Presented by the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
2026 Haitian American Young Professional Awards
Guidelines and Criteria — 7th Annual National HAYPA
About the Awards
The U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 7th Annual National Haitian American Young Professional Awards (HAYPA) — a national celebration recognizing Haitian American professionals under the age of 45 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to community development.
The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Blue Hills Ballroom, formerly known as Lombardo's, located at 21 Scanlon Drive, Randolph, Massachusetts.
The Gala will follow the Second Annual Haitian American Business Summit, taking place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the same venue.
Together, the Summit and Awards Gala will bring Haitian American business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, community advocates, and partner organizations from across the United States together for two days of networking, education, recognition, and national collaboration.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: August 5, 2026
Nominations Close: September 3, 2026
25 Finalists Announced: September 10, 2026
Awards Gala: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Requirement: Nominees must be under the age of 45 as of December 31, 2026. Eligible nominees must have been born on or after January 1, 1982.
- Haitian Heritage or Community Connection: Nominees should identify as Haitian or Haitian American or demonstrate a meaningful professional or community connection to the Haitian diaspora.
- Professional Achievement: Nominees must demonstrate meaningful accomplishments, growth, leadership, or innovation within their profession, industry, business, organization, or area of service.
- Community Involvement: Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to strengthening their community through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, civic engagement, philanthropy, education, or other forms of service.
- Self-Nominations: Individuals may nominate themselves, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
- Previous Winners: Past HAYPA recipients may be nominated again only in a category different from the category in which they previously received an award.
Nomination Guidelines
- Multiple Nominations: Individuals and organizations may nominate more than one person. A separate nomination form and supporting materials must be submitted for each nominee.
- No Nomination Fee: There is no fee to submit a nomination.
- Complete Submissions: All required information and supporting documents must be submitted by the nomination deadline. Incomplete or late nominations may not be considered.
- Accuracy of Information: The nominator and nominee are responsible for ensuring that all information included in the nomination package is accurate and verifiable.
- Confirmation: A confirmation email will be sent after the online nomination form has been successfully submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the HAYPA Awards?
The Haitian American Young Professional Awards recognize emerging Haitian American leaders under the age of 45 who have demonstrated professional excellence, leadership, innovation, career achievement, and active involvement in their communities.
2. How do I know whether someone is eligible?
Nominees must be under the age of 45 as of December 31, 2026. Eligible nominees must have been born on or after January 1, 1982.
Nominees must also demonstrate professional achievement, leadership potential, and a meaningful commitment to community development or service.
3. Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations are welcomed and will be evaluated according to the same standards as nominations submitted by another individual or organization.
4. Can I nominate a previous award recipient?
Yes. A previous HAYPA recipient may be nominated again, provided the individual is nominated in a category different from the category in which they previously won.
5. Is there a limit to the number of people I can nominate?
No. You may submit nominations for multiple individuals. However, each nominee must have a separate nomination form and complete set of supporting materials.
6. Is there a nomination fee?
No. All nominations are free of charge.
7. How will I know whether my nomination was received?
A confirmation email will be sent after the nomination has been successfully submitted through the official online nomination form.
8. When will the finalists be announced?
The 25 Finalists will be announced on September 10, 2026 on our website and on social media.
A panel of judges will review the eligible nominations and select the finalists. Award recipients will be announced during the 7th Annual National Haitian American Young Professional Awards Gala on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
9. How are finalists and award recipients selected?
A selection committee composed of representatives of the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Haitian American Business Expo, Inc., and respected Haitian American professionals and community leaders will evaluate eligible nominees.
Nominees will be assessed based on the following primary criteria:
- Leadership and leadership development
- Professional and industry involvement
- Career progression and achievement
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Measurable professional or community impact
- Commitment to ethical leadership and excellence
Additional factors that may strengthen a nomination include:
- Volunteerism and community engagement
- Mentorship and advocacy
- Civic or nonprofit involvement
- Continuing education, professional development, or specialized training
- Personal achievements and demonstrated resilience
- Awards, honors, publications, or media recognition
- Contributions to the Haitian American community or the broader community
Submitting a nomination does not guarantee that an individual will be selected as a finalist or award recipient.
What to Include in a Nomination Package
Required Materials
- A completed online nomination form
- A personal statement describing the nominee's leadership, professional accomplishments, innovation, and community impact
- The nominee's current résumé or curriculum vitae
- A recent professional headshot
- Supporting information demonstrating the nominee's accomplishments and impact
Optional Materials to Strengthen the Nomination
- Project summaries or examples of notable professional work
- Business, organizational, or community impact reports
- Media coverage, including articles, interviews, or featured stories
- Professional testimonials or recommendation letters
- Endorsements from employers, supervisors, colleagues, clients, or community leaders
- Copies or descriptions of awards and recognitions
- Professional certifications, licenses, or educational achievements
- Links to relevant websites, portfolios, publications, presentations, or videos
A clear, compelling, and well-documented nomination package will give the selection committee a better understanding of the nominee's accomplishments and overall impact.
Community Champions
Community Champions Award
The Community Champions Award, introduced in 2025, recognizes professionals, volunteers, advocates, and grassroots leaders who are creating meaningful and lasting change in their communities.
This special recognition honors individuals whose service, mentorship, advocacy, civic involvement, charitable work, or neighborhood initiatives have positively affected the lives of others.
Nominees for the Community Champions Award do not need to hold a senior professional title. Selection will be based primarily on the nominee's demonstrated service, consistency, leadership, and measurable community impact.
Community Champions Circle
The Community Champions Circle is a U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce initiative that connects past HAYPA recipients, finalists, community leaders, and emerging changemakers through continued collaboration, mentorship, professional development, and community service.
The Circle seeks to build a national network of leaders who support one another and work collectively to strengthen and elevate Haitian American communities across the United States.
Important Information
Finalists may be asked to provide additional documentation, participate in an interview, submit updated professional information, or authorize the use of their names, photographs, biographies, and accomplishments for awards-related promotional purposes.
Finalists are strongly encouraged to attend the Awards Gala. Additional attendance and participation requirements will be communicated directly to those selected.
The U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to verify submitted information, determine eligibility, combine or modify award categories, and withhold an award if the selection committee determines that no nomination sufficiently meets the established criteria.
For nomination forms, Gala registration, sponsorship opportunities, and official updates, visit:
www.ushaitianchamber.org
www.habsummit.com
7th Annual National Haitian American
Young Professional Awards Gala
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Blue Hills Ballroom — Formerly Lombardo's
21 Scanlon Drive, Randolph, MA 02368
Presented by the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Submit a Nomination