ABOUT AHP

On Oct. 24, 2003, hundreds of Haitian and Haitian-American professionals gathered at the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti to discuss the need for an association to address the concerns of their community. Borne out of that evening’s discussion was the Association of Haitian Professionals (AHP).  Subsequently, on April 16, 2004, AHP was formally incorporated in Washington, DC and officially opened for business. 

To date, AHP has hosted and executed a number of events, activities, programs, and projects geared toward enlightening and entertaining its member body and fulfilling their expressed desires. Open general body meetings, toy drives, panel discussions, professional development programs, community service projects, and socials are just a few of the events and activities sponsored by AHP, with many more to come in the future. Activities such as these motivate prospective AHP members to continue working diligently toward building the Association. 

The Association of Haitian Professionals (AHP), a 501c(6) DC nonprofit corporation, promotes the educational advancement, socio-economic enhancement, and professional development of people of Haitian descent. 

As a non-profit entity dedicated to community improvement, the objectives of the AHP are as follows: 
• To support the development of educational, leadership, and scholarship opportunities for students of Haitian descent; 
• To promote results-oriented positive intellectual and social discourse pertinent to Haiti and its people; 
• To educate the public on the history, art, music, culture, and language of Haiti; To coordinate professional development opportunities for people of Haitian descent; and 
• To become an inspirational source of exceptional team culture for people of Haitian descent.

Every committed organization must have a set of core values, which drive its membership and underscore its organizational goals. AHP has five (5) core values, which we affectionately term the P.R.I.C.E. model.  In our view, this model encompasses the most fundamental reasons for AHP’s existence now and into the future. The P.R.I.C.E model core values are:

• Professionalism 
• Responsibility 
• Innovation 
• Compassion 
• Empowerment

To achieve these goals, AHP seeks to enrich the lives of its members and the Haitian community by: 
• Organizing professional development programs, networking functions, discussion groups, and other forums to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and skills amongst its members, Haitian communities worldwide, and the public-at-large; 
• Establishing and coordinating mentoring opportunities, educational scholarships, and tutoring programs for students of Haitian descent;
• Providing access to Haitian cultural and social activities by sponsoring partnerships with Haitian and other cultural organizations; 
• Publishing information related to issues affecting Haitians in the U.S. and abroad; 
• Sponsoring fundraising activities, which support both local and global initiatives to meet the underserved needs of Haitian communities worldwide; and 
• Recognizing and collaborating with prominent individuals of Haitian descent who contribute professionally, educationally, and culturally to the world;

• We are professionals by our unwavering pursuit of knowledge and mastery of our craft. 
• We are professionals because we strive for excellence and fullest realization of potential for the benefit of our families, community and profession. 
• We are professionals through our courteous, conscientious and respectful interactions with others.”

Genesis of AHP began on Oct 23, 2003, at the Embassy of Haiti – where on dawn of Haiti’s Independence bicentennial anniversary, 100+ Professionals of Haitian descent vested in crafting a commitment and executing a roadmap leading to the formal establishment of our Organization.

While not an exhaustive list, noteworthy of recognition and acknowledgments (for posterity) are the following key individuals.