This session brings together leaders from Haiti, Africa, and the Caribbean to explore Haiti’s governance crisis as both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for diaspora-led development. Rooted in traditions of intergenerational wisdom and strategic dialogue, the gathering aims to shift the narrative from crisis to opportunity. It emphasizes self-determination, economic sovereignty, and collective action as tools for pan-African transformation. Lessons from Haiti’s history will inform scalable solutions for the broader African diaspora. The session will conclude with actionable frameworks for policymakers, investors, and community leaders to foster resilience and shared prosperity.
Speakers
Dana Nau François
Program Officer for Family Economic Security Latin America and the Caribbean, W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Moderator)
Dana Nau François
Program Officer for Family Economic Security Latin America and the Caribbean, W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Moderator)
Dana N. François is a transformative global executive leader who combines analytical precision with creative innovation. As a Program Officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, she manages a significant portfolio in Haiti impacting over a dozen communities and countries worldwide. François serves as Board Chair for NEID Global, Board Member for Root Capital, and is the first woman President and Board Chair of both the Haiti Biodiversity Fund and the Caribbean Biodiversity Network.
Her visionary leadership has spearheaded multiple national system change initiatives, including the Haiti Peer Learning Network—uniting over 200 leaders across sectors—and architecting the Haiti Food System Alliance. With credentials from Harvard, Babson, and Oxford, François is guided by her unwavering commitment to equity and deeply rooted in her Haitian heritage while championing systemic change globally. At home, she finds strength in her family’s support and joy in creative pursuits, balancing her global mission with personal passions through food photography, vegan baking, and cherished moments with her beloved family and dogs, Myra, Fox, Princesse & Ram.
Alix Cantave
Senior Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Alix Cantave
Senior Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Alix Cantave, Ph.D. is a senior program officer with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Cantave leads the Kellogg Foundation’s work in Haiti.
Jean-François Péan
Senior Investment Manager
Jean-François Péan
Senior Investment Manager
Jean-François is a Senior Investment Manager with Bamboo Capital Partners. His focus is the Off-Grid Electricity Fund in Haiti that aims to bolster access to critical energy infrastructure in the most underserved areas of the country.
Prior to joining Bamboo, Jean-François worked for 9 years in development finance, first at the International Finance Corporation and then at IDB Invest, where he processed and monitored debt and equity investments in multiple sectors with a focus on financial institutions in Latin America & the Caribbean.
Jean-François holds a Master’s Degree in Management with a major in Finance, from KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux. He is fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
