“HAITIAN CURRENTS: CULTURE, IDENTITY & TURBULENCE” – PANEL

ISABELLE CAMILLE is an accomplished educator with more than 34 years of experience at Miami-Dade County Public Schools and as an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College. With a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Florida and a Master of Education in science teacher education from Florida International University, her commitment to education and her impactful work have earned her recognition, including being an honored listee in Marquis' Who’s Who. Fluent in French and Haitian Creole, Camille is also passionate about community outreach, curriculum development, and educational technology. Her personal journey with her transgender child has transformed her into a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, actively participating in support groups and working closely with organizations like the YES Institute to promote awareness and empathy for transgender individuals and their families. Camille’s dedication to fostering inclusive and understanding environments both in her professional and personal life underscores her commitment to positively impacting the world.

MARIE KETSIA THEODORE-PHAREL, known as Ketsia, is a Haitian-born author and educator based in Homestead, Florida. She earned her bachelor's degree from Tufts University and holds a master's in English from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. An influential voice in Caribbean literature, Theodore-Pharel's work often explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the intricacies of the Haitian experience. Her contributions to anthologies such as Haiti Noir and her powerful historical novel Rope examine the enduring impact of U.S. imperialism on Haiti. In addition to her writing, Theodore-Pharel is a passionate educator who teaches at Miami Dade College and shares her love of storytelling and Haitian culture. Her work reflects a dedication to creating a more nuanced narrative of Haiti, celebrating its resilience and cultural richness alongside its challenges.

NADÈGE FLEURIMOND is a published author and culinary adventurer, known for her book Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure into the Art of Haitian Cuisine (Nadège Fleurimond), which was released in 2014 and 2024. She leads the Haiti Uncovered Culinary Tour, exploring Haitian culture through food. Her 2020 book Taste of Solitude: A Culinary Journal (Nadège Fleurimond) reflects her journey of self-discovery during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. In addition to her writing, Fleurimond co-owns Fêtes de Fleur, an event rental space, and the restaurant BunNan, which focuses on plantains and cultural connections. She has been featured on Food Network’s Chopped and HBO’s The Big Brunch, and has been profiled in Epicurious, Food & Wine, and Condé Nast Traveler. Her catering company is among an exclusive list that serves The Times Center. Fleurimond holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbia University.