Luc-Henri Fortune had no intention of making the United States his home, but his dedication to helping others made it inevitable. He left Haiti in 2023 to care for his sick cousin, but also to take a much-needed break from the chaos back home. At the time, he expected to return to his family, his business, and the life he had built. However, as gang violence escalated, the government imposed martial law, making Luc-Henri’s return impossible. He faced an uncertain future, forced to start over in a country he never planned to stay in.

With no roadmap, his first goal was simple: finding support. Getting in touch with organizations was difficult, and navigating life in a new country felt overwhelming. However, when The Welcoming Center was the first organization to respond to his email, Luc-Henri’s journey took a new direction. He felt a sense of belonging from his very first interaction, when Aliyah, our Office Manager, greeted him with a beaming smile. “She looked like someone I could talk to,” he joyfully recalls. In that moment, Luc-Henri found more than just a resource; he found a community. 

While taking wellness and leadership classes, Luc-Henri focused on building a network, knowing how crucial it was for kickstarting a career. However, his deeper mission remained the same: giving back to his community. He firmly believes that receiving blessings in life comes with a responsibility to help others. While running his own business in Haiti, he employed his close friends, ensuring they could support their families. Unfortunately, when he couldn’t return, the business had to close. To Luc-Henri, it wasn’t just five employees losing jobs, it was five fathers and husbands facing uncertainty. That same sense of duty and commitment to supporting others has shaped his entire journey.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, Luc-Henri spent over 15 years working in Haiti’s diplomatic sector. As he immersed himself in The Welcoming Center’s entrepreneurship and wellness programs, he connected deeply with fellow participants, eventually forming a close-knit group. That connection led him and a group of peers, “Group Four,” to create the Power Community Bridge: a group dedicated to strengthening ties within the immigrant community. Their work was a reflection of both Luc-Henri’s diplomatic experience and his genuine authenticity. Consistently hosting and attending events, he became one of The Welcoming Center’s most active and well-networked participants. Through hard work and dedication, he secured his first job offer in the United States. 

Working at a staffing company, Luc-Henri experienced firsthand the gratification of helping others secure work. He still remembers calling a man from Afghanistan, who had been waiting six months for a job, to tell him they had finally found him a placement. “He was so emotional, so grateful,” Luc-Henri recalls. “I felt at this moment a sense of fulfillment.”

It wasn’t long until Luc-Henri was offered another opportunity, this time by Bank of America. He accepted the job offer, but was determined to continue supporting the immigrant community. Before leaving, Luc-Henri referred numerous people to The Welcoming Center for English classes, recognizing that language barriers kept so many from finding work. Even now, as he finishes his training at Bank of America, he continues to stay in touch with those he has helped, offering encouragement and advice. 

Despite his growing success, Luc-Henri’s transition to life in the United States has not been seamless. Every day, he carries the emotional weight of being separated from his family. The frustration of seeing his home country in crisis, knowing that even his daughter’s education had been disrupted by gang violence, has been a constant struggle. Through it all, his mindset is guided by his resilience, a true testament to his character. “Even though the situation is complicated, it was more difficult yesterday. I have to accept this new reality.”

Luc-Henri wants people to know that the story of Haiti is far more than what the world sees in the headlines. He carries the legacy of a nation that has long fought for independence, not just for itself, but for others. His journey and his work are part of a greater mission, one that mirrors Haiti’s history of resilience, strength, and solidarity.

Luc-Henri accepts the Anne O’Callaghan award with humility and grace, not as an individual honor, but as a recognition of the entire immigrant community. “This award isn’t about Luc-Henri,” he says. “Without the immigrant community, I wouldn’t be here.” He dedicates it not just to the Haitian community, but to immigrants of all backgrounds. His message is simple, but profound: “Let’s stay connected. When we’re connected, we’re stronger.”