About the Coalition

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The Georgia Haitian Leadership Coalition (GAHLC) is a unified body of professional, civic, and faith-based Haitian organizations in Georgia — a governed ecosystem of Haitian-led leaders, institutions, organizations, professionals, advocates, and initiatives working in strategic alignment to strengthen the Haitian community throughout Georgia and beyond.

Georgia is home to more than 60,000 Haitians, and our community's organizations have always done powerful work. The Coalition exists so that work moves in one direction: one community, one voice, one agenda.

The Coalition was founded by Dr. JB Beaufils, who serves as its President. It is chaired by Chairwoman Lydia Pierre and governed by a Board of Directors drawn from the community's professional, civic, and faith leadership.

Everything the Coalition does advances the Haitian Agenda:

Immigration — Protecting Haitian families through immigration reform advocacy, including defense of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and workable legal pathways.

Economic Development — Building Haitian-owned business strength, workforce opportunity, and economic mobility across Georgia.

Healthcare — Expanding healthcare access and health equity for Haitian families, guided by our Healthcare & Wellness Council.

Education — Advancing educational equity and opportunity for Haitian students and families.

Foreign Policy — Promoting responsible United States foreign policy toward Haiti and a strong Georgia–Haiti relationship.

The Coalition exists to align. Not control. Not compete. Not replace organizations.

We believe Georgia's Haitian community is strongest when its organizations keep their own identities and missions, and still choose to move together on a shared agenda. Membership in the Coalition strengthens each organization; the Coalition, in turn, is only as strong as the organizations aligned within it.

Integration Over Invitation

We don't just show up. We help move the work forward.

At the Georgia Haitian Leadership Coalition (GAHLC), we believe meaningful collaboration begins long before an invitation is extended.

Our philosophy of Integration Over Invitation encourages organizations, institutions, and community leaders to engage the Coalition as a strategic partner in the planning, development, and execution of initiatives that advance the interests of Georgia's Haitian community.

Rather than simply attending events, endorsing programs, or lending our name to existing efforts, we seek opportunities to connect the right leaders, align resources, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to measurable outcomes.

Through our leadership councils, strategic relationships, and shared Haitian Agenda, we help bring complementary expertise and community perspectives into the work from the beginning.

This approach allows us to strengthen initiatives already underway without unnecessarily duplicating efforts, competing for visibility, or creating disconnected programs.

Our goal is not to be included in everything. It is to be intentionally integrated where our collective leadership can make a meaningful difference.

Because when leaders work together with shared purpose, individual efforts become collective progress.

One Community. One Voice. One Agenda. Many Leaders.

INVITATION

"Come support our initiative."

GAHLC is invited to attend, promote, endorse, or participate after most decisions have already been made.

INTEGRATION

"Help us build a stronger initiative."

GAHLC contributes relevant leadership, relationships, expertise, coordination, and accountability from the planning stage.