.
Start small, pace yourself,create a plan and make sure that
it's a smart goal, a smart plan.
Give yourself enough time, giveyourself grace, to be able to
achieve those things.
You for coming on here andsharing your story, and a
(22:17):
tradition that I have on mypodcast is I'll ask what's one
piece of advice you would giveGen Z to go out and diversify
themselves.
So your one golden nugget ofadvice that you have for anyone
out there that may want to dosomething similar to you or just
is going through a hard patchin their life right now, what's
one piece of advice that youwould give them?
Speaker 2 (22:37):
oh, one piece of advice is oh, that's a.
I have so many that I couldgive, but I would say, like one
thing is just keep doing theright thing and everything will
fall into place.
You know, I think for us,especially like gen z, like you
know, we're such in like ahustle and bustle culture that,
(22:58):
like you're like even openinglinkedin sometimes can like feel
, you know, you're like, oh mygod, so what am I doing with my
life if everybody else is likedoing this?
You know, I think I think onepiece of advice is like just
keep pushing, doing the rightthing, and everything will fall
into place.
You know, and don't be afraidto be yourself in certain
circles, don't be afraid to beyourself in certain areas.
(23:19):
I think it's important, youknow, to show who you are,
showcase who you are and beunique.
So I think everybody's unique,so keep showcasing your
uniqueness to everyone.
So these are my two pieces ofadvice.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
Actually, thank you.
Thank you, and I think you saidit and I totally agree with you
.
Sometimes opening LinkedIn canbe overwhelming, and you know,
my mom always told me comparisonis the thief of joy.
So you can't compare yourself,but sometimes we live in such a
social media and Internet worldit's hard not to compare
yourself.
(23:51):
But, like you said, we're allunique.
We all have something that wecan bring to the table and even
you mentioning before, ifthere's not a seat for you at
the table, bring your ownfolding chair right.
So thank you again so much forcoming on the show.
I'll be sure to link yourwebsite to Soleil and just your
contact information.
If anyone wants to donate orjust wants to learn more about
(24:15):
the wonderful program thatAnnabelle has going on, please
be sure to connect with her andto check out her website.
Thank you all so much forlistening to this episode of
Diversify Her and I'll catch younext time.
Bye.
Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode
of Diversify Her.
I'm your host, raven Hayward,and today I have Annabelle Asad.
She's a junior at theUniversity of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, pursuing a doublemajor in economics and political
science, with a minor inentrepreneurship.
Originally from Haiti, shebrings a unique global
(00:23):
perspective to her academic andprofessional endeavors.
Annabelle is passionate aboutaddressing systematic challenges
and leveraging innovativesolutions to create sustainable
change, particularly ineducation and governance.
Her academic focus, coupledwith leadership roles and
practical experiences, positionsher as a forward-thinking
changemaker dedicated to makingmeaningful impact, especially in
(00:46):
her home country of Haiti.
I'm so excited to haveAnnabelle on my podcast today.
Something that I really wantedto focus on this season and this
year is getting more Gen Zleaders on my podcast.
I think it's really importantthat we're not only getting
advice and hearing the storiesof those that came before us,
(01:07):
but also those in our generationthat are doing amazing things.
So thank you so much, annabelle, for being on my podcast today.
How are you doing?
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Hey Raven, Thank you for having me today.
I'm doing amazing.
I'm really happy to be here andshare my story.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Yes, I'm so excited.
So first, from reading your bio, I understand that you're from
Haiti and you now attend ChapelHill in your junior year.
Could you just tell us firstoff what made you want to come
to Chapel Hill?
Wow?
Speaker 2 (01:39):
it's a very long story.
So I actually moved from Haitiin 2020.
Due to political instabilitiesin the country and school was
always shutting down, my momthought it would be better for
me to, like you know, come tothe US and all.
So I came here and, like Iactually had no idea Chapel Hill
existed before I came to the US, so it was like on a random day
(02:01):
, my brother was okay, let's gotour colleges.
So I got in the car with himand we toured colleges and we
got to Chapel Hill.
I really liked the campus.
So when I got home, I made myresearch and started researching
the school and started fallingin love with it and then applied
to the school and I got in.
So that's basically the reasonwhy I came to Chapel Hill.
(02:23):
It was basically like I likethe school, they offered me a
good package, so it made sensefor me to come here.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
You mentioned the political environment and what
was going on in Haiti.
Do you mind giving us a littlebackground about that, in case
some of my listeners don't knowwhat exactly you're referring to
?
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Yeah, so it's a very like, like it's been happening
for a while.
So I would say that like,especially during my high school
years in haiti, we've had a lotof political instabilities
within the government and like alot has been going on and
there's been a lot of riots or alot of different lockdowns were
happening and it was likerioting, especially like
(03:03):
security problems as well, so wehad a rise in like kidnappings
or rise in gang violence inHaiti as well.
So I would say that's basicallylike to sum it up there's a lot
more details as far as like whythings are going on, why it
started and everything.
Even I personally don't havethe full details of why
everything is going on, but sofar, like it's been a lot of
(03:26):
like political instabilities andlike riots against the
government.
Our president got killed in2021, so it's been like a lot of
like ups and downs and a lot ofdowns, specifically, I would
say, over the last few yearsyeah, that must be really hard,
and you even coming to the USyou mentioned during the year
2020.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
That's when you know our world even went on pause
with COVID and the pandemic andeverything.
So how would you say you wereable to handle that mentally?
Like?
What mental effects did thathave on you?
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Man it was.
It was quite hard at first.
So I ended up in the US in avery unexpected way.
It was not a planned move, likelike I knew I was gonna move.
It was very like I came tovisit family and they I just
decided to like stay.
Like it was not a okay, like Iknow, like in a few months I'm
moving.
It was just I came for vacationand I stayed.
(04:20):
So it was very hard at first,especially with my language
barrier.
My native language is notEnglish.
I grew up speaking French andHaitian Creole, so I had a big
language barrier at first.
So even overcoming that washard, but eventually I got over
it and I went to a school whereit was predominantly white.
So, like in Haiti, I didn't goto a predominantly white school.
(04:43):
It was like everybody was likejust Haitian at at my school and
everything in my school was infrench.
So I would say it was verycultural.
It was a big culturaldifference and very shocking for
me at first.
But I think there's a sayingthat I, like you know, always
like move with my life and it'slike if you're not giving a seat
(05:03):
at the table, then you have tobring your folding chair.
So that was my like sayingthroughout my whole high school
and I was like, even though,like, this is not my home, this
is not where, like I probablywant to be, but I just have to
make the best out of it.
And I did the best out of myhigh school.
Like, I got into leadershippositions very early on.
I made it known that I was atthe school, I made my name known
(05:26):
at the school.
So it was hard because there wasa lot of barriers that I had to
like overcome, especially myfirst time being away from my
parents.
My mom still lives in Haiti andit was my first time being away
from home.
So it was hard at first,especially with the language
barrier.
I would say that was thehardest part, but I eventually
did overcome everything and, youknow, push through and I think,
(05:46):
especially seeing that like Ihave the opportunity and there
are a lot of kids back home thatdon't have the same
opportunities as me I I didn'tsee that Like I didn't see that
Like I had a choice to even likesit down and complain.
Speaker 1 (06:08):
I just had to do what I had to do and be an example
for younger Haitians that areback home and that don't even
have the opportunity to come tothe US and continue with their
education.
That's a lot to unpack in thatanswer that you just gave us,
and I think, even some Americanshere, especially myself.
Being a young black woman inAmerica, I feel that I'm faced
with a lot of adversity.
Black woman in America I feelthat I'm faced with a lot of
adversity and you, coming andbeing new to this country and
(06:28):
being seen as a black woman inAmerica and having that language
barrier that's just a lot ofadversity that you had to face
and battle and I think it'scommendable that you were able
to overcome those things, stillare overcoming those things and
you're doing really well inschool right now, and I
understand that you've startedyour own nonprofit or foundation
(06:48):
in Haiti.
Could you tell us a little bitmore about that?
Speaker 2 (06:52):
So yeah, so I grew up actually, my mom is a doctor in
Haiti and she did a lot ofvolunteering at a specific
orphanage with, like there'saround like at least 400 kids
there.
So I grew up going with her allthe time and I think seeing
these kids and seeing like thejoy that they have despite the
(07:12):
situation that they're in, hasbeen like one of my biggest
inspirations in life.
So I would like go very oftenwith my mom, like at least once
a month, and just go with herand just hang out there the
whole day.
And then, when I moved to theUS, I eventually decided to
start an initiative where, overwinter break because there's
(07:34):
something in Haiti that peopledo, it's like often, like over
winter break, they'll go andlike, or, like Christmas period,
they'll go and like give outgifts to kids and as much as
like these are things that, likeI look forward to do as well.
I think where I wanted to bedifferent is not only just gift
giving, but like, make anexperience for the kids that
(07:56):
like they'll remember because,like I tell my mom all the time,
like a toy, they can break itin two weeks, but like memories
are like things that will lastforever, especially if it's
something that they don't getvery often.
So I took this initiative tostart this, like I call it like
a big field day that I have, andit's usually like either one
day or two days, depending onthe situation Haiti and what we
(08:17):
have where I go and we haveeducational workshops with the
kids like I'll have differentprofessionals come in and talk,
whether it is like doctorscoming in to do like sex
education class for them, orlike I'll have business
professionals come in and liketalk about their journey.
I'll have different studentslike from other schools come in
and talk about their academicjourney as well, and then I'll
(08:40):
have like a robotics workshop.
I'll have different types ofworkshop.
There's also like I'll havelike a robotics workshop.
I'll have different types ofworkshop.
There's also like I'll havelike arts and crafts for like
younger kids.
I'll have cooking workshops,like all of different types of
workshops that I plan outthroughout the whole day, and it
will also have variouscompetitions with different
games, like education games, andlike the winners like they get
prizes and all.
(09:00):
And then we have like I have asoccer coach come in and we have
this big soccer tournament andthis is like the highlight of
the whole thing because kids inHaiti they love playing soccer,
so that's like one of ourbiggest highlights.
It's like doing the soccertournament.
We have a big halftime showbecause I also have a dance
teacher come in and like they doa dance.
They have dance classes withvarious style, because I grew up
(09:22):
dancing, so I also teach one ofthe classes.
So they do ballroom, they dohip-hop, afro and everything,
and then at the halftime they doa big halftime show where all
the kids at the sites of danceperform.
So, yeah, it's like a reallybig field day that I have and we
have lunch breaks with them andmusic DJs Usually I have a
local band as well come andperform for the kids.
(09:43):
So it's like a every Decemberin Haiti.
Eventually, my biggest dream andmy biggest goal is to like
actually open a center wherekids can come like after school
or like and just like there'llbe like different workshops for
(10:03):
them every day to do, or likethey can just hang out.
If they want to read a book,they can just sit down and read
a book, but something that likecombines education but also
having fun, because I stillbelieve that like education is
the key to like open so manydoors for people and like just I
feel like if you do have adegree attached to your name or
(10:26):
like some type of education,people will respect you 10 times
more than if you don't.
So, and education just canbring you very, very far.
I have a lot of friends that Iknow that, like education has
brought them pretty far in life,and especially for me as well,
like to something that I believein.
So, trying to like findsomething that like combines
education while also having funwith it, is something that, like
(10:49):
I've been trying to do in Haiti, and I do it every December and
hopefully, like it'll besomething that I can implement,
like more and more, like overthe years and like so, yeah,
that's my awesome, wow.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
so what's the name of the program called and how long
ago did you start it?
Speaker 2 (11:05):
So I started it, uh, two years ago.
It's called Soleil, which islike sun sun in Haitian Creole.
So basically, like it justmeans like sun and for me, like
what I see, the sun is likebringing light.
So I wanted to bring light intothe kids' day.
So like I call it soleil andlike they just have fun and like
(11:26):
it just brings light to themand like aligns their day,
aligns their December, alignsthat whole celebration period
like during December.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
So yeah, Wow, I love that and I think that it's so
cool that you're combining allof these different things and
the dancing and the soccer andeven the professionals that you
have come in.
And I like how you mentionedmemories, because I think a lot
of the time we forget to live inthe moment or we don't
(11:54):
necessarily know how good we hadit until it's gone.
But we can always reflect backon those memories or have those
core memories and even, like youmentioned before, just finding
the good in everything, and Ithink, especially since I've
come to college I don't knowabout you, but I know for me
it's kind of hard to find thegood in some things or just
(12:17):
always be grateful because itcan be so hard in the moment of
what you're going through.
And one of my goals for 2025and at least the rest of my
college career, is just toalways sit and reflect and just
be thankful for the moment.
You know those all-nightersthat we may have or those
moments where we're reallycramming for an exam.
(12:40):
Just remember we're living inthe moment that we prayed for,
like we're living in our dreams,or even we're living in moments
that some people aren'tfortunate to have, and so with
Soleil.
I know you mentioned your goalsand what you plan to do in the
future, but have you ever hadany setbacks in planning, or has
(13:01):
something gone wrong?
And if it did, how are you ableto combat those things?
Speaker 2 (13:06):
this is actually very funny.
You brought that up because Iactually had a big, big, really
big setback this past winterbreak, especially because I
don't know if you've seen thenews with the airport in Haiti
shutting down, so I was not ableto go for the first time since
I've moved to the US for thisDecember break.
(13:27):
So that was the biggest setback, because a lot of the materials
that I bring in, I actually flyback to Haiti with them.
So I literally had to like, anda lot of like the people that I
was bringing as well, like asfar as like even the artists,
the local artists, got stuckoutside of Haiti.
So I literally had to likebasically scratch most of the
(13:51):
program.
And it was like the most, likeit was one of my biggest
heartbreak this past winterbreak at least, because, uh, for
the longest, like, I've kepthope because, like, that
announcement of the airportshutting down happened like back
in October.
So I kept hope throughout thewhole month of October, whole
month of November, and I waslike, yes, I'm still gonna go.
Half of December still had hopeand then until, like, I
(14:13):
actually got an email that like,yeah, the airport's like
shutting down, we're not flyingtill like april.
So I like had to, like I stillhad my mom go in and do certain
stuff and like still was able tolike fun and like get some
materials in haiti, but notseeing the whole program.
That, like I had planned and Ihad already like got her
(14:33):
gathered all the funds, madesome of the orders and
everything come to fruitationwas one of my biggest setbacks,
and not because that, like therewas no will to do it, but more
so because the country didn'tallow me to do it.
And I'll say like also like Iwas talking to the director of
the orphanage where I do havethe program, and for the longest
(14:55):
, both of us were like yeah,we're just gonna keep hope, and
I remember she didn't want totell the kids at all that it was
not gonna happen.
Uh, like as planned, becausethe feedback and like the not
even the feedback, but like thejoy that the kids had from the
previous year and, like them,apparently they were excited
from what I've heard, like theywere talking about it the whole
year.
They just couldn't wait fordecember to happen.
(15:18):
And then, like, because thecountry didn't allow us, because
of the political situation ofthe country, we were not able to
like do the full program.
But I'm like I'm saying it's aminor step back for a major
comeback.
So hopefully, whenever theairport reopens and I'm able to
go and everybody's able to goback and like do everything, I
(15:39):
hope that probably it'll be oneof like the biggest biggest
field days that I've ever thrownin my life.
So I'm not being too negativeabout it.
It is a setback, but I'm justsaying it's a minor step back
for a really major comeback.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
That's so incredibly sad, but I commend you for your
positive outlook on it still andkeeping hope alive and I'm
definitely keeping hope alivefor you, and I'm sure my
listeners are as well and wecan't wait for December to come
and for Soleil to be even biggerand better than it has in the
past.
But it's amazing what you'vebeen able to accomplish in these
(16:14):
years and I want to know, as acollege student, how have you
been able to balance all thesethings?
Have you ever experiencedburnout?
Or have you ever experiencedblockages, where you want to do
something or you just get sobusy to where you almost lose
(16:34):
motivation to do it like how areyou able to still persevere and
push through?
Speaker 2 (16:40):
I would say two things.
Time management is reallyimportant.
If I didn't have it, I'm still,like you know, mastering it,
but like I'm trying to like getit down completely.
But I think that's alsoimportant.
But I'll say the main reason islike knowing my why and why I
started and why am I stillcontinuing and why is this
something I'm really passionateabout continuing.
(17:01):
So I would say so far, likejust like going back, I actually
wrote down my why on a piece ofpaper of why I was doing this
and why I want to continue doingthis, and I put actually I put
a picture of one of the programslike on my phone and every time
like looking back and I'm likeokay, I'm gonna look back at the
piece of paper, look back atthe picture, and this is why I'm
(17:22):
not gonna give up.
So I would say like this hasbeen like the biggest way for me
to not give up and likecontinue going.
I would say as well like havingsupportive people in my circle
that also want this to likehappen and see it flourish.
So last year I like took on abit like a really big part of
(17:43):
the program like on by myself,because it was one of the
biggest ones that I had thrown.
So I was like taking it on andI'm also like the type to like,
if I'm doing something, I try tolike do it all by myself.
But this year, like I had areally big supportive group I
brought in, brought in morepeople on my team to help me
accomplish that goal and likegoing over different activities,
(18:05):
going over the schedule that wehad planned and everything.
So I would say, my timemanagement, knowing my why and
also having a supportive circlehave been the like things that
have been keeping me on, likepushing me and like keeping it,
like keeping me going so far.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
So those are all really big things and very
important.
I'm just curious to know ifthere's someone out there that
maybe wants to start somethinglike this, or they have an idea
in their head when exactlyshould they start.
When you had the idea of Soleiland you were writing down your
(18:41):
why, when it was time for you toactually put it into fruition
and see it come to light, wheredid you start?
I'm sure there's manycomponents and many things that
go on behind the scenes, and howare you able to actually
produce it and put on theproduction, like, where do you
start?
Speaker 2 (18:58):
wow, where did I start?
I would say for me, I think thefirst thing I did when I like
first had the idea was call mymom and I was like okay, I have
this idea and what do you think?
At first, my mom is like so howdo you think you're gonna
accomplish something so big?
And like you're just gonna doit.
(19:19):
And like I was like yeah, Imean, I mean there's no other
way, I just have to do it.
Like it's just like, I'm like Iwant to do it.
So there's, if there's a will,there's a way.
So she was like well, how, yougoing to find the money for all
of this?
And I'm like I'll find it.
So I like started working andthen I like started saving up my
(19:39):
own money and then I like putthat I was putting some money
aside every month to like startthe program, start the program.
And then, eventually, like Ireached out to certain people
and I was like I give them mypitch on my initiative and this
is what I want to do, why I wantto do it, who is it going to
benefit, and everything.
So I was giving out pitches.
I was sending out cold emailsto different companies Like, for
(20:03):
example, like I have to bringin like lunch for the kids, so
it's like 400 plates for thestaff as well, so 500 plates
that I have to bring in.
So I was like you know what, Iknow I can just send out some
cold emails to like some foodcompany in Haiti.
So I just was sending out coldemails everywhere until I got an
answer.
So I was getting answers and Iwas like, okay, and I literally
(20:25):
that's literally how I started Iliterally was sending out cold
emails.
It's like knocking on doors andbeing like okay, this is my
initiative, initiative, this iswhy I want to do it.
And eventually, like people likestarted like supporting me,
supporting me, and then, oncepeople started seeing the
outcome, other people would comein and be like oh, I want to, I
want to actually pitch in aswell, like how can I help?
How can I do this?
(20:45):
And then that's how it likereally started until I got like
really big sponsorships to helpme.
But I think, starting small andyou small and you know, don't
be afraid to, don't be afraid toask people for help.
You know that's how you have tostart eventually, like I think
it's really hard to like startsomething on your own and have
no support and be like likedoing it by yourself and taking
(21:08):
on the whole brand by yourself.
I think asking for help isimportant.
So I just started asking forhelp.
My mom was she really motivatedme, like she would be like,
okay, then I know thisconnection that can help you
with this, and she was like justreach out.
So I was.
That really put me out of mycomfort zone too, because I'm
not someone that likes to askfor help at all, like I like to
do everything by myself.
But I also didn't realize thatit was not achievable by myself.
(21:30):
So I was just sending out coldemails, reaching out to people,
and then everybody startedpitching in and then, once it
got bigger and bigger, likeother people started reaching
out.
So I'd say like that's one wayto start just ask for help and
share your ideas and then youknow, see who's willing to help
and support you.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
I think, yeah, you basically hit it right on the
head, the nail right on the headthat you know.
Start small, pace yourself,create a plan and make sure that
it's a smart goal, a smart plan.
Give yourself enough time, giveyourself grace, to be able to
achieve those things.
You for coming on here andsharing your story, and a
(22:17):
tradition that I have on mypodcast is I'll ask what's one
piece of advice you would giveGen Z to go out and diversify
themselves.
So your one golden nugget ofadvice that you have for anyone
out there that may want to dosomething similar to you or just
is going through a hard patchin their life right now, what's
one piece of advice that youwould give them?
Speaker 2 (22:37):
oh, one piece of advice is oh, that's a.
I have so many that I couldgive, but I would say, like one
thing is just keep doing theright thing and everything will
fall into place.
You know, I think for us,especially like gen z, like you
know, we're such in like ahustle and bustle culture that,
(22:58):
like you're like even openinglinkedin sometimes can like feel
, you know, you're like, oh mygod, so what am I doing with my
life if everybody else is likedoing this?
You know, I think I think onepiece of advice is like just
keep pushing, doing the rightthing, and everything will fall
into place.
You know, and don't be afraidto be yourself in certain
circles, don't be afraid to beyourself in certain areas.
(23:19):
I think it's important, youknow, to show who you are,
showcase who you are and beunique.
So I think everybody's unique,so keep showcasing your
uniqueness to everyone.
So these are my two pieces ofadvice.
Speaker 1 (23:30):
Actually, thank you.
Thank you, and I think you saidit and I totally agree with you
.
Sometimes opening LinkedIn canbe overwhelming, and you know,
my mom always told me comparisonis the thief of joy.
So you can't compare yourself,but sometimes we live in such a
social media and Internet worldit's hard not to compare
yourself.
(23:51):
But, like you said, we're allunique.
We all have something that wecan bring to the table and even
you mentioning before, ifthere's not a seat for you at
the table, bring your ownfolding chair right.
So thank you again so much forcoming on the show.
I'll be sure to link yourwebsite to Soleil and just your
contact information.
If anyone wants to donate orjust wants to learn more about
(24:15):
the wonderful program thatAnnabelle has going on, please
be sure to connect with her andto check out her website.
Thank you all so much forlistening to this episode of
Diversify Her and I'll catch younext time.
Bye.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com