Who We Are Haitian American Professionals Association of Connecticut (HAPAC)

Founded in 1999 in Norwalk under the leadership of Dr. Williams Bertier, the Haitian American Professionals Association of Connecticut (HAPAC) was established to build a supportive network where Haitian professionals could exchange knowledge, access resources, and strengthen their businesses and careers.

Since its inception, HAPAC has remained consistent in developing and executing programs that:

  • Connect Haitian professionals and business owners
  • Provide access to information, resources, and opportunities
  • Promote Haitian culture, values, and leadership
  • Strengthen the community through service and collective success

Despite challenges and changes over the years, HAPAC continues to bring people together, elevate Haitian voices, and build a lasting legacy of excellence in Connecticut and beyond.

group of people taking a group picture with a banner group of people having a picture in a park group of hapac, inc. employees group of people taking a picture with a pirate

OUR GOALS

Our goals are to empower Haitian-American professionals and entrepreneurs in Connecticut by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and expanding access to resources and opportunities. We uplift our community through mentorship, civic engagement, cultural pride, and economic advancement .

WE ARE COMMITTEDOur Mission Statement

Established in 1999, the Haitian American Professionals Association of Connecticut (HAPAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the Haitian American community through initiatives in education, arts, literature, and economic empowerment.

WE EMPOWER COMMUNITIES Our Vision Statement

We envision a united and influential Haitian American professional community in Connecticut and beyond — connected, empowered, and equipped to lead. HAPAC strives to create a future where Haitian excellence is recognized, celebrated, and leveraged to strengthen families, businesses, institutions, and the community we serve.

Activities & Impact

  • HAPAC is the organizer of the oldest Book & Arts Festival in the Haitian diaspora. Launched in October 2000, the Annual Connecticut Haitian Book & Arts Festival has hosted luminaries such as Edwidge Danticat, J.J. Dominique, Franck Étienne, Prof. Max Manigat, Émeline Michel, Marc Mathelier, Jean-Claude Martineau (Koralen), Carole Démesmin, Ti-Corn, among many others.
  • Free annual Health Fair that is open to everyone.
  • Business Expo. This platform provides networking opportunities and greater visibility to Haitian-owned businesses.
  • Career Dayr and mentorship programs.
  • And many more programs.