The 2025 Eritaj Business Awards Gala was a cultural awakening. Held at the elegant Whitley Hotel, the evening gathered changemakers, visionaries, and creatives to honor Haitian heritage, celebrate our present wins, and boldly call us into the future we are destined to shape. This year’s theme, “Envision,” wasn’t just a concept, it was a call to action. A reminder that Haitian excellence is not confined to history books. It is active, alive, and essential to building a future rooted in legacy and purpose.
Guests were welcomed by the rich sounds of troubadour band Musical Jays and immersed in visual Haitian art by aficionados Ronald Bertrand, Rosebrune Vixamar, and Maggie Russell. It was also the perfect moment to capture how stunning everyone looked at the step and repeat—smiles, elegance, and pride on full display as guests posed for photos to mark the occasion.
The event kickoff with vocalist Gabriel Antoine and tanbou drummer Staney Cayo filled the room with ancestral reverence. President of GAHCCI Dr. Ronald Cetoute welcoming the esteemed guests. Theme and Vision Director Guernsy Bernadeau followed, offering a reflection on why we gathered for the gala and setting the tone for what would soon unfold before us. Host duo Anne Christie Guillaume and Eunos Laverdure gracefully guided us through the program with energy, wit, and heart. The night unfolded in three powerful acts:
Act I: Honor the Past
We journeyed back in time with stirring performances that honored Haiti’s revolutionary spirit. Elijah Cherestal sang La Dessalinienne, the Haitian national anthem, followed by Dr. Erlange Elisme’s soul-stirring poem remembering Bois Caïman—reminding us that our freedom was forged in unity. Kaju Haitian Dance Company’s choreography embodied the strength, rhythm, and beauty of our roots.
Act II: Celebrate the Present
The present came alive through the talents of former scholarship recipients who now stand as proud products of our collective investment. Jawanza Blue shared an original cello composition, while Coralie-Anne Hilaire introduced a fresh style of tap dance to Haitian rhythms. Guitarist Babasse Altidor and vocalist Serena Shelby Altidor delivered a reflective and elegant musical interlude.
The Scholarship segment, led by Dr. Marjorie Denis, who oversees the GAHCCI Foundation, and Yvette Cherestal, recognized nine new scholarship recipients. This achievement was made possible through their dedication and the generous support of community donors. The moment affirmed the recipients’ dreams and our continued commitment to their success.
Dynamic Businesswoman of the Year Dr. Shaneque Mettelus closed the act with a powerful reflection on the evolution of the Haitian flag, symbolizing the resilience and progression of our people.
2025 Eritaj Scholarship recipients with Dr. Marjorie Denis and Yvette Cherestal (on the floor)
Act III: Envision a New Future
The final act spotlighted those building the Haitian community. Congratulations to the 2025 Eritaj Business Award winners in each category:
- Best New Business: 1804 Pizza Bar & Lounge
1804 Pizza Bar & Lounge accepting award from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Social Impact Award: The Law Offices of L. Marcius Joseph & Associates, LLC
Lana Joseph from The Law Offices of L. Marcius Joseph & Associates, LLC accepting award
- Innovator Award: Tru Safety Gear
Tru Safety Gear accepting award from The Law Offices of Villard Bastien, LLC
- Bridge Award: Ayiti Community Trust & Kaw Academy
Mike Bellot from Kaw Academy and Dr. Alissa Jean from Ayiti Community Trust accepting awards
We also presented the “Keepers of the Legacy Award” to Sandra L. Jean and Elize Joseph, founders of the Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce. Their visionary leadership played the foundation for a strong Haitian business community in Georgia, ensuring we have a thriving “Haiti outside of Haiti.”
From left to right Saurel Quettan, Sandra L. Jean, Elize Joseph and Ronald Cetoute
The evening concluded with the introduction of the Breakthrough Leadership Transformational Academy (BLTA) a leadership incubator co-founded by Saurel Quettan and Eunos Laverdure that produced the 2025 Executive Producers of Eritaj: Gabrielle Antoine, Guernsy Bernadeau, Clifton Faucher, Maggie Jean, Marie St. Hilarie, and Lorna Valcin. Saurel’s ontological declaration grounded us in who we must be to carry the vision forward.
DJ Final closed out the night, and the dance floor opened with konpa reminding us that joy, too, is part of our legacy.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
This night would not have been possible without the generosity and belief of our sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
- The Jean Consulting Group LLC – Sandra L. Jean, Esq
- Mental Space Therapy
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Silver Sponsors:
- QM3 Quality Services
- The Law Offices of Villard Bastien, LLC
- The Benoit Group
- Southern Company Gas
Bronze Sponsors:
- Faucher Solutions
- Davis Bozeman Johnson Law Firm
- Your Cart People
- Headshot Solutions & Beyond
- Dream Imagination Studios
- LevelX
- Onyx MS
- SUV InnerPrizes
- Valcin Legacy
- exeQfit
Table Sponsors:
- I-SPACE 2
- LAF – Lucita Accounting Firm Inc.
- Mental Space Therapy
- Build and Bridge
- Family Support Circle Inc. – Dr. Elna Poulard
- MDMD Consulting
- A.A.V
- Phedamenon LLC
- The Jean Consulting Group – Sandra L. Jean Esq
- Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay
- United Haitian American Chamber of Southwest Florida
- Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Orlando
If you were in the room, you know this was more than a gala, it was a declaration. A vision. A movement. Let this night remind us that we are the legacy. We are the present. And we are the leaders that Haiti desperately needs. Continue to be the transformational leader our people are waiting for.
And if you missed it, don’t make that mistake again. Mark your calendar and make sure you’re in the room for next year’s Eritaj Business Awards Gala. The movement is only getting stronger.
For more information, visit www.gahcci.org