Our Team
USA Team
Joseph Paul
Founder and President
Mr. Joseph Paul is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting the people of Haiti. Inspired by the urgent calls for assistance from communities in Haiti, he began serving with a clear mission: to provide access to education for children. However, his approach goes beyond traditional models by recognizing the interconnectedness of poverty and education.
Under his leadership, Home Roots Foundation has developed a transformative model that addresses poverty among the student population by empowering their parents, many of whom are street merchants. This holistic approach not only provides access to education but also creates economic opportunities for families, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term community resilience.
As the President of Home Roots Foundation, Mr. Paul leads daily operations with a focus on implementing the organization’s mission and values. He serves as a bridge between the Board of Directors, employees, and communities, ensuring alignment and effective communication across all levels of the organization. With a background in biology and cancer biology, Mr. Paul brings a unique perspective to the field of social impact. He holds a BS in Biology from Howard University, a MS in Cancer Biology from the University of the District of Columbia and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Howard University.
Tony Norman
Operations Manager
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.
Jacquelin Alcius
Finance Manager
Mr. Alcius is a dynamic leader with a passion for promoting entrepreneurship and empowering marginalized communities. With a background in law and extensive experience in business management, he has been instrumental in pioneering initiatives to uplift individuals and foster economic growth.
After receiving training in law, Mr. Alcius co-founded and served as president of the entrepreneurial club Acces Jeunes in 2010, where he provided mentorship and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. In 2018, he founded the Alternatives Business Incubator & Accelerator (ABIA), a platform dedicated to nurturing and accelerating the growth of small businesses in Haiti. With a commitment to social impact, Mr. Alcius previously served as the country president of the nonprofit Haiti Healthcare Aid (HHCA), where he leveraged his leadership skills to oversee various community development projects aimed at improving healthcare access and education. Mr. Alcius’s diverse professional background includes valuable experience gained at the Central Bank of Haiti (BRH), where he honed his financial and accounting expertise. Recently relocating to the United States, Mr. Alcius brings his deep understanding of Haiti’s socio-economic landscape and his proven track record in organizational management.
Haiti Team
Harols Moran
Haiti Representative & Community Liaison
As the Haiti Representative and Community Liaison for Home Roots Foundation, Mr. Morvan serves as a trusted liaison between Home Roots Foundation and the communities it serves. With a passion for grassroots engagement and a strong connection to the people of Haiti, Mr. Morvan plays a vital role in representing the organization and building relationships with local communities.
In addition to his role as a liaison, Mr. Morvan is also the Co-Founder of the Speak English Together Club (SET Club), a program that provides free English language instruction to children in Haiti. Through this initiative, he has demonstrated his dedication to empowering youth and promoting educational opportunities in his community. With his commitment to community engagement, he plays a crucial role in advancing the organization’s mission and making a positive impact in the lives of those it serves.
Raymond Eslhomme
Economic Program Director
Raymond Eslhomme brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role as the Economic Program Director at Home Roots Foundation, where he leads the Women’s Small Business Initiative. With a distinguished career in administration and entrepreneurship, Mr. Eslhomme is dedicated to empowering women and fostering economic development in Haiti.
As the former Deputy CEO of the National Old Age Insurance Office (ONA) and the Director General of the National Council of Cooperatives (CNC) in Haiti, Mr. Eslhomme has demonstrated his exceptional leadership and management skills in the public sector. In addition to his administrative roles, Mr. Eslhomme is a seasoned business consultant and strategist, specializing in micro-business development, entrepreneurship, micro-credit, and cooperatives. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have contributed to the establishment of the Credit Union for the Development of Baraderes, providing vital financial resources and support to local entrepreneurs. His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in administration and a master’s degree in spatial planning and the management of local authorities.
Pastor Roland Louisiard
Youth Empowerment Program
Pastor Roland Louisiard is a respected leader in Sodo, Haiti, where he serves as the head of the church Eglise de Dieu Bethel de Dubuisson and leads the Ecole Evangelique le Messi de du Buisson school. With a deep-rooted commitment to improving the lives of the people in his community, Pastor Louisiard has dedicated himself to fostering positive change and empowering the youth.
As a father of two sons and one daughter, Pastor Louisiard values education as a cornerstone of personal and community development. His personal experiences as a parent have reinforced his belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of providing opportunities for children to thrive. He is committed to creating a brighter future for the children of Sodo by providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in school and beyond. Pastor Louisiard brings his expertise in community leadership and his firsthand understanding of the challenges facing children in Sodo.
Mirlande Georges
Women's Economic Program
Mirlande Georges is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment who brings experience and dedication to her role to economically empower women. With a background in entrepreneurship, community leadership, and advocacy, Ms. Georges is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs in Haiti and promoting their valuable contributions to society.
As a women’s rights advocate, Ms. Georges has been actively involved in various women’s rights groups, working tirelessly to address issues of gender inequality and empower women in her community. Her advocacy efforts have focused on promoting economic opportunities for women, advocating for gender equality in leadership positions, and providing support to survivors of gender-based violence.
Wadelene Corielan
Women's Economic Program
With experience in journalism and leadership in women’s rights organizations, Ms. Corielan is dedicated to improving the socio-economic situation for women in Haiti and empowering them to achieve financial independence. As a journalist, Ms. Corielan has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about issues affecting women in Haiti, amplifying their voices, and advocating for gender equality. Her work in the media has shed light on various challenges faced by women, including economic disparities, access to education and healthcare, and gender-based violence.
In addition to her journalistic pursuits, Ms. Corielan has demonstrated her commitment to women’s rights through her leadership roles in women’s rights organizations. As a leader, she has organized advocacy campaigns, community outreach initiatives, and empowerment programs aimed at addressing the root causes of gender inequality and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Sherline Pharius
Administrative Coordinator
As the Administrative Coordinator at Home Roots Foundation, Sherline Pharius plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. With her meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills, Ms. Pharius oversees a wide range of administrative tasks and logistics, enabling the team to focus on their core mission of empowering women and children in Haiti.
Devert Manasse Samedy
Women’s Goat Project
Devert Manasse Samedy is a passionate agronomist dedicated to promoting agriculture as a viable and rewarding profession for Haitian youth. With a deep love for the land and a commitment to sustainable farming practices, he seeks to create opportunities for young people to thrive in the agricultural sector, contributing to food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability in Haiti.