hra expo 2015 guide

6th Annual

HRA Business Expo 2015 Guide

June 24-26, 2015 Washington, DC

Focusing on Diaspora Investment & Entrepreneurship

WELCOME

On behalf of HRA, our co-host The World Bank and principal partners, I welcome you to the 6th Annual HRA Business Investment Expo & Conference, an event that has grown to become the most anticipated event since its inception, 5 years ago. We are delighted to have you here to discuss and learn about investment opportunities and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean.

This year is an exciting year for HRA as we partner with the World Bank to bring you a very engaging event that will leave you with the tools to foster sustainable economic development in the Caribbean. Over the years, I recognized the same economic plights that affect my native homeland of Haiti also affect much of the Caribbean. This year we chose to focus not just on Haiti but the entire region that is riddled by the same inconsistencies. This year’s theme dubbed “The Caribbean Edition”, will have a focus on Diaspora Investment and Entrepreneurship. With the growing need of further development in the sectors of Energy, Technology and Medical Tourism, we have brought together key stakeholders and representatives from these targeted sectors to ignite the conversation and engage the Caribbean Diaspora.

Washington, D.C. is a beautiful city! With countless museums, monuments and memorials, it is highlighted to be one of the most fascinating cities in the world to visit. Whether it’s your first time here or you're visiting once again, take a moment after the conference to enjoy what makes the nation’s capital the mostattractive city. Take a stroll along the Tidal Basin or the National Mall, relax by the World War II Memorial or capture your priceless moments via photo with the city as your back drop, there is something for everyone. You will discover that this city has more to offer than the political scene, but rather a vibrant excitement that will keep you entertained.

This program was designed with you in mind. We have set aside ample opportunities for you to network with fellow participants and develop sustainable relationships as you go through your journey of Investment and Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean. Thank you for your committed interest!

Should you have any questions, please visit us at the information desk. Your feedback is important to us. Please fill out the survey in your expo guide and provide us with your opinion, as we value your input.

Welcome to the Nation’s Capital!

Firmin Backer President HRA

Prog ram at a g lance Day 1, Wednesday, June 24th

12:00 PM-05:00 PM Exhibitors Check-in Front Lobby

05:00 PM –06:00 PM Attendee Check-in Front Lobby

06:00 PM-08:00 PM Opening Ceremony & Cocktails Front Lobby

Day 2, Thursday, June 25th

07:30 AM-08:25 AM Attendee Check-in & Entrepreneur-Investor Breakfast Networking Front Lobby

08:30 AM-09:15 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks & Keynote Address Preston Auditorium

10:00 AM-02:00 PM B2B, B2G Match/Private Investors Meeting Preston Lounge

10:00 AM-04:00 PM Business Exhibition Front Lobby

10:00 AM-11:30 AM Investment Potential of the Caribbean Diaspora Preston Auditorium

11:30 AM-12:30 PM Lunch Break/Networking/Business Exhibition Visit Front Lobby

12:30 PM-02:00 PM Perspectives on Key Investment Sectors in the Region Preston Auditorium

02:00 PM-02:30 PM Coffee Break/Networking/Business Exhibition Visit Front Lobby

02:30 PM-03:30 PM Taking Your Ideas to the Next Level: Accelerators and Incubators Preston Lounge

Investment Opportunities in the Caribbean Energy Security Preston Auditorium 02:30 PM-04:00 PM

04:10 PM-05:00 PM Workshop: U.S. Gov’t Overseas Opportunities & Incentives Preston Auditorium

05:30 PM-07:30 PM Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration (all participants are invited) Inter-American Development Bank

Day 3, Friday, June 26th

08:00 AM-08:30 AM Entrepreneur-Investor Breakfast Networking Front Lobby

08:30 AM-09:00 AM Opening Remarks and Keynotes Preston Auditorium

10:00 AM-01:00 PM B2B/B2G Match/Private Investors Meeting Preston Lounge

10:00 AM-04:00 PM Business Exhibition Front Lobby

09:30 AM-10:45 AM Innovative Diaspora Entrepreneurs – Case Studies Preston Auditorium

11:00 AM-12:00 PM Investment Opportunities in Medical Tourism Preston Auditorium

12:15 PM-12:40 PM PADF Special Lunch Presentation Preston Auditorium

01:00 PM-02:00 PM HRA Investor’s Tank Preston Auditorium

02:00 PM-02:30 PM Coffee Break/Networking/Business Exhibition Visit Front Lobby

02:30 PM-03:30 PM Harnessing Diaspora Resources in ICT Preston Auditorium

03:45 PM-05:00 PM Accessing Capital for Entrepreneurs and Catalyzing Diaspora Investments Preston Auditorium

05:00 PM-05:15 PM Closing Remarks Preston Auditorium

07:00 PM-10:00 PM VIP Investors Dinner (tickets are required) Westin Georgetown Hotel

Day 1 ‐ Wednesday, June 24, 2015

06:00 PM‐08:00 PM Opening Ceremony & Cocktails

Welcome and Introduction Front Lobby

Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer, HRA

Speakers

Sophie Sirtaine, The World Bank

Gilbert Hippolyte, Panexus

Day 2 ‐ Thursday, June 25, 2015

08:30 AM‐09:15 AM Welcome, Opening Remarks & Special address

Welcome

Introduction

Opening Remarks

Special Address

Preston Auditorium

Speakers

Firmin Backer, President of HRA

Nathalie Liautaud, PADF

Sophie Sirtaine, The World Bank

Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, Diaspora Strategist

10:00 AM‐11:30 AM

Facilitator

Raju Singh

The World Bank

Investment Potential of the Caribbean Diaspora

Whether it is intellectual or financial investment, the Caribbean diaspora has a strong connection across the region and access to resources, policies and plays a major role in the economic development of the region. This session will build the case for the diaspora and provide an overview on how to better leverage its economic power through international, regional and national investment facilitation agencies and will explore strategies to effectively engage diaspora investors through initiatives instigated.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Alexander Dixon, Aspen Institute

Anthony Simmons, IBS Global Consulting

Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, Diaspora Strategist

Rui Oliveira Reis, IOM

Qahir Dhanani, The World Bank

12:30 PM‐02:00 PM

Facilitator

Sophie Dessources

Perspectives on Key Investment Sectors in the Region

This panel will examine the competitiveness of the Caribbean region and its demand for increased investments, challenges and opportunities in key growth

International Business sectors. We will identify the road blocks, opportunities and strategies to pro‐ mote investments, consolidate sustainable economic growth and job creation.

Consultant

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Reuben Smith Vaughn, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Stephen Lande, Manchester Trade Ltd. Inc

Christopher Handal, CCIH

Mark D'Sa, U.S. Department of State

02:30 PM ‐ 03:30 PM

Facilitator

Charles R Plaisimond

CIVIC Hire

Taking Your Ideas to the Next Level: Accelerators and Incubators

So you've vetted an investment idea, you've rallied your diaspora investors, now how do you execute your vision and mitigate risk? The absence of entrepre‐ neurial ecosystems and institutions are considerable barriers to the growth of entrepreneurs. Incubators and accelerators can serve to address such barriers. This session will discuss challenges and solutions in supporting the growth and resilience of entrepreneurs.

Preston Lounge

Panelists

Jackie Hyland, Accion Venture Lab

Alex Fife, Village Capital

Jesse Grainger, Agora Partnerships

Valerie Lorena, Young Americas Business Trust

Sophia Muradyan, The World Bank

02:30 PM‐04:00 PM

Facilitator

Walker Williams

Niquan Energy

Investment Opportunities in the Caribbean Energy Security

The Caribbean faces complex decisions about long‐term solutions in ener‐

gy. Many countries in the region have set targets and made commitments to

renewable and clean energy. This session will examine some of the Caribbean

energy sector challenges to promote effective energy projects. Representatives

from this sector will share their perspectives and opportunities in energy such

as renewables, off grid, solar energy as well as financing.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Jacob Flewelling, US Trade Development Agency

Dan Ton, US Department of Energy

Ambassador Neil Parsan, Trinidad and Tobago

Lynn Tabernacki, OPIC

Craig O'Connor, Export‐Import Bank

Christiaan Gischler, IADB

4:10 PM‐5:00 PM

Facilitator

Jetheda Hernandez

Minority Business

Development Agency

(MBDA)

Workshop: U.S. Government Experience in the Caribbean & Opportunities for Diaspora Entrepreneurs

This session will examine the experience of U.S. Agencies in the Caribbean and

discuss challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Tanya Smith, Small Business Administration

Jean‐Robert D. Baguidy, MDBA

Day 3 - Friday, June 26, 2015

08:30 AM-09:00 AM Opening Remarks and Keynotes Preston Auditorium

Speakers


H.E. Ambassador Jack Brewer, The Brewer Group

Hugues Joseph, Haiti Ministry of Finance

Welcome

Opening Remarks

Special Address

09:30 AM-10:45 AM

Facilitator

Sally Yearwood Caribbean Central American Action

Innovative Diaspora Entrepreneurs – Case Studies

DIASPORA SMEs will share their experiences in investing in the Caribbean, including successes, lessons learned, and strategies to address challenges in financing, infrastructure and other trade obstacles.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Eric Reid, SPAGnVOLA

Stephane Jean-Baptiste, Kreyol EssenceHeather Elliot-Whitehead, Jar of Joy

Allen Henry, BONFED

11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Facilitator

Dr. Edward Green

The United Nations

Investment Opportunities in Medical Tourism

There is a growing trend of patients traveling outside of their borders for healthcare services. The Caribbean remains one of the largest exporters of patients into the U.S. and abroad due to a relatively slow development of healthcare infrastructure. This session will examine health system strengthening and investment opportunities in medical tourism and wellness.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Renee-Marie Stephano, Medical Tourism Association

Don Williams, Princeton Healthcare

Dr. Nathaniel Duke, Scarborough General Hospital

12:15 PM-12:40 PM PADF Special Lunch Presentation Preston Auditorium


01:00 PM-02:00 PM

Facilitator

Albert Decady, Esq. Green Investment Group

HRA Investor’s Tank

Inspired by the ABC hit show, Shark’s Tank, this session will feature diaspora entrepreneurs and investors seeking investments for a stake of their company or projects in the Caribbean.

Preston Auditorium

Investors

Marco Rubin, Exoventure

Henry Noël Jr., Essential Capital

Nathalie Liautaud, PADF Eric Reid, SPAGnVOLA

John Clarke, Radial

Justin Clerizier, Prestige Solar Energy

02:30 PM-03:30 PM

Facilitator

Christopher Daley U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

Harnessing Diaspora Resources in ICT

Global competitiveness is linked to technology. This session will discuss how the Caribbean can build technical resilience, benefit from advances in technology, and mobilize resources to invest in ICT. This session will discuss how to spark innovative, technology-driven economies and societies, and ways to bring technology to citizens and small businesses.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Ralph Blakeney, University of Maryland

Daniel Castaño, IFC

Cedric Persaud, Verizon

Carl Momplaisir, DIGICEL Group

03:45 PM-05:00 PM

Facilitator

Raymond Janvier

Bank of America

Accessing Capital for Entrepreneurs and Catalyzing Diaspora Investments

This session will discuss key constraints to accessing available financial products and innovative approaches to effectively support diaspora entrepreneurs. The discussion will present some preliminary findings on catalyzing diaspora investments. We will also discuss diaspora investment bonds and funds including private equity funds, strategic investment funds and sovereign wealth funds.

Preston Auditorium

Panelists

Maria Florencia Attademo-Hirt, IADB

Daniel Milano, Smith-Milano Consulting

Shanthi Divakaran, The World Bank

Jean-Robert D. Baguidy, MDBA

05:00 PM-05:15 PM Closing Remarks & Acknowledgements Preston Auditorium

Speakers

Cecile Niang, The World Bank

Exhibitors

1 - MagneGas

2 - Dumond & Associates

3 - Panexus

4 - Fonkoze

5 - Solutions Inc.

6 - PADF

7 - CEEPCO

8 - Digicel Group

9 - SPAGnVOLA

10 - PureWater Systems

11 - Kreyol Essence

12 - Center for Facilitation of Investments-Haiti (CFI-Haiti)

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Security

Registration

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The Westin Georgetown2350 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20037

VIP INVESTORS DINNER

Friday, June 26, 20157:00 PM-10:00 PM

Keynote

Mr. Eugene Ubalijoro Managing Director Caribbean and Americas Export, HEINEKEN

Special Address

Mr. Karl RacineAttorney General for the District of Columbia

Special Recognition to

Mr. Thomas C. AdamsSpecial Haiti Coordinator, US Department of State

For tickets, visit HRA information desk

Albert Decady, Esq. Vice-Chairman, Green Investment Group (GIG)Mr. Decady is an engineer, attorney, and intellectual property expert in the Washington, DC area. Mr. Decady is currently a supervisor at the U.S. Patent & Trade Office (USPTO). Mr. Decady is also a Diaspora investor and current chair of GIG, a Diaspora investment group focused on investments in the Caribbean, particularly, Haiti. Albert is very committed to the economic development of the region and has been active in the engagement of the Diaspora for over 10 years.

Alex Fife, Director of Operations, Village Capital Mr. Fife joins Village Capital as their Director of Operations. Previously, Mr. Fife worked as an Associate at Community Wealth Partners, a management consulting firm focused on social enterprise. Alex has also worked at the Brookings Institution where he coordinated the operations of the Executive Office, the President’s Special Initiatives, and the Brookings Strategic Plan. Alex received his BA from Duke University and his MBA from The University of Virginia Darden School of Business with a Concentration in Innovation and Sustainability.

Alexander Dixon, Director Diaspora Investment Alliance, Aspen Institute Mr. Dixon most recently served as the Senior Advisor to USAID, where he assisted USAID's missions and private investors with investment structuring and negotiations related to Power Africa. Prior to this position, he was the Vice President for Africa at the Small Enterprise Assistance Fund (SEAF). SEAF is a global private equity firm that specializes in small business investing through its 19 offices around the world. Prior to joining SEAF, Alex ran his own entrepreneurial venture, the Drews, Borroughs & Co., a private consulting firm that developed ventures in affordable housing and the adult beverage industry. Before his entrepreneurial career, Alex served as the Chief Operating Officer for Automated Business Systems and Services (ABSS), an IT Technology firm that provides consulting and system development services to public sector clients throughout the US.

Anthony Simmons, Consultant, IBS Global Consulting Mr. Simmons is an established expert in the field of international business development with specialized knowledge of emerging market trends, local demo- graphic climate, business banking, government regulatory and public policy for entrepreneurs and investors in the Caribbean and Latin American regions. Mr. Simmons has extensive experience working with and advising various private business and quasi-government sectors in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas with the capability to target profitable opportunities and to create sustainable economic concepts for investors in these emerging regions. Mr. Simmons has worked with several of the top corporations and NGO's such as Orange Dominicana, The Clinton Foundation, Banesco, Tricom, CDEEE (Corporación Dominicana de Empresas Eléctricas Estatales), and the Inter-American Development Bank. Mr. Simmons is fluent in Spanish.

Cedric Persaud, Senior Manager and Leader Global Technology division, VerizonMr. Persaud is a senior manager and leader in Verizon’s Global Technology division. During his 17 years at Verizon, he has served in many leadership positions and spearheaded major IT initiatives such as the off-shoring of business operations. He currently works in the Cloud Services organization which provides computing systems, data center management, as well as critical IT infrastructure for Verizon’s internal and customer facing applications supporting the business. Mr. Persaud leads a department with employees spread throughout the United States. His team is in charge of implementing and managing a client/server workload automation software that is essential to the functionality of hundreds of applications at Verizon including Verizon Wireless. Mr. Persaud previously served at PriceWaterhouseCoopers as a management consultant where he developed IT systems to improve business operations for fortune 500 companies such as Marriott and Microsoft. He also evaluated IT infrastructure, software, and systems in order to recommend the right technology solutions for clients. Prior to the above assignment, Mr. Persaud served as a systems analyst for the Federal Reserve Board, performing software development and providing IT support to the most critical departments at the Federal Reserve, including financial and regulatory. Mr. Persaud holds a B.S degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and is an active member of a professional organization called the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Christopher Handal, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti Mr. Handal received his BA in Business Management from Northeastern University in Boston, Massassuchetts in 1994. That same year, he joined the Fiberdye Inc. in Queens New York, where he held the position of Chief Supervisor. Returning back to Haiti in 1995, he joined the family business in 1996 and created with his brothers MSC Trading S.A. of which he is the CEO. Since then Christopher Handal has run the companies within the MSC Group. In 2009, via the group, he led the construction of MSC Plus, a retail store in Tabarre and operating in the construction sector. In 2012 the group inaugurated MSC Lumber, a wholesale store in the timber trade. In 2009, the group joined with foreign investors and created Carabimmo, SA, a company working in the real estate sector for the opera- tion of touristic establishments, with Christopher Handal at the Presidency of the Council. In 2013 the group inaugurated with their partners, the Best Western Premier Petion Ville, a four star hotel of 106 rooms in the center of Petion Ville, Haiti. Christopher Handal is also the Vice President of the “Fondation Unis pour Haiti”, whose main objective is to provide support to various entities of Haiti for the effective establishment of a framework favorable to the development of this country at all levels and particularly in the health sector. Further, Christopher is President of the Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry in which he has had an active participation since 2005, and a board member of the Haitian bank, “Banque de l’Union Haitienne.”

Craig O’Connor, Director of Business Development, EXIM Bank Mr. O’Connor currently serves as the Director of Business Development for Ex-Im Bank’s Alternative Energy Group within the Project and Structured Finance Division. Craig works closely with renewable energy exporters, international customers, and project developers to create “bankable” project structures. Craig began his career at the Bank in January 1993, as the Loan Officer for the Middle East and North Africa. He was appointed as the Bank’s Environmental LiaisonOfficer in 1994, and served as a Director for International Business Development from 1998-2008, where he covered the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions. In 2008, he created the Bank’s Renewable Energy Business Development Initiative. In the 5 years since this Initiative was launched the Bank has authorized over $2 billion in support of renewable energy exports. In addition to his position at the Bank, Craig has served as an Adjunct Professor of International Business at Georgetown University since 1997.

Dan Ton, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary at U.S. Department of Energy Mr. Ton is Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Power Systems Engineering Division within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE). In that capacity, he is responsible for managing the development of projects for “next generation” electricity delivery technologies and supporting activities to accelerate their introduction to the marketplace. Key activities in the Power Systems Engineering Division focus on smart grid research and development, energy storage, and cybersecurity for energy delivery systems, all in support of the OE’s mission to drive electric grid modernization and resiliency. In addition to the role above, he continues to be responsible for developing and implementing a multi-year R&D program plan for transforming the nation’s distribution grid into a smart grid, through public/private partnerships. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Sci- ence in Administration, both from the University of Maryland.

Distinguished Speakers


Daniel Castaño, Investment Officer, IFC Mr. Castaño, has over 15 years of financial experience. After four years of M&A experience in Colombia, he joined IFC in 2006 as part of the regional investment team based in Bogota. Initially working in transactions across sectors, in 2010 he joined the TMT LatAm’s investment team in Bogota and later Washington, DC where he has been responsible for originating and executing debt and equity transactions. Daniel is an Economist from Universidad del Rosario in Colombia and has a Master of International Affairs from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.

Daniel Milano, Founder and Partner, Smith and Milano ConsultingWhile working at Apple Inc., Mr. Milano successfully ran a network of 22 African businesses in 18 countries, providing them with advisory services in finance, management, planning and training. As a CEO of Global Interface, an IT security company listed in the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext. Daniel managed the acquisitions of 5 companies in the EU subsequent to capital raising withv venture capital, private equity firms, family offices and investment banks. This led to a 400% increase in revenue in the first year, post IPO. Company operations extended to Russia, Brazil, China, Singapore, Luxem- burg, Switzerland and the UK. As the co-founder of Kydan Daniel provided consulting services to 5 major investment banks in NYC, both in IT service deployment as well as Anti Money Laundering and Compliance. Daniel is regularly invited to speak at events on topics ranging from International Global markets to Financing businesses in frontier markets. Daniel holds an Masters Degree in International Business and Technology from Columbia University.

Don Lloyd Williams, CEO, Princeton Healthcare Inc./Princeton Technologies International Inc. Mr. Williams is CEO of Princeton Healthcare Inc., and Princeton Technologies International, firms which specialize in providing exports that support healthcare, technology, and infrastructure companies worldwide. As a global solutions provider, Mr. Williams directs loans and investments to exporters, international companies and governmental agencies that are looking to develops financing and or technology platforms for hospitals, technology companies, and to support the development of major infrastructure projects. Mr. Williams was Vice-Chair and currently serves on the United States Department of Commerce’s Industry Sector/Advisory Committee (ITAC 11) on international trade for Small/Medium-Sized Firms, the top governmental advisory group on small/medium sized businesses. He holds a Bachelors Degree from Boston University, a Masters in Management from Northeastern University, a Masters in Business from Columbia University, and is currently completing a Masters in International Business (IP-International) from the University of Liverpool, England.

Eric Reid, CEO, SPAGnVOLA Mr. Reid was born in Panama; his great-grandparents came from the island of Martinique and Jamaica, and like many within the Caribbean Diaspora supported construction of the Panama Canal. Educated in the United States, Mr. Reid followed his passion of agriculture which led him to the Dominican Republic where he met his wife Crisoire and ventured into agriculture investments. Mr. Reid has extensive farm management experience, managing over 450 acres of private farmland cultivated with Mango, Oranges, Tangerines, Papaya, Avocado and Cacao trees. Mr. Reid has extensive knowledge in cacao bean fermentation and drying as well as post-harvest process and has pioneered a quality assurance process (Fine Flavored Quality Assurance – Circle of Excellence) which brings forth the best aroma and flavor from cacao beans. Mr. Reid is a graduate of the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy, and continues to immerse himself in the world of chocolate confections. An expert in building relationships within the cacao community, Mr. Reid has built great relationships with experts across the global value chain.

Eugene Ubalijoro, Managing Director, Heineken Caribbean & Americas Export Mr. Ubalijoro is Managing Director, Heineken Caribbean & Americas Export. Eugene has had a very successful career with Heineken since joining in 1990 as the first African international trainee. From 1992 until 1995 he was Commercial Manager for Bralirwa. In 1995, Eugene became Heineken USA's first Regional Marketing Manager for the southeast region, driving the region's first ethnic consumer marketing initiatives. After working as a Consultant in Corporate Marketing in Amsterdam (1999-2003), Eugene held the role of Commercial Manager Sub Sahara Africa before moving to La Reunion. Eugene holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University and an MBA from Universite de Sherbrooke (Canada).

Firmin Backer, President, HRA Mr. Backer is an intellectual property expert with over 15 years of experience as a Supervisor Patent Examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in the Dept. of Commerce. He is an electrical engineer and scientist by trade with subject matter expertise in technical innovations, quality assurance, and power energy. He is a business development consultant and strategist committed to strengthening Diaspora investor relations and public private partnerships for economic development of the Caribbean region. Under his leadership as President, HRA has successfully spearheaded five trade shows nationally and internationally resulting in the formation of several new start-ups, in-country partnerships, and financing for entrepreneurs. More importantly, HRA has reengaged the Diaspora to return, work, invest and do business in Haiti. As an entrepreneur and investor himself, he has managed over 2.5 million dollars of investments including private real estate, Green Investment Group and BlueSky Logistics. Mr. Backer is currently the Vice-chair and Business Development Advisor for Global Investment Group (also known as GIG), a Diaspora investment group, where he develops strategic investment portfolios for Diaspora investors. Backer holds multiple advanced degrees from Stony Brook and New York University and has Doctoral studies in Physics at Western Michigan University.

Dr. Geneive Brown Metzger, Chief Thought Strategist, DiasporaDashboard.com Dr. Brown-Metzger is an investment and trade analyst. She served as Jamaica's Consul General in the United States between 2008 and 2012, where she was responsible for Jamaica's largest foreign mission. A Jamaican American, she is a fierce advocate of diaspora engagement and is engaged in initiatives focused on diaspora direct investment, skills and knowledge transfer. Her firm, Geneive Brown Metzger Consulting, leverages a thirty year career in marketing communications, diplomacy, trade/investment and as a radio host in support of economic development in the Caribbean. Dr. Brown Metzger served on the former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Think Tank on Diaspora and helped to develop the U.S. government's Global Diaspora Initiative launched in 2010. She contributed to the forum's Tool Kit and provided back cover endorsement for the USAID and MPI publication, “Diasporas: New partners in Global Development Policy a Kathleen Newland Editor. Dr. Metzger is an Associate with the Irish diaspora consulting firm, Diaspora Matters. She holds a Bachelors Degree from the City University of New York and a Master's Degree from Columbia University. She is married to an economist, Stephen Metzger, PhD; they have two grown daughters.

Gilbert Hippolyte, Vice-President, Panexus

From a young age, Mr. Hipolye always knew he wanted to start a business. After his classical studies at College Roger Anglade and Canado College, he studied

architecture at City College. Upon returning home, he began to start his own businesses. Gilbert is currently the owner and founder of Techni-Pro Institute

H.E. Jack Brewer, Ambassador for Peace and Sport for the US Federation for Middle East Peace/United Federation for Peace and Development, the CEO of The Brewer Group Ambassador Jack Brewer is a highly successful global business executive and philanthropist possessing a unique combination of expertise in the fields of global consulting, sports consulting, sports business, finance, foreign affairs and sustainable global economic development. Currently Ambassador for Peace and Sport for the US Federation for Middle East Peace/United Federation for Peace and Development, the CEO of The Brewer Group, Chairman of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Awards Athletes and Artists Committee, Executive Director of The Jack Brewer Foundation, Senior Advisor to H.E. President Joyce Banda of Malawi and a host/sports analyst for South-South News, Fox Sports and KFAN and a Former National Football League player.

Jackie Hyland, Senior Investment Analyst, Accion Venture Lab Ms. Hyland is a Senior investment analyst with Venture Lab, supporting the team’s global deal activity and portfolio engagement from DC. Prior to joining Accion, Jackie was an investment analyst at Compass Group Asset Management in Mexico City where she was part of the real estate private equity team. Jackie also worked at Angel Ventures Mexico as a Fulbright Binational Business Scholar, where she managed deal analysis and strategic entrepreneurial initiatives with the local entrepreneur ecosystem. Previous to that, Jackie founded a women’s entrepreneurial mentoring program in Panama in partnership with Vital Voices and the U.S. State Department’s Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas initiative. Jackie began her career working for a local health and development non-profit in Panama, leading business and microfinance projects in rural communities. Jackie holds a bachelor of arts in International Relations and Journalism from Baylor Univer- sity and a graduate certificate in Business from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM).

Jacob Flewelling, Country Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean at U.S. Trade and Development Agency Mr. Flewelling has been Country Manager for the Caribbean Basin and the Andean Region at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) since June 2010. In

this capacity, he is responsible for business development, project preparation and evaluation, and supervision of USTDA activities in his assigned countries, notably the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Colombia. Previously he was Country Manager for South Asia, beginning in December 2008. Prior to joining USTDA, Jacob served as an Investment Insurance Officer in the Latin America and Africa regions at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), beginning in May 2005. Jacob earned a Master's degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations

from the School of International Service at American University.

Jean-Robert Baguidy, Team leader in the Office Business Development at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Mr. Baguidy is the Access to Capital Team leader in the Office Business Development at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), United States De- partment of Commerce. Mr. Baguidy has over 25 years of experience in the areas of Commercial Banking, International Trade Finance and Venture Capital. He has an undergraduate degree in Finance from Howard University and a Master’s degree in International Finance and Banking from George Washington University. Prior to joining MBDA, Mr. Baguidy worked at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Investments, as an Investment Analyst for Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) engaged in Venture Capital finance. His duties involved the review and approval of funding requests, perform evaluating portfolio and monitoring of private equity funds, which provide mezzanine financing to smaller enterprises. Mr. Baguidy also spent time in the private commercial banking sector working as a Credit Analyst and Commercial Loan Officer at Navy Federal Credit Union, Industrial Bank, NA, and National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation.

Jetheda Hernandez, Strategic Alliances at Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce Ms. Hernandez serves as the Director of Marketing and Development for the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). There she leads the association’s efforts in fostering greater national visibility and manages a growing membership and development platform. Prior to her work with NACA, she was the Director of Corporate Partnerships for The Urban Alliance Foundation in Washington, DC. A native of Richmond, VA, Mrs. Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Miami. Jetheda has also provided marketing solutions for Sony Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television, BMG Records, MTV, Viacom networks and countless small businesses around the country. Since the start of her career she has held positions of increasing responsibility in national marketing, public affairs, sales, and corporate and community relations. Jetheda is a member of ASAE, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Young Nonprofit Professional, American Marketing Association and the National MBA Association, and has served as an advisor to many corporations and non-profits across the country. She also serves on the board of Cecile House; an organization committed to education and youth development in Haiti.

Jesse Grainger, Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Agora Partnerships Mr. Grainger is a committed strategy and business development professional with a desire to help companies in emerging markets identify key areas of growth, determine what opportunities best further expansion interests, and strategize the most effective way of getting from point A to B. Over the course of his professional career, he has developed a passion for identifying market expansion opportunities, aligning with the right partners to achieve specific goals, and optimizing growth opportunities.

Karl Racine, Attorney General of the District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine has over 25 years of experience as a practicing lawyer and good steward of leading law firms and organizations to the Office of the Attorney General. He volunteered as a law student in a clinic supporting migrant farm worker’s rights; represented indigent residents in the DC Public Defender Service; practiced white-collar and commercial litigation with Cacheris & Treanor and Venable LLP; served as Associate White House Counsel in the Clinton Administration; and served on the District’s Judicial Nomination Commission. When Racine became Managing Partner at Venable LLP, where he managed over 600 attorneys, he became the first African-American managing partner of a top-100 law firm. The National Law Journal named Racine one of the 50 most influential Minority Lawyers in the United States. Mr. Racine is deeply committed to the community, assembling what the Washington Post called “a rich record of community service” and remains involved in a variety of causes, including youth literacy and mentoring. Racine earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Lynn Tabernacki, Managing Director of Renewable and Clean Energy Programs, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Ms. Tabernacki, with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) since 1995, is the Managing Director of OPIC™ Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Programs. Ms. Tabernacki has led The OPIC™ Renewable Energy program from 2007, growing its annual commitments from less than $30 million initially to over $1 billion in each of the last three years. Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects represent approximately 1/3 of OPIC™ annual commitments. She is involved in new product development for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to support investment in these sectors in the emerging markets.

Heather Elliot-Whitehead, CEO, Jar of Joy Ms. Elliott-Whitehead, Marketing Consultant and CEO of Jar of Joy™ Body Products, is a small business enterprise advocate and marketing and publicity expert in the United States. Based in New York City, Heather runs Elliott PR Group, a multifaceted celebrity and promotional boutique firm with satellite offices in Kingston, Jamaica, Toronto, Canada and London, UK. With the success of the firm’s network in the beauty-manufacturing sector, Heather launched the body care product line--Jar of Joy in May of 2015. Jar of Joy™ is a line of luxury super fruit body soufflés manufactured under contract in Corona, California for the parent company Heather Elliott LLC. Heather is a professional writer who occasionally contributes to multiple publications in the US and the Caribbean. Heather is also the Author of the popular self-help book; ‘Bold, Forward & Beautiful-A woman’s guide to reinventing herself.’


Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer, Co-Founder/VP Program Development, HRA Dr. Emile-Backer is a drug development expert with over 10 years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry with expertise in clinical research, drugsafety, pharmacovigilance, and risk management of small and large molecules development. She served as risk manager and senior drug safety scientist with Medimmune/Astrazeneca, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, and clinical safety research training at Merck and Pfizer. She also has 5 year experience in the non-profit and public sector as a biomedical researcher for government scientific research (NIH, ASPR) and global health systems strengthening research. Dr. Emile-Backer is also a Diaspora engagement strategist and has been engaging the Caribbean, particularly, Haitian Diaspora, for over 15 years. She Co-founded the HRA in 2010 to engage and leverage Diaspora human and financial capacity for the economic development of their countries of origin. Mrs. Backer holds a doctorate in pharmaceutics and post-doctoral industry training in pharmaceutical development at Hoffman La Roche.

Marco Rubin, Managing Director & Founder, Exoventure Mr. Rubin has invested in numerous seed and early-stage technology companies throughout his career and has held leadership roles with funds recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual VC100 list in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. He is also a recent grant winner from the National Science Foundation. Prior to Exo, Marco was founder of Monumental Venture Partners, LLC (MVP) making investments in security, information technology, telecommunications, software and medical devices sectors. MVP produced acquisitions of portfolio companies to Dolby Labs and Level 3 Communications. Before MVP, he launched New Ventures, MCI’s venture capital unit until the company's acquisition in 1998. Prior to venture capital, Marco served Fortune 500 companiesand federal clients while with Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc. He began his career as an engineer at Johnson Space Center and holds an MBA from George Washington University and a BSEE from the University of New Mexico.

Nathalie Liautaud, Senior Program Advisor, PanAmerican Development Foundation Ms. Liautaud is the Senior Program Advisor at the Pan American Development Foundation, working on external relations and resource development opportunities for the Caribbean, moving from her tenure as Manager for Diaspora and Investment Outreach for the Leveraging Effective Application of Direct Investments (LEAD) a USD 12 Million USAID-funded project supporting investment opportunities and small and medium enterprise development in Haiti, as well as increasing the involvement of the Diaspora participation in Haiti’s development. Ms. Liautaud was previously the Senior Program Manager for the Caribbean and Mexico for the Institution. Prior to joining PADF, Ms. Liautaud was Program Director at Caribbean Central American Action (C-CAA), focusing on maritime and port security issues , working with the National Port Authority in Haiti, to improve the capacity of the port authority to be compliant with international maritime security rules and best practices.

Dr. Nathaniel Duke, Medical Chief, Staff for Scarborough General Hospital Tobago Dr. Nathaniel Duke is an infectious disease specialist in Miami, Florida. He received his medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and has

been in practice for 11 years.

Renee-Marie Stephano, President, Medical Tourism Association Ms. Stephano is a Founder and President of the Medical Tourism Association®, an international non-profit trade association dedicated to transparency in the quality and pricing of healthcare services, education and communication. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Tourism Magazine. In addition to the MTA, Ms. Stephano also directs the Corporate Health & Wellness Association where she works with governments, hospitals and insurance companies globally with the goal of helping people engage in healthier lifestyles. Ms. Stephano also is the author of five books: “Developing an International Patient Center: A Guide to Creating the Best Patient Experience”, “The Medical Tourism Facilitator: A Best Practices Guide to Healthcare Facilitation,” “Medical Tourism" An International Healthcare Guide For Insurers, Employers and Governments,” “Las Vegas Health and Wellness Destination Guide,” “Jordan Health and Wellness Destination Guide,” "Miami Health & Wellness Destination Guide," and "Corporate Wellness: Engaging a Culture of Wellness."

Ralph Blakeney, Manager, Technology Commercialization Program, University of Maryland Mr. Blakeney is the Technology Industry Manager at the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at the University of Maryland. In addition to being a former corporate executive, Ralph managed his own consulting firm and is a certified technology consultant with advanced academic degrees. In his current capacity, Ralph assists companies interested in obtaining government certifications and provides assistance to clients in proposing and winning SBIR awards, determining the commercialization feasibility of technology ideas, products and services and has helped clients identify and obtain millions of dollars in contract awards, equity and other funding.

Mark D’Sa, Senior Advisor for Industrial Development in Haiti , US Department of StateMr. D'sa is a senior Advisor at US Deptartment of State, Office of the Haiti Special Coordinator working on US Government and multilateral investments to promote aid for trade,create sustainable jobs and attract FDI in specific sectors to Haiti. Mr. D'Sa spent 8 years as a Senior Executive at Gap, managing half a billion dollars of apparel and non-apparel trade from 12 countries in the Americas and 4 in Asia with successful cost and inventory reductions. Leading a team of 68 with five levels of talent and SMEs. Directing a robust sourcing strategy, capacity management, product placement, compliance, governance, social responsibility, sustainability, quality assurance, product integrity and above all efficient and successful execution. Mr. D'Sa also worked with Levis Strauss & Co as well as Polo Ralph Lauren.

Raju Singh, Lead Economist and Program Leader, The World Bank Mr. Singh is the Lead Economist and Program Leader at the World Bank, overseeing the work on economic policy for Haiti. Prior to that, he was Lead Economist on Central African states at the World Bank and senior economist at the International Monetary Fund where he held positions in the Fiscal Affairs, Asian, and African Departments, working on a wide range of countries and leading missions to China, Cyprus, and Tonga. He was also advisor in the Swiss Executive Director Office, and held positions at the Swiss Finance Administration in Bern and at Lombard Odier & Cie (private banking) in Geneva. He was also a consultant for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, working with the central banks of Rwanda and Tanzania, and taught at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva. He has widely published on public finance, intergovernmental relations, and remittances. Mr. Singh holds an MA and a PhD in economics from the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva.


Ruis Oliveira Reis, Chief of Mission, Guyana, International Organization for Migration (IOM)Mr. Reis, a Portuguese national, joined the International Organization for Migration in 2000. He was assigned to Georgetown, Guyana as the Chief of Mission in 2009 and since 2011 is the Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean; He has also had Humanitarian and Civil Engineer assignments in Angola, East Timor, Mozambique, and Vietnam. He graduated from The International Institute & Development Rhones – Alpes (France). (Bachelor of International Devel- opment & Management). He speaks fluent in French and English. Under the Regional Office for Central America, North America and the Caribbean, he is responsible for developing the sub regional cluster strategy, and for ensuring that sub-regional specificities are taken into account, in particular, in the national programmatic activities of Offices in Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as well as others which may be established in future.

Reuben Smith Vaughn, Executive Director, AACCLA Secretariat, US Chamber of CommerceMr. Smith-Vaughan is senior manager of the Americas Department, International Affairs Division, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Smith-Vaughan provides strategic guidance and support to the vice president of the department. He is actively engaged in developing and executing the department’s policy agenda and advocates on behalf of the U.S. business community on a wide range of hemispheric trade and investment issues before the U.S. Congress and foreign government officials. Smith-Vaughan also serves as executive director of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America & the Caribbean (AACCLA). He leads and supports the network of 24 American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has worked on a variety of issues, including coordinating the activities of the Latin America Trade Coalition, which represents more than 1,200 U.S. companies, business organizations, farm and ranch groups, and local chambers. He holds a B.A. in international economics and international relations.

Qahir Dhanani, Private Sector Development Specialist, The World Bank Mr. Dhanani is a Private Sector Development Specialist at the World Bank Group in Washington, DC. His work focuses on competitiveness, innovation, entrepreneurship and access to finance issues in developing countries, primarily in Europe, Central Asia and the Caribbean. He is currently working as the Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining the World Bank, Qahir was a Project Leader at The Boston Consulting Group in Dubai where he managed various strategy and organization projects for government, oil & gas, media, and financial institution clients in the Middle East. Prior to joining BCG, he worked for the Aga Khan Development Network in Washington, DC and Geneva, Switzerland on various policy and program design projects in Asia and Africa. Qahir holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School, a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a BA in government and economics from Cornell University.

Sally Yearwood, Executive, Director, Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) Ms. Yearwood returned to Caribbean Central American Action in 2008 to serve as Deputy Executive Director after working with the organization for six years between 1989 and 1995. She spent 13 years in Haiti where most recently she worked as the Trade and Investment Advisor for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). During her time in Haiti she also managed a European Union-funded project for the Caribbean Export Development Agency, worked as a private consultant, and was the Country Representative for the U.S. Department of Commerce. She has a BA in International Relations and an MA in International Development. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) has been promoting private sector, led economic development in the Caribbean Basin for over three decades. CCAA is host of the Annual Miami Conference on the Caribbean and Central America, now in its 35th year.

Shanthi Divakaran, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, The World Bank Ms. Divakaran is a senior financial sector specialist in the World Bank’s Finance & Markets Global Practice. Shanthi focuses on Investment Funds in developing countries, including mutual funds, private equity and venture capital funds and sovereign wealth funds. She currently manages the World Bank’s Sovereign Wealth Fund secretariat. Shanthi holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She graduated magna cum laude, with high honors in Physics, from Mount Holyoke College.

Sophie Sirtaine, Director, Caribbean Country Management Unit, The World BankMs. Sirtaine, a Belgium national, is the Country Director for Caribbean countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, where she holds responsibility for fourteen countries. With over seventeen years of experience, Ms. Sirtaine has held various positions in the Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia and Europe and Central Asia regions; the Corporate Secretariat and Operations, Policy and Country Services (OPCS). During this period, she gained extensive experience in Bank Operations and led the Bank’s banking Sector crisis response in several EU countries during the 2008-09 global financial crisis. Her most recent post was Director of the Corporate Reform and Strategy Department in OPCS. In her current position as Director for the Caribbean region, Ms. Sirtaine is responsible for maintaining a strong partnership with the governments of Caribbean Countries in order to address their development and financial challenges. She also leads the Bank’s country program support in these countries and oversees the management of the country offices.

Sophie Dessources, International Legal Consultant in Trade and Investment PolicyMs. Dessources is an experienced international legal and management professional, specialized in international trade and investment policy targeting sustainable economic growth with a focus on private sector development with almost 10 years of experience. She has been a Legal Analyst and International Transac- tions Commercial Lawyer at law firms such as Will Mc Dermot & Emory LLP, Legal consultant for PriceWaterHouseCoopers for VAT harmonization for aspiring countries to the European Union (EU), Brussels, Belgium. She also consulted with (Marveaux & Associates LLP) on private sector mapping for ACP countries on behalf of the European Commission (EC). She has been an international compliance verification analyst for a large international insurance company (AIG- North America Group). Currently, she consults with many international developing firms in Washington DC on development policy on West African countries (MSI, FHI360, Kaiser Associates, and Tetra Tech). Sophie holds a Law Degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Brussels (ULB), and a Master’s degree in Public Administration with trade and investment policy concentration from Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS).

Sophia Muradyan, Business Incubation Specialist, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Practice, Trade & Competitiveness GP, The World Bank GroupMs. Muradyan is a Business Incubation Specialist at infoDev, a global multi-donor program within the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Practice at the World Bank Group that supports growth-oriented entrepreneurs through creative and path-breaking business enablers. Sophia has over 12 years of experience in leading various initiatives on business incubation, venture acceleration, and entrepreneurship ecosystem analysis in Southern Africa, ECA and the Caribbean aimed to promote growth entrepreneurs by seeding and scaling the work of innovative business enablers that in turn provide technical assistance and finance to entrepreneurs. At the moment, she is overseeing a number of key projects, including testing of innovative approach to strengthening capacity of business enablers in 14 CARICOM countries within the framework of Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC), research activities on assessment of venture acceleration models in developing countries as well as promoting Digital Entrepreneurship in Africa. Prior to joining the World Bank Group in 2012, Sophia has worked for 7 years as a Project Manager at Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF), the largest ICT business incubation and entrepreneurship promotion program in Armenia. Sophia holds a Master's degree in Sociology from the Yerevan State University, and has been also accredited by London School of Economics and Open University, UK.


Tanya Smith, Export Development Specialist, International Trade and Exporting, Small Business Administration Ms. Smith works with service providers like coaches, consultants, freelancers - to create results with social media content & marketing systems that help them

get more followers & more paying clients with less effort. Her popular tips and tools help people leverage the Internet to do profitable business online.

Valerie Lorena, Executive Director, Young Americas Business Trust Ms. Lorena is responsible for design, implementation and expansion of hemipheric and subregional programs on youth entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation involving multiple sectors and international stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean. Before joining YABT in 2005, Lorena worked for the International Affairs Department of Universidad UCO in Queretaro, Mexico where she was in charge of students’ mobility and institutional agreements.Lorena has a back- ground on international business and holds a Trilateral-MBA from the following universities: Western Illinois University in the U.S., Université de Moncton in Canada and Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro in Mexico.

Yve-Car Momperousse, CEO & Founder, KREYÒL ESSENCE (KE) Ms. Momperousse is CEO and co-founder of Kreyol Essence (KE), an agribusiness that creates beauty products with ingredients from Haiti. The millennial started the company three years ago and has raised 1.5million dollars in startup capital for this international business. Leveraging Black castor oil, sourced from the mountains of Haiti, the agribusiness produces natural and organic body, hair, and aromatherapy products, including exotic oils, pomades, soufflés, and therapeutic candles. KE currently employs over 70 farmers and women in Haiti to produce the unique line and is poised to hire 300 people in the next few years as part of the company’s social impact mission. Investors and partners include global development leaders such as YUNUS Social Business, the Clinton Foundation USAID in addition to private angel investors. Yve-Car, a social entrepreneur, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Metropolitan Planning from Rutgers University and a Masters in International Development with a focus on Rural Agriculture at Cornell University. She has received numerous honors including the Sustainable Business Award, Global Now Business Leadership Award, Haitian Roundtable 20 Under 40 Business Award, Caribbean Life, A News Corp Publication. She has also been featured in the Huffington Post, Cornell Business Review, Madame Noir, and Virgin Unite.

Stephen Lande, President, Manchester Trade Ltd, Inc.Mr. Lande is a distinguished international trade expert in the United States. Mr. Lande is Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and has lectured widely in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Lande has been involved in international trade since the 1960s. He was initially assigned as a Foreign Service Officer to the Economic Bureau of the Department of States and then to American Embassies in Athens and in Luxembourg. He had a twelve year career with the Office of the United State Trade Representative as the Senior Trade negotiator and the first of a long-line of Assistant USTRs. In this role Mr. Lande negotiated many bilateral and multilateral trade agreements on behalf of the US Government in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. Mr. Lande is viewed by many to be the "Father” of both the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), and an early force in creating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). More recently, he has been directly involved with U.S., Central American and African governments and businesses in advancing the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), improvements to the Caribbean Basin Initiative, the spread bilateral of Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s), and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).


Co-hosts

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About HRA

HRA is an nonprofit organization whose goals are to promote business development and investment in the Caribbean. Founded in 2010, the HRA works with a number of organizations and partners to engage business men and women, and entrepreneurs to invest in Haiti and the Caribbean. The HRA Expo, a signature event of HRA, focuses on gathering high profile government officials, private sector, investors, NGOs, bankers, funders, entrepreneurs to discuss investment opportunities, form partnerships, share experiences, knowledge, passion and commitment to promoting sustainable development in emerging markets.

HRA Board

Firmin Backer, United States Patent and Trademark Office Dr. Kit Miyamoto, Miyamoto International Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer, TRI International Gilbert Hippolyte, Panexus Sophie Dessources, International Business Consultant Fritz Clairvil, SIMACT Foundation Dr. Joseph Baptiste, Maryland Governor Commission for Caribbean AffairsNathalie Liautaud, Pan-American Development Foundation Raymond Janvier, Bank of America

HRA Expo Executive Team

Firmin Backer, Expo Director Magalie Emile-Backer, Program Development Sophie Dessource, Program Development Wendy K. Grant, Program Development and Sponsorship Consultant Nancy Joseph, Marketing and CommunicationMarlene St. Phar-Shaw, Social MediaMarc Fred Sauveur, Lead Logistics Frantz Jean, Logistics Robert Pursley, Registration

Event Coord inator - Completely You rs Events

Mrs. Jon’ll Boyd, CEO and Owner, Completely Yours Christina Grimes, Lead Coordinator

Event Assistants

Dominique Cheek Neshonia Armstrong Caroline Werenskjold Leanna Lombardi Maddie Divita Lauren Kalina Joi Chu-Ketterer

Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration

Music by Renowned Jazz Ar tist

Reginald CyntjeSt. Thomas, USVI

Thu rsday, June 25, 2015 5:30 PM—7:30 PM

Inter-American Development Bank1300 New Yor k Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.

Another great event brought to you by

A Culinary ExperienceFeaturing Celebrity Chef

Ron DupratHaiti

Also Featuring Caribbean Chefs from Bahamas, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago

Remarks byCaribbean Ambassadors and Dignitaries

Registration is required

hra expo 2015 guide

Documents