When I founded Haitians Who Blog, it was out of the need to connect with Haitian people in digital media and find others like myself who told stories that bridged community and culture. What began as a personal effort to build connection transformed into a thriving community. Imagine a community where Haitian voices and culture are celebrated through warm, authentic storytelling. This platform has become a testament to the power of representation and the importance of amplifying Haitian narratives.
Historically, Haitian women are underrepresented in the media, both in Haiti and the diaspora. However, a new generation of trailblazers is reshaping the narrative, amplifying stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership. For Women’s History Month, we spotlight remarkable Haitian women in the media whose journeys and contributions exemplify the power of representation.
Sidnee Michelle, currently a senior digital editor and host for Black Enterprise, began her media journey in high school by founding Silk Portrait, a creative outlet for students interested in fashion, photography, and journalism. Her career has spanned prestigious platforms such as Forbes and Complex Media. Sidnee’s focus has always been on diversifying audiences and amplifying stories of Black and Brown communities, particularly Haitians.
Reflecting on her evolution in media, Sidnee acknowledges the shift to digital platforms as transformative. “We have to lean into digital and social media as the new way to share,” she says. Despite challenges, Sidnee is motivated by her passion for storytelling, especially highlighting Black women’s achievements. At Forbes, she broke barriers as the first Black woman to report on camera and ensured she wouldn’t be the last by hiring other Black women. Her legacy centers on honest representation and empowering Haitian women to succeed in the media. “I hope my work reflects that Haitian women can be successful in this field while telling each other’s stories,” she affirms.
As Vice President of Digital Operations and Business Strategy at Blavity Inc., Yvie Saint-Louis has spent over a decade shaping digital publishing strategies. Her fascination with digital marketing began during her undergraduate studies, inspired by its ability to foster connections with diverse communities—a value deeply rooted in her Haitian heritage.
Yvie has witnessed significant changes in how content is consumed, from search engine optimization to the dominance of social media platforms. She emphasizes the need for adaptability: “As media professionals, we have to stay informed and find effective ways to connect with our audience wherever they are.” While representation of Black women has improved since she started her career, Yvie notes that progress remains uneven. She celebrates Black women’s influence on cultural narratives—from Beyoncé’s fashion impact to Kamala Harris’s political achievements—and hopes her career inspires young Haitian girls to pursue unconventional paths. “I want them to know they can be anything they aspire to be,” she says.
Sandra Jay’s illustrious career includes roles at iHeart Media, BET Networks, MTV Networks, Paramount Studios, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), and NBC. Starting as an unpaid intern at radio stations in New York City, Sandra climbed the ranks through networking and hard work. Her time at OWN was particularly transformative: “Seeing women who looked like me in distinguished roles inspired me to push harder.“
Sandra’s expertise spans traditional broadcasting and digital strategies. At Paramount Pictures, she focused on influencer outreach and Instagram content creation; at NBC Networks and OWN, she ensured compliance with legal standards across linear and streaming platforms for major shows like Law & Order and Greenleaf. Sandra advocates for nuanced portrayals of Black women beyond stereotypes while addressing systemic issues like pay equity and content policing. “PAY BLACK WOMENZ!” she asserts passionately.
Sandra hopes her legacy will center on accountability and impact—shaping policies that protect audiences while fostering authentic portrayals of marginalized communities. “I want authentic, celebrated and diverse voices centered,” she says.
More Haitian women who are changemakers breaking barriers and shaping narratives in various media roles:
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien: As the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien brings a unique perspective to one of the world’s leading women’s magazines. As fashion’s fresh voice, her work not only showcases the latest trends but also highlights diverse voices in the fashion industry, particularly those of Black and Haitian descent.
Amanda Booz: She has made a name for herself as a freelance on-air host, with notable experience at BET. Based in Miami, she’s known for her dynamic presence and ability to connect with audiences across various platforms. Her work on red carpet events and as a multimedia host demonstrates the versatility of Haitian talent in the entertainment industry.
Miabelle Bocicault: As a talent contributor for BET and an on-air personality at Hot 97, Miabelle Bocicault represents the intersection of music and television. Her presence in both mainstream media and one of New York’s most influential hip-hop radio stations showcases the diverse skills Haitian women bring to the media landscape.
Sandy Pierre: At R29 Unbothered, Sandy Pierre works in brand partnerships, playing a crucial role in connecting advertisers with audiences. Her work helps ensure that brands authentically engage with diverse communities, particularly young Black women.
Danielle Cadet: With experience at both Essence and R29 Unbothered, Danielle Cadet has been at the forefront of creating content that speaks directly to Black women. Her editorial leadership has helped shape conversations around race, culture, and identity in mainstream media.
Samantha Dorisca: As a writer for Blavity’s AfroTech, Samantha Dorisca focuses on telling stories at the intersection of technology, business, and Black culture. Her work amplifies the voices of Black innovators and entrepreneurs, contributing to a more diverse narrative in tech journalism.
Ennica Jacob: At Entertainment Weekly, Ennica Jacob brings her expertise to one of the most respected publications in the entertainment industry. Her work helps shape public discourse around film, television, and music, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in entertainment journalism1.
These women exemplify how Haitian women are reshaping narratives within the media industry. From diversifying content to empowering communities through storytelling, their work challenges stereotypes while celebrating the richness of Haitian culture. As Sidnee Michelle aptly puts it: “Black women are the shapers of the narrative…we drive the culture.“
Their stories remind us that representation is not just about visibility but about agency, authenticity, and equity—values these trailblazers embody every day. For Women’s History Month, let us honor their contributions and commit to amplifying voices that have long been silenced or overlooked.
