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The Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Inc. (HANA) hosted its Annual Leadership Retreat at the beautiful Hilton, Hotel in Naples, Florida, July 7-9, 2023. This year’s retreat was exceptional! Mme President Katiana St Thomas Azemar, MSNEd, RN welcomed all attendees with warmth, hugs, and positive synergy as she articulated her platform and vision for HANA of Florida during her term 2023-2025 by showing the Leaders a well-poised video of her recent speech. The Theme for the retreat “To Foster an All-Inclusive HANA While Ensuring the Legacy Lives On” was quite evident by having the Members of the Executive Board, Past Presidents of the Chapter, All Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs, and invited guests - Leaders from HANA of Palm Beach Chapter in attendance with full participation and engagement.
The first evening of the Leadership retreat was facilitated by Mme 1st Vice-President Myrnelle Fleur-Aime, Owner & Designer of Michou Med Apparel who sponsored the retreat’s bags and notebook for attendees. Mrs. Fleur-Aime, MSN, AAPRN, FNP-C, “A Transformational Nurse Leader of the Year 2023” acclaimed by University of Miami, did an outstanding job keeping everyone focused with all the activities and presentations. Kudos to Mme 2nd Vice-President - Katiana Blaise, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CCRN, “Nurse of the Year” of HANA of Florida & Chair of Activity & Co-Chairs for going above and beyond ensuring the AV equipment and the necessary supplies purchased and set-up on time for the success of the retreat.
Day One begun with a History of HANA of Florida by Dr. Marie O. Etienne, Chair of Public Relations & Historian in absence of Mrs. Nadine Barreau, Chair of Recruitment & Retention also an Historian of HANA of Florida; followed by the History of Haitian Alliance Nurses Association International (HANA-I) which consists of all the HANA Chapters. Dr. Etienne, President of HANA-I gave the update of the recent HANA-I’s historic leadership convention that was held in Chicago, June 22-25, 2023 at Malcolm X College in collaboration with Alpha Beta Epsilon at-Large and Malcolm X City College of Chicago.
Other important parts of evening of the retreat was the review of the current Advisory Board Members of HANA and recommendations of new advisors for 2023-2024 was proposed. The Calendar of Events was reviewed by Mme Secretary - Dr. Caroline Elistin, DNP, MSNEd, AAPRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, MBA ensuring HANA events and community partners events are included in the calendar. The Legislative Affairs Committee has a new Chair - Ms. Fayola Delica, BSHSE, BSN, RN, D. Min.(h.c.) did an excellent presentation on “Engagement in the Community Through Nursing Advocacy”. Dr. Delica stressed the importance for members to be actively engaged in advocacy, voter engagement, and to complete the new Advocacy Survey seeking HANA members’ input on issues affecting the nursing profession and the community. The deadline to complete the survey has been extended to August 15, 2023. A review and importance of using Wild Apricot and demonstration was done by Mme 1st Vice-President Myrnelle Fleur-Aime.
The evening ended with networking, laughter, great food, and we adjourned.
Day Two - Facilitator: Dr. Odiane Homy Medacier, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, Parliamentarian & Chair of International Affairs was amazing as usual in her leadership role. The day begun with Welcoming Remarks from Mme President St Thomas Azemar reminding the Team of her vision which is “Inclusivity”. She wants everyone to feel valued, included, and feel love and compassion in HANA. Dr. Caroline Elistine did an icebreaker which was quite fun and educational. The first presentation of day two was entitled “Excelling in Your Nursing Career” was outstanding! The Guest Presenter was Mrs. Thaysha Dutes-Dunn, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, President of HANA of Palm Beach.
The Treasurer Team: Jacinth Montoban, BSN, RN, RAC-CT, Treasurer & Guerline Verger-Coreus, MBA, MSN, RN, Assistant Treasurer along with the Finance Committee (Amina Dubuisson, DNP, RN, MBA/HCM, LNHA, CDP, Dr. Marlene Cesar, MD, APRN, PMHNP, CCC, Dr. Guerna Blot, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, MBA/HCM, OCN, Pauline Louis-Magiste, MSNEd, RN) - a new committee created by Mme President St. Thomas Azemar, presented the proposed budget with extensive review, discussions and recommendations, finally, it was approved by the Board and Leadership Team with a huge round of applause for the hard work of the entire Team.
Day two of the retreat continued with an opening prayer by Dr. Fayola Delica, Chair of LAC. An overview of all HANA Commitees including the Wellness Committee - A new committee formed by Mme President St Thomas Azemar focusing on the wellbeing of all members of the association. The wellness committee presentation “How to Maintain a Robust Mental Health” was well done by Dr. Marlene Cesar, Co-Chair in the absence of Mme Chair Dr. Marjorie Lozama whose mourning the death of her beloved sister Yolene “Fifi” Francois. Our deepest and sincere condolences to Mme. Chair Marjorie Lozama and family during this difficult time. We appreciate the leaders who attended, and also missed and appreciate those leaders who were not able to attend the retreat due to unforeseen cirmcustances, but contributed in other ways. New policies and procedures that were created under the leadership of Mme Rose Valcin, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, Immediate Past President were presented, reviewed and approved. Dr. Guerna Blot, Chair of Newsletter & Dr. Marie O. Etienne, Editor-in-Chief of HANA Newsletter presented the April 2023 issue which was delayed for many unforeseen circumstances, was shared at the retreat. Grants Committee Chair - Dr. Blot implored the members to help seek grant opportunities to help sustain HANA activities especially the TV/Radio show which need financial support ASAP.
All HANA Committees overview, goals and objectives were presented by the following leaders:
Hospitality - Nitchelle Nazon, Chair
Finance & Policy Committees - Dr. Amina Dubuisson, Chair
Bylaws, Grants & Newsletter Committees - Dr. Guerna Blot, Chair
Activity Committee - Katiana Blaise, Chair
Marketing Committee - Rose Valcin, Chair (excused absent), Dr. Venante Servalis and Team presented.
Education Committee - Pauline Louis-Magiste, Chair
International Affairs Committee (IAC) - Dr. Odiane H. Medacier, Chair
Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) - Dr. Fayola Delica
Wellness Committee - Dr. Marjorie Lozama (excused absent), Co-Chair Dr. Marlene Cesar presented.
Recruitment & Retention (R & R) - Nadine Barreau, Chair (excused absent) - Midlaine Pean, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, Co-Chair
Public Relations (PR) - Dr. Marie O. Etienne, Chair
The last presentation of Day two was entitled “Inclusivity in Leadership” presented by Dr. Marie O. Etienne, DNP, APRN, FNP, PNP, D. Min.(h.c), PLNC. This presentation was lively, fun, and engaging. Past Presidents’ remarks were done along with closing remarks, and we adjourned.
Day two evening continued with a fabulous networking dinner where everyone wore yellow which means “happy and cheerful positivity” said Mme President St. Thomas Azemar. Dinner was great while reminiscing about old memories and creating new memories. Words cannot express the joyful, loving, and amazing time we shared as leaders of this great association said Mme President St Thomas Azemar. Special thanks to everyone who contributed financially and for taking the time to participate at the retreat; especially our great sponsors: Michou Med Apparel & Pastor Wilbert & First Lady Dr. Vernante Servalis for donating the 15 passenger van for some members to travel to Naples, Florida. Special thanks to PR Team: Dr. Marie Etienne, Chair and Team members Emmanuela Jean-Baptiste, Pauline Louis-Magiste, Fayola Delica, Co-Chair, Hilary Guillaume, Co-Chair for assisting with taking pictures, videos and live posts/recording. We appreciate you!
Last, but at least, Day three started with breakfast followed by Sermon by Reverend Wilbert Servalis, Pastor of Adonai Baptist Church, Miami, FL. Pastor Servalis’s sermon focused on “Unity in Community” referring to HANA as a community. He stated that HANA is an organization that he respects and admires because of the mission and the organization stands for “unity and service”. Pastor Servalis quoted the scriptures Psalm 150: 1-6; Ephesians 4:3; John 13:35; Psalm 131:1-2 stated that “you cannot be united without love”. He also posited that HANA as an organization has the capacity to change the world through unity”. He stressed the importance of harmony, unity, trust, love, forgiveness, respect and appreciate one’s uniqueness and individuality; avoid division. “Moving forward we will continue the legacy of HANA in Unity, Harmony & Inclusivity”, said Mme President Katiana St Thomas Azemar.
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