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Who We Are
Empowering Haiti Through Collaboration
Discover our mission, vision, and the dedicated leaders driving meaningful change.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Values: We aim to help people from low to middle-class backgrounds establish successful businesses by providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and support. We are passionate about giving back to our community and are committed to creating a world where entrepreneurship is a path towards financial independence and empowerment.
Our holistic approach ensures every program we implement is impactful, scalable, and sustainable.
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Joanne Alexis Bounouni
Co-Founder, Executive Director
With over 25 years of experience in computer engineering, compliance, and financial advisory, Joanne is a trailblazer in operational risk management and technological innovation. Her career at SOGEBANK Group Haiti laid a strong foundation in security and auditing, which she expanded upon as Founder and CEO of GECA and FIDUTEK. Joanne's groundbreaking work includes leading the development of Haiti’s first interconnected credit union platform, serving over 2 million clients with mobile financial services and forging a landmark 10-year partnership with MasterCard.
As Co-Founder of Bracing Neighbors, Joanne channels her expertise toward empowering underserved women entrepreneurs in southern Haiti. Her initiatives promote economic growth, financial inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. Joanne's dedication extends beyond her professional achievements; she frequently shares her knowledge on financial crime prevention and IT security at international forums, driving change across industries.
A mother of four, Joanne balances her professional success with personal values, exemplifying leadership and a commitment to fostering innovation and community resilience.
As Co-Founder of Bracing Neighbors, Joanne channels her expertise toward empowering underserved women entrepreneurs in southern Haiti. Her initiatives promote economic growth, financial inclusion, and social entrepreneurship. Joanne's dedication extends beyond her professional achievements; she frequently shares her knowledge on financial crime prevention and IT security at international forums, driving change across industries.
A mother of four, Joanne balances her professional success with personal values, exemplifying leadership and a commitment to fostering innovation and community resilience.
Béatrice Duret Gentil
Co-Founder & CFO
Béatrice brings a wealth of expertise in auditing, taxation, and financial consulting across diverse sectors. Her career began at KPMG, where she built a strong foundation in financial practices, followed by a pivotal role as Vice President of Treasury at Banque de l’Union Haitienne, where she honed her skills in financial strategy and budget management.
As a Partner at GECA, Béatrice provides comprehensive management and financial consulting services, leveraging her extensive experience to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes. Her leadership as Project Lead and Transaction Advisor for the USAID DAI Invest program resulted in mobilizing USD $25 million over six years to support Haitian small and medium-sized enterprises, showcasing her ability to drive private investment effectively.
As Co-Founder of Bracing Neighbors, Béatrice is dedicated to empowering vulnerable women entrepreneurs, fostering economic resilience, and creating sustainable change in her community. Balancing her professional achievements with her role as a mother of three, Béatrice exemplifies resilience and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in Haiti.
As a Partner at GECA, Béatrice provides comprehensive management and financial consulting services, leveraging her extensive experience to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes. Her leadership as Project Lead and Transaction Advisor for the USAID DAI Invest program resulted in mobilizing USD $25 million over six years to support Haitian small and medium-sized enterprises, showcasing her ability to drive private investment effectively.
As Co-Founder of Bracing Neighbors, Béatrice is dedicated to empowering vulnerable women entrepreneurs, fostering economic resilience, and creating sustainable change in her community. Balancing her professional achievements with her role as a mother of three, Béatrice exemplifies resilience and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in Haiti.
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Our Story
Bracing Neighbors was founded in response to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing Haiti. What began as small acts of giving has grown into a movement of empowerment and resilience. Our journey has been marked by impactful milestones:
Impactful Milestones:
GECA
DigitalKap
Dunn Family Foundation
The overwhelming demand for training and resources led to the creation of Foundation Bracing Neighbors Haiti, an independent organization dedicated to empowering women, youth, and communities with tools for long-term economic independence and resilience.
About us
Shared Vision
This interwoven relationship between GECA and Bracing Neighbors is built on a shared vision: to empower communities, uplift women, and drive economic development in Haiti. By fostering entrepreneurial opportunities through skill training, workforce development, and strategic partnerships, we are creating a future where resilience and prosperity are within reach for all.
Today, our commitment to sustainable development continues to drive us forward as we tackle challenges and create lasting change in communities across Haiti.
Today, our commitment to sustainable development continues to drive us forward as we tackle challenges and create lasting change in communities across Haiti.
2012:
GECA is established in Haiti, offering strategic consulting services to drive business growth.
2015-2020:
"Giving back" initiatives, including disaster relief funding and mentorship programs, begin to shape a broader vision of community engagement.
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2021:
The nonprofit initiative gains traction, leading to the establishment of Foundation Bracing Neighbors Haiti.
2022-Present:
Bracing Neighbors expands its programs to reach hundreds of women entrepreneurs, youth, and underserved communities across Haiti.
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Together, our team has supported over 970 entrepreneurs and trained 51 professionals in renewable energy technology, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity.
Team Expertise
Our team is the backbone of Bracing Neighbors, composed of 40 dedicated professionals selected for their expertise and ethical commitment. Our team members and executives are affiliated with leading international and regional associations.
This wealth of knowledge and professional memberships enables us to uphold the highest standards in financial consulting, compliance, and operational excellence.
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Why We Do It
From Scarcity to Abundance At Bracing Neighbors, we believe in transforming lives by addressing systemic barriers to progress. By equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to thrive, we foster resilience and independence. Together, we can turn scarcity into abundance.
Collaboration for Greater Impact
Our success is built on strong partnerships with organizations that share our vision.
What We Do:
Building Pathways for a Stronger Haiti:
At Bracing Neighbors, we create life-changing opportunities through strategic business guidance, workforce development, and innovative programs. Our holistic approach equips women, youth, and families with the tools to break the cycle of poverty and build thriving, resilient communities. Want to see how these efforts spark real impact? Explore our work and find out how you can join us on the journey to lasting transformation.