Joseph Paul, Founder and President
Mr. Paul is the founder of Home Roots Foundation. He has been active in groups such as Empower DC and involved in various campaigns for social justice in Washington, D.C. and Boston where he started his social activism as a teenager. He was born in Haiti but grew up outside of Boston. Mr. Paul travels between Haiti and the US every year and meets with people from all walks of life. His experience in Haiti, he believes, will allow the organization to better serve the Haitian people. He earned a BS in biology from Howard University, a M.Sc. in cancer biology from the University of the District of Columbia and has a PhD in Biochemistry from Howard University.
Letycia Braswell-Pastrana
Ms. Braswell-Pastrana has extensive experience developing and executing community and economic development activities for vulnerable, as well as diverse, populations in need of resources. Letycia’s areas of expertise include strategic planning and capacity building, leadership and management, partnership and board development, program evaluation, and management of multicultural teams and projects. She has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Ella Austin Community Center, developing, and executing strategies in distressed communities while driving the financial stability for the organization. Prior to her role as COO in San Antonio, Ms. Braswell-Pastrana spearheaded the Gwinnett Community Alliance Inc in Atlanta, Georgia. As the Executive Director, she had oversight of programs, fiscal sustainability, and cultivated relationships with stakeholders. Currently, serves as the Executive Director of the Community Services Agency, AFL-CIO Council in Washington, D.C. Letycia has served on the boards of several charities and non-profit groups. She mentors young adolescent girls to engage them in youth civic service and leadership in their communities as well as become life-long learners. She has a B.A. in Health Science from California State University and completed graduate course work at Arizona State University in Leadership Education.
Tony Norman
Mr. Norman is a seasoned attorney, community organizer, and accomplished nonprofit executive based in Washington, DC. With a strong commitment to social justice and equitable community development, he has been a passionate advocate for inclusive development and the empowerment of marginalized groups. Mr. Norman served on the Board of Directors of the Columbia Heights Development Corporation since 2000, where he has played a key role in advancing community-driven initiatives. Additionally, he chaired the Pacifica Foundation Radio National Board in 2016 and the WPFW Radio Board in 2015, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, and served as CEO of the Community Workforce Development Fund. Mr. Norman’s experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, financial management, and operations is invaluable as we work towards creating lasting impact and positive change in Haiti. He received a BA in Political Science from Southern University, and a JD degree from Howard University in 1984.
Rose-Sandy Lina Julien
Ms. Julien is a lawyer living in Haiti. She works with ESES (Espace Socio Culturel Pour Enfant De Siloe), an organization for children. She is passionate about children’s issues and women’s rights.
Jean Fenel Mirtil
Jean Fenel Mirtil Mr. Mirtil is the principal of Institution Mixte Source Divine. He has 22 years of experience in education as a teacher and principal. He is a respected community leader in Titanyen who was active in helping to establish a new community there following the earthquake of 2010.