Haitian Globe Exclusive: U.S. Haitian Chamber Celebrates 10 Years of Impact at a Successful 8th Annual Haitian American Business Expo and Job Fair

The energy, pride, and spirit of the Haitian community were on full display on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce welcomed hundreds of attendees to a highly successful 8th Annual Haitian American Business Expo & Job Fair at Boston Preparatory Charter Public School in Hyde Park.

This year’s event carried a special meaning as it not only celebrated entrepreneurship and opportunity, but also marked the Chamber’s milestone “10 Years of Impact” anniversary — recognizing a decade of service, advocacy, and economic empowerment for Haitian American businesses and communities.

With more than 60 businesses, organizations, employers, entrepreneurs, and community partners participating, attendees had the opportunity to connect with vendors, explore resources, network with professionals, engage with employers, and celebrate Haitian culture and achievements.

Yet beyond business networking and economic opportunities, the event became something much greater — a celebration of resilience, community, and Haitian pride.

An Emotional Welcome from Dr. Hans Patrick Domercant:

The day began with opening remarks from Dr. Hans Patrick Domercant, President & CEO of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, who welcomed attendees with gratitude and emotion.

In one of the most touching moments of the event, Dr. Domercant shared with attendees that his father had recently passed away.

Speaking candidly and from the heart, he expressed that although his family was navigating a difficult time, he wanted to make the effort to attend because of the importance of the Chamber’s work and the community they have built together over the last decade.

Dr. Domercant spoke about continuing to move forward in honor of his father and thanked supporters, staff members, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for standing beside him and the Chamber throughout the years.

The room responded with warmth and heartfelt support as many attendees stood and applauded.

Special Tribute and Citations Honoring Dr. Domercant and His Father:

Shortly after his remarks, a powerful and unexpected moment unfolded on stage.

Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Councilor Tamisha Civil, Councilor Miniard Culpepper, and former State Representative Marie St. Fleur joined together to present a special citation and tribute to Dr. Domercant in honor of the passing of his father.

The recognition served as a powerful show of love and solidarity from community leaders and reflected the relationships and respect built through years of service and advocacy.

Many in attendance were visibly emotional during the presentation.

Council President Louijeune later offered remarks recognizing the importance of supporting small businesses, strengthening communities, and celebrating the contributions of Haitian Americans throughout Boston and beyond.

Community Leaders Deliver Remarks:

The program also featured remarks from Regine Etienne, who emphasized unity within the Haitian community and highlighted the importance of supporting Haitian businesses and preserving Haitian identity and culture.

Community leaders throughout the event stressed the importance of continuing to invest in Haitian-owned businesses and creating pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

Recognizing the Team Behind 10 Years of Impact:

As part of the Chamber’s anniversary celebration, Dr. Domercant later took time to recognize the individuals who helped make the organization successful over the last decade.

He invited Chamber staff members, board leaders, and volunteers to be recognized for their dedication and service.

Dr. Domercant thanked each person for their sacrifices, volunteerism, leadership, and belief in the Chamber’s mission.

“Ten years of impact does not happen because of one person,” he shared. “It happens because of a team and because of a community.”

State and City Leaders Recognize Chamber Milestone:

Additional honors followed as Dr. Domercant received a citation from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll recognizing the Chamber’s 10-year anniversary and its contributions toward supporting small businesses and strengthening communities across Massachusetts.

In another moment of recognition, Chamber leadership members including Board Secretary Emmanuela Romain-Amedee, Board Chair Emmanuel Jean, and Katie Moleus received citations from Mayor Michelle Wu.

The citations were presented by Council President Louijeune and Boston Cultural Advisor Jean Julien.

More Than an Expo — A Celebration of Haitian Pride:

Throughout the afternoon, the atmosphere reflected something larger than a traditional business expo.

Attendees moved through aisles of vendors while Haitian music played throughout the venue. Families, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members gathered together not only to network, but to celebrate culture, heritage, and the strength of the Haitian community.

The event became a powerful reminder that Haitian excellence extends far beyond business ownership — it represents identity, culture, perseverance, and community leadership.

Major World Cup and Cultural Announcements:

Dr. Domercant also used the Expo platform to announce upcoming initiatives tied to the Chamber's ongoing statewide efforts surrounding the FIFA World Cup season.

Announcements included:

Discover Haiti – June 12, 2026, a cultural celebration highlighting Haitian music, food, art, businesses, and positive narratives about Haiti.
Community Watch Parties scheduled for June 13 and June 19, designed as free, family-friendly events bringing communities together to celebrate Haiti during World Cup season.

The announcements were met with excitement from attendees, many expressing enthusiasm about celebrating Haitian culture on an even larger scale.

Major Announcements Signal Continued National Growth:

Dr. Domercant also used the Expo stage to share major announcements about the Chamber’s next chapter of growth and expansion.

Among the announcements, he highlighted the organization’s expanding national footprint, sharing that the Chamber is actively growing through the development of new chapters and affiliated chambers across the country.

He announced that the Chamber currently has new chapters and chamber affiliations enrolling across 14 states, reflecting growing interest from leaders and organizations seeking to strengthen economic opportunities and build stronger Haitian business networks nationwide.

Dr. Domercant described the expansion as part of a broader vision to create a stronger national ecosystem where Haitian entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses can connect, collaborate, and support one another.

“This is bigger than Massachusetts,” he told attendees. “We are building something national — creating pathways, opportunities, and platforms that can support Haitian businesses and communities across the country.”

The announcement generated excitement among attendees and reinforced the Chamber’s evolution from a local organization into an expanding national movement.

Winning Big:

No Haitian celebration would be complete without surprises.

Excitement filled the room during the event raffle as lucky attendees walked away with major prizes, including:

A round-trip ticket to Haiti sponsored by Sunrise Airways
A large flat-screen television
Free wellness and massage prizes
Additional giveaways and surprises

As names were called and winners celebrated, cheers echoed across the room.

Looking Ahead

As the Chamber closes one chapter and begins another, the 8th Annual Haitian American Business Expo & Job Fair demonstrated that the organization’s vision continues to grow.

Ten years after its founding, the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve into a national platform supporting businesses, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for future generations.

And if Saturday proved anything, it is that the next chapter may be even bigger than the last.

Reporting by Haitian Globe