As I step into the role of President of the Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA), I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a remarkable organization. My journey with HLA began in 2014, a decade ago, when I was one of the 2014 Scholarship recipients. Since then, HLA has become more than just an organization to me—it has become my family and an integral part of my daily life routine.
In 2019, I was honored to join the Executive Board of HLA and serve as its treasurer under the leadership of four outstanding presidents who worked tirelessly to uplift the organization. Throughout my tenure, I have had the privilege of wearing many hats within HLA, including serving as the membership chair, grant chair, pro bono chair, outreach chair, and as a liaison between many different sectors, and so much more. These roles have allowed me to witness firsthand the growth and impact of our organization, and I could not be prouder of how far we have come.
As I assume the presidency, I am committed to continuing our mission of serving our community and being a beacon of excellence for our members. One of my main goals for the upcoming year is to increase member participation; I want HLA to nourish its members as much as our members benefit the organization. I am enthusiastic about continuing to make a significant impact on individuals within our community. I look forward to collaborating with the Florida Bar, our sister voluntary bar associations, and our partners in the government, private, and non-profit sectors to enhance our reach and effectiveness.
Furthermore, I am eager to collaborate closely with law students, having found my own first mentor through HLA. I strongly believe in the significance of paving the way for future attorneys. Together, we can empower the next generation of legal advocates and foster a more diverse and inclusive legal community.
Being part of HLA extends beyond professional networking: HLA offers enduring friendships, mentorship opportunities, and connections with other bar associations and community organizations.
I want to express my most profound appreciation to our past leaders for their dedication and vision. Without their tireless efforts, HLA would not be the thriving organization it is today. I look forward to working with our new dynamic executive board to continue the legacy of excellence. As we embark on this new chapter together, let us continue to uphold HLA’s values and make a lasting impact on our community.
I am ready and eager to support and advocate for each member of our organization throughout the coming year. I am dedicated to fostering growth, unity, and prosperity within the Haitian Lawyers Association and among its esteemed members. I am here to serve you.
A special thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues. I am immensely grateful for your support.
Your humble servant,
Michael’s Déborah Saint-Vil, Esq.
Incoming President