Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguelina Pierre-Louis.
Hi Miguelina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am currently the President of Dallas Haitians United, we are a nonprofit organization serving the Haitian community throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While DHU was founded in 2019, I became involved because I was passionate about being in a space where Haitians could connect, support one another, and celebrate our culture. Today, I have the privilege of helping lead the organization as we continue to grow our impact across North Texas.Dallas Haitians United was founded when a group of Haitians recognized the need for a stronger sense of community in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. What began as a small social group gathering for dinners, domino games, and fellowship quickly grew into something much more meaningful creating a home away from home for many Haitians, especially those who were new to the area.
As the community continued to grow, the founders saw an opportunity to make a greater impact. They formalized the organization as a nonprofit with a mission to connect, empower, and support Haitians throughout the DFW area. Since then, Dallas Haitians United has expanded beyond social gatherings to provide resources, educational programs, cultural events, advocacy efforts, and community service initiatives that help strengthen both the Haitian community and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Today, Dallas Haitians United continues to serve as a bridge that brings people together, preserves Haitian culture, and creates opportunities for connection, growth, and support.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. As a growing nonprofit organization, one of our biggest challenges has been reaching and engaging the Haitian community across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We currently rely heavily on social media and word of mouth to spread awareness about our mission and events, but we know there is still much more work to be done. We are constantly meeting Haitians who have lived in the DFW area for 3, 5, or even 10 years and had never heard of Dallas Haitians United. Changing that is one of our priorities because we want every Haitian in North Texas to know they have a community and support system here.
Another challenge is navigating the ongoing crises and difficult news coming out of Haiti. As members of the Haitian diaspora, we feel a deep connection to our homeland. When Haiti hurts, we hurt. It can be emotionally difficult to witness the struggles our brothers and sisters face, but it also motivates us to take action. Through partnerships, fundraising efforts, community initiatives, and advocacy, we remain committed to supporting Haiti and providing meaningful ways for our local community to stay engaged and make a difference.
Despite these challenges, they have only strengthened our resolve and reinforced the importance of the work we do. Every new connection, successful event, and opportunity to serve reminds us why Dallas Haitians United exists and why our mission matters.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
DHU is an organization that is truly dedicated to building community, preserving culture, and creating opportunities for Haitians and friends of Haiti throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We specialize in bringing people together through cultural celebrations, networking opportunities, educational programs, community service initiatives, and partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to empowering the Haitian community.
Over the years, we have become known for creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, build real relationships, and find a sense of belonging. Whether someone is new to DFW, looking to reconnect with their culture, or interested in supporting Haiti, we strive to make them feel at home every time.
What we are most proud of is the impact we have made through both our events and our community outreach efforts in DFW and Haiti. From hosting cultural celebrations and professional networking events to connecting people with valuable resources and supporting fundraising efforts for causes affecting Haitians locally and abroad, we have demonstrated that a small but dedicated group of volunteers can make a meaningful difference.
Over the past few years, we have hosted immigration town halls to help community members better understand changes within the U.S. immigration system and access reliable information. We have also organized mental health programs to encourage more open conversations around mental wellness and reduce stigma within our community.
Beyond our local efforts, we remain deeply committed to supporting Haiti. We raised funds to support the construction of the canal in Ouanaminthe,Haiti, a project that became a powerful symbol of resilience and self-determination for the Haitian people. At our annual fundraising gala last year, we partnered with and raised funds for a group of local professionals working in Jacmel, Haiti, who are providing critical resources and support to their community.
These initiatives reflect our mission to not only bring people together but also to create meaningful opportunities for service, education, and impact both here in North Texas and in Haiti.What sets Dallas Haitians United apart is our commitment to serving the whole community. We are not just an organization that hosts events, we are focused on building lasting relationships, creating opportunities for growth, and fostering a spirit of unity. We believe that when people feel connected to one another and supported by their community, they can thrive and give back in meaningful ways.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
One of the things I love most about the Dallas-Fort Worth area is its diversity and opportunity. DFW is home to people from all over the world, creating an environment where different cultures and experiences can come together. As a Haitian organization, we have been fortunate to connect with individuals and organizations from many different backgrounds. The region also offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. We love to see the growing number of Haitian owned businesses and entrepreneurs who are contributing to DFW’s economy. As a growing organization in North Texas, Dallas Haitians United is committed to sharing Haiti’s rich culture, history, and contributions with the broader DFW community. Because the Haitian population in Texas is smaller and less visible than in places like Florida or the Northeast, we intentionally create opportunities for cultural exchange through events, education, and community partnerships. Initiatives such as the DFW Diaspora Mixer bring together people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and we look forward to expanding collaborations with organizations across the Metroplex to foster greater understanding, connection, and celebration of our shared communities.
If there is one challenge, it is that DFW is large and spread out. While there are many communities throughout the metroplex, it can sometimes be difficult to bring people together consistently because of the distance between cities and neighborhoods. To better serve our community, we often host events in different parts of DFW so that members from across the region have opportunities to participate. We also frequently meet Haitians who have lived in the area for years without knowing there was an organized Haitian community here. That challenge motivates us to continue expanding our outreach and finding new ways to connect people across the region.
At the end of the day, the size and diversity of DFW are also what make it such a special place. There is always an opportunity to meet someone new, build meaningful partnerships, and strengthen the sense of community that helps this region thrive.
Pricing:
- Community Support – $250
- Bronze Sponsorship – $500
- Silver Sponsorship – $1,000
- Gold Sponsorship – $2,500
- Platinum Sponsorship – $5,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dhu1804.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallashaitiansunited?igsh=eWdsNDZ6bXp4endp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2J8rG2gD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dallas-haitians-united-89a60229b/
