J
udges for the seven competitive awards stood on stage on Sunday, December 21, 2025, explaining that the selection criteria centered on leadership, measurable community impact, and tangible contributions to the real‑estate sector.
**Overview**
The Haitian Real Estate Professionals Association (HREPA) celebrated its first annual awards gala in Miami, honoring Haitian leaders who excel in real‑estate practice, civic engagement, and community development. The event highlighted efforts to broaden homeownership and economic mobility across the diaspora.
In just three years, what began as informal peer encouragement among Haitian real‑estate professionals has evolved into a global network dedicated to expanding homeownership, strengthening financial literacy, and elevating Haitian leadership in an industry that builds generational wealth. The gala on Dec. 21 marked a milestone for HREPA, underscoring its growth and the rising influence of Haitian professionals in South Florida and beyond.
Founded in February 2022 by Tracy Vertus, Laurie Joseph, and Kayla Revelus, HREPA was created to break long‑standing barriers—limited credit access, culturally competent services, and underrepresentation in leadership. Its mission is to promote Haitian homeownership, professional excellence, and civic engagement while building a trusted network for buyers, investors, and industry experts.
The evening opened with a cocktail hour and red‑carpet arrivals, followed by music, prayer, and remarks celebrating integrity and community impact. Haiti’s Consul General in Miami, Yverick Delerme Cyril, attended and praised HREPA’s role in strengthening the diaspora through economic empowerment and housing stability—critical for immigrant families and intergenerational wealth.
Keynote speaker Marcus Boereau, founder and CEO of IMAR Business Group, shared his journey from studying abroad in Taiwan and China to building an international real‑estate portfolio. In 2025 he launched TAMAN Punta Cana, a development worth over $30 million. “It’s time for people to invest, and for real‑estate professionals to expand how they think,” Boereau urged, calling for innovation—including artificial intelligence—and a broader view beyond traditional markets.
HREPA presented seven competitive awards, an honorary award, and a Presidential Choice Award. Nominees were evaluated on leadership, vision, and measurable community impact. Award recipients were:
- **Investor of the Year:** Midlaine Richaed‑Pean
- **Rising Star:** Chardeline Vigne
- **Brokerage of the Year:** The Nice Agent (Carl Christian)
- **Top Loan Officer:** Diderdot Saintilma
- **Top Real‑Estate Agent:** Harry Jean Baptiste
The ceremony concluded with a live konpa performance, blending celebration with cultural pride.
For many attendees, the gala was more than a celebration—it was a statement of Haitian leadership in sectors vital to economic stability and wealth creation. As housing affordability and access remain pressing challenges for Haitian families in the United States, organizations like HREPA position themselves as platforms for advocacy, education, and professional accountability.
