PROGRAM OVERVIEW & REQUIREMENTS

 

WELCOME:

Thank you for your interest in the Haitian Lawyers Association's Leadership, Innovation, Fellowship & Training (LIFT) Academy.

The LIFT Academy is a six-month leadership development experience designed to help emerging Haitian-American legal professionals discover their authentic leadership identity, strengthen their leadership skills, and cultivate a lifelong commitment to service.

Unlike traditional leadership academies, LIFT intentionally explores how our cultural upbringing, family influences, lived experiences, values, and professional aspirations shape how we show up, lead and serve others.

This is not simply a networking program. It is intended to be a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural affirmation, leadership development, and community impact.  

PROGRAM PURPOSE:

The LIFT Academy seeks to help emerging Haitian-American legal professionals:

• Explore and understand their authentic leadership identity

• Strengthen leadership and communication skills

• Develop confidence and executive presence

• Examine how cultural experiences, family expectations, and personal history influence leadership and service

• Build meaningful peer relationships and a lasting professional network

• Foster a lifelong commitment to community engagement and bar service

• Prepare for future leadership opportunities within HLA and the broader legal community

THIS PROGRAM MAY BE FOR YOU IF...

✔️ You are seeking personal and professional growth.

✔️ You are willing to challenge yourself.

✔️ You want to strengthen your leadership skills.

✔️ You want to become more intentional about your service.

✔️ You are interested in building authentic relationships with fellow Haitian-American legal professionals.

✔️ You are open to self-reflection and meaningful dialogue.

✔️ You want to better understand how your life experiences have shaped the leader you are becoming.

✔️ You are excited about creating meaningful impact within the Haitian-American community. 

THIS PROGRAM MAY NOT BE FOR YOU IF...

❌ You are only seeking networking opportunities.

❌ You cannot commit to attending all required session dates.

❌ You are uncomfortable engaging in introspective and potentially touchy conversations.

❌ You are unwilling to be vulnerable or participate in group discussions.

❌ You are looking for a passive educational experience.

❌ You are unable to commit to a collaborative capstone project.  

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• HLA member in good standing 

• Florida barred attorney in good standing & no disciplinary history

• Be of Haitian or Haitian-American descent

• Leadership potential and/or interest

• A demonstrated commitment to or interest in leadership service and community engagement

• Interest in future HLA involvement 

• Commit to attending all 6 sessions of the program, including the Graduation Dinner Reception immediately following Session 6 

• Commit to attending the HLA Annual Scholarship Gala (scheduled on March 13, 2027) 

IMPORTANT DATES (Application Period):

Applications Open: Monday, July 6, 2026

Applications Close: Friday, July 31, 2026

Class II Acceptance Notifications: Friday, August 7, 2026 (on or around)

Tuition Payment Submission Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026

Class II Cohort Announcement: Monday, August 17, 2026 (on or around)

 

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE DATES:

*Applicants must commit to attending ALL dates listed below.*

Session I – ROOTS: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Session II – ACTION: Saturday, October 17, 2026 

Session III – VOICE: Saturday, November 7 OR November 14, 2026

Session IV – COURAGE: Saturday, December 12, 2026

Session V – SERVICE: Saturday, January 16, 2027

Session VI – LEGACY: Saturday, February 6, 2027

Graduation Reception: Saturday, February 6, 2027 (evening)

HLA Annual Gala Attendance & Recognition: March 13, 2027  

(All sessions are approximately 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.)

 

TUITION:

Program Tuition: $350

Tuition is due upon acceptance into the Academy. Acceptance may be revoked if tuition is not paid by the deadline stated above.

REQUIRED SUBMISSIONS:

Please upload the following:

☐ Resume

☐ Professional Bio

☐ Professional Headshot