Hollywood, Florida (Le Floridien) — The Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) marked two major milestones in grand style with the 10th Annual “YoPro 20 Under 40” Gala, celebrating both HACCOF’s 20th anniversary and a decade of YoPro’s impact. The prestigious event, held at the luxurious Hard Rock Seminole Casino in Hollywood, Florida, brought together nearly 800 elegantly dressed guests, including civic leaders, business executives, and public officials. Together, they honored twenty extraordinary young Haitian Americans whose achievements reflect professional excellence, cultural pride, and community leadership.
For 20 years, HACCOF has championed Haitian-American entrepreneurship and leadership, and for 10 years, its signature YoPro 20 Under 40 program has spotlighted rising stars under 40 who are redefining success across industries — from classrooms and hospitals to boardrooms, studios, and startups. The Class of 2025 embodies this shared legacy of excellence, innovation, and service that continues to strengthen and elevate the Haitian-American community in South Florida and beyond.
“These honorees personify the excellence, resilience, and ambition that define the Haitian American community,” said HACCOF Chairman, Priston Jean-Glaude, during the ceremony. “Over the past ten years, YoPro has become more than an award, it has become a movement, celebrating the brilliance of our youth and their enduring contributions to the future of Florida.”
In a deeply official address to the audience, Chairman Jean-Glaude reflected on the organization’s two decades of progress and the spirit of perseverance that has guided its journey.
“OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PLANTED SEEDS IN SOIL THEY’D NEVER SEE BLOOM. TONIGHT, WE ARE THEIR HARVEST,” JEAN-GLAUDE DECLARED. “THE PRAYERS, SACRIFICES, AND SETBACKS THAT BROUGHT US HERE ARE INVISIBLE TO MOST, BUT THEY ARE THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH WE BUILD — A REMINDER OF THE POWER OF GOD, FAITH, COMMUNITY, AND THE WILLINGNESS TO SERVE.”
A Night of Elegance, Culture, and Celebration
The evening exuded elegance and inspiration. The beautifully illuminated ballroom, adorned with refined décor and ambient lighting, created an atmosphere of celebration and pride.
The gala was masterfully emceed by Channel 10 anchor Calvin Hughes and well known Haitian American radio personality Stitchz, whose charisma and grace elevated the evening’s flow. The keynote address by Reverend Gregory Toussaint, Senior Pastor of Tabernacle of Glory, moved the audience with a message of faith, purpose, and perseverance.
Guests were treated to a series of captivating performances — a ballet dance ensemble, a soulful solo by Haitian vocalist Fatima, and a vibrant finale by the renowned New York-based compas band VAYB, which brought the crowd to its feet in joyful unity.
The YoPro Class of 2025
The honorees recognized during the 10th-anniversary edition of YoPro 20 Under 40 represent the diversity, creativity, and excellence of Haitian American professionals across Florida. They include:
Paul Bazile, Akira Byas, Valerie Calixte Hamilton, Kerviens Dostaly, Belanne Estime-Jerome, Bianca Evariste, Andrelle Franck, Rose Jean Mary, Narinah Jean-Baptiste, Christian Lexima, Nahashley Marc, Ketsia Marcellus, Freddelle Menard, Marie Louis-Jeune, Casneve Oupelle, Judith Oriental Pierre, Edna Pierre, Karty Pierre-Phillippe, Carline Raphael, Agnes Saint Preux.
Each honoree was commended for their professional excellence and civic involvement, representing a new generation of leaders determined to uplift and empower the Haitian community through innovation, advocacy, and service.
A Call to Action and a Vision for the Future
Chairman Jean-Glaude also used the occasion to deliver a call to action—one that resonated as both a challenge and a charge for the next generation of Haitian American leaders.
“YOUR SUCCESS IS NOT A DESTINATION; IT’S A LAUNCHING PAD,” HE AFFIRMED. “DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO LEAD — YOU ARE THE LEADERS WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. BE THE MENTOR WHO REACHES BACK, THE INVESTOR WHO BUILDS FORWARD, AND THE DREAMER WHO REFUSES TO SHRINK. BECAUSE WHEN ONE OF US RISES, WE ALL RISE.”
His words captured the collective spirit of HACCOF’s mission: that leadership is not defined by titles, but by impact — and that true success lies in the ability to elevate others.
Continuing a Legacy of Empowerment
Since its inception, YoPro 20 Under 40 has honored more than 200 Haitian American trailblazers, many of whom now serve as executives, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates throughout Florida and beyond. The 10th-anniversary gala was both a reflection on this decade-long legacy and a bold statement of purpose for the years ahead.
“As we celebrate this milestone,” noted a YoPro Committee member, “we also look ahead. The future of the Haitian American community in Florida is bright — and it’s in good hands.”
About HACCOF
Founded two decades ago to promote entrepreneurship, professional development, and economic empowerment, the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) has become a pillar of unity and progress within South Florida’s Haitian community. Through initiatives such as YoPro 20 Under 40 and Scale Up 305, HACCOF continues to nurture leadership, strengthen community ties, and amplify the enduring message that Haitian excellence is not only achievable — it is inevitable
