PROJECT SPECIALISTS

Ms. Sophie Vega

Sophie is a third-year student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Psychology, with a certificate in Global Citizenship. She loves being highly involved in her community as an International Programs Ambassador, Marketing Director for the Maji Project, UROP leader, Food Recovery Network volunteer, and Public Relations Student Association member. Sophie has been passionate about environmental conservation and poverty relief from a young age, and is excited to bring awareness to the Haiti Grass Project. She currently specializes in social media campaigns, managing both Better Universe and Citizens’ social media platforms and website. 

Mr. Michael A. Rawers 

Michael Rawers is a marketing professional with over 25 years of sales and management experience. He has successfully managed national supply chain retail sales and distribution of magazines and has extensive merchandising and in-store managerial experience over retail projects. A creative thinker. Michael is a strategist who has managed over $1.3 billion in magazine retail sales. He holds a Bachelor of Science Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ms. Amelia Bonjour

Ms. Amelia Bonjour is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a minor in French. She is a candidate for the Global Citizenship Certificate as well as the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society. At Florida State University, she writes for the school’s chapter of Her Campus, an online publication for college women, and is a member of the Amnesty International Club. Ms. Bonjour plans to go to graduate school to study public policy. In particular, she hopes to research on climate refugees’ rights. She is passionate about climate change and providing solutions to climate change, and the advancement of women's rights.  As a project specialist with Better Universe and Citizens, she assists with funding, raising, bringing awareness of women and environmental issues in Haiti.

Ms. Nadia Brooks

Nadia is a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in Cello Performance. She has played all over the country and been to and played in many music festivals. Nadia also has a passion for environmental issues and loves to volunteer for various humanitarian projects. By being apart of the Better Universe and Citizens organization, Nadia hopes to help find ways to bring exposure to the issues affecting Haiti and how to help them.

Mr. Sebastian Vega

Sebastian is of French and Colombian origins. He is a finance and communications specialist. He’s constantly working on outreach to francophone organisations. He’s very passionate about art theory and history. Having visited Haiti after the 2011 earthquake, he developed a passion for helping Haiti overcome poverty and corruption.

Mr. Isaac Caillot

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Isaac Caillot is a dedicated project leader who cares about environmental issues. He studied at Institut universitaire de technologie Louis Pasteur de Schiltigheim in France.

Ms. Kendall Cooper

Kendall is pursuing a degree in media/ communications studies and a minor in environmental science and policy at Florida State University. She is involved in campus organizations such as Empowering Women Globally and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Inspired by Better Universe and Citizens’ impact, Kendall is passionate about solving the soil erosion crisis in Haiti.

Mr. Charles J. Cox

Charles Cox has worked in a variety of professions over 17 years, including food service, office management, and educational advising, giving him a unique combination of skills and work ethic. Because of his diverse background, he is able to speak competently on a wide variety of subjects. He also has a unique outlook on and the efficacy of many different forms of management. He is also currently working on a degree in Strategic Communication with a minor in Marketing.

Mr. Dorlens

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader whose a diligent worker with a deep passion for helping make Haiti’s grass grow greener.

Mr. Frantzco Dormeus

Region: Gonaives, Haiti

Mr. Dormeus is a phenomenal agronomist overseeing the project’s successful operations in Gonaives.

Ms. Niya donova

Niya is passionate about the environment and making the world a better place for all. She is committed to greener and sustainable ecosystems. Niya speaks three languages, English, German and Bulgarian. Ms. Donova also studies Computer Science at Florida State University.

Mr. Alphonse Ecunio

Region: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Mr. Alphonse Ecunio has excellent leadership skills and has been involved in numerous agricultural programs in Haiti. He has worked with the Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Haiti Outreach Ministry. He oversees projects in the Port-au-Prince region.

Mr. Jean Elie Chery

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader who is exceptionally competent as a manager and organizer, and who has a unique interest in solving problems in Haiti.

Ms. Kea Herron, MA, ABD

Ms. Kea Herron is a multilingual consultant, proficient in Haitian Creole, French, English, and Spanish. She has administered training, planning, and evaluation programs in Haiti and Africa. She studied in Paris, earned a Master’s degree from Michigan State University, and is ABD, with a Certificate in Program Evaluation, in International Development and Education from Florida State University. 

Tashoi James

Tashoi is a senior at Florida State University, majoring in political science. She is also a Social Science Scholar and is pursuing a Global Citizen Certificate. Born in Jamaica, Tashoi understands the impact poor environmental conditions have on a country’s development. She is passionate about environmental issues and aims to remedy them through political means. She previously conducted research on Ghana’s water crisis to increase awareness and aid to correct it. By being a part of the Better Universe and Citizen organization, Tashoi seeks to bring more awareness to the issues faced by Haiti and to solicit more help to address them.

Mr. Arsham Kosari

Mr. Arsham Kosari is a senior at Florida State University majoring in Construction Management with a passion for helping environmental projects. Previously an intern at Moss & Associates, Mr. Kosari worked on erosion control in wetlands. Arsham is excited to bring all of his knowledge and skills into helping Haiti’s erosion problem.

Mr. Joe Lama

Mr. Joe Lama is a conscientiousness environmentalist who shares concerns for the well-being of communities. An avid lover for nature and country scenery, Joe spends significant amount of time outdoors. Joe collects art where he can and loves music. Joe attended Florida State University where he earned a degree in Business Administration.

Mr. Antonio Laurent

Region: Marigot, Haiti

Mr. Antonio Laurent is an agronomist by training. A hands-on and well respected leader in the region, Antonio has overseen agricultural projects for the Catholic Church for over two decades.

Dr. Seán E. McGlynn

Dr. Seán E McGlynn is world renowned scientist. He has worked in most aquatic ecosystems from Florida to Texas. He designs watershed management practices to reduce pollution to water bodies. He is Director of the Wakulla Springs Alliance, President of the Florida Lake Management Society, and a board member of the Florida Water Resources Monitoring Council. Seán holds a PhD in Biology of Aquatic Ecosystems from Florida State University.

Ms. Pamela McVety

Mrs. Pamela McVety has a special relation with Haiti as her father retired there in the 1970s and flew for Air Haiti.  She was a deputy administrator for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Director of Marine Resources for the Department of Natural Resources and lead the award-winning effort of federal, state and local governments, along with the business and environmental communities to develop an ecosystem management approach for sustaining Florida’s natural systems. She is the recipient of numerous environmental recognitions, including being recognized as one of the most important female environmental leaders in the 20th century in Florida.  In retirement she educates and advocates for all levels of government to address the climate crisis.  Locally, she is a member of Sustainable Tallahassee’s Community Carbon Fund, Tally 100 Coalition and the Citizens Climate Lobby.  She also is the Stewardship of Creation Enabler for the Florida Presbytery.  In 2018, she was the recipient of the Presbyterian Earthcare William Gibson Ecojustice Award in recognition of a lifetime of work promoting eco justice in the Presbyterian Church.  

Ms. Andre Michelle

Outstanding Personal Quality: First and only female Deputy Project Leader. She has a personal desire for all land in Haiti to be erosion free.

Ms. Kelyn O'Dell

Kelyn, originally from Tampa is currently an International Affairs major attending Florida State University. She loves to travels and wishes to pursue a career in an international setting in the future. She is very passionate about environmental issues and wishes that through her experience within Better Universe and Citizens, she can demonstrate a positive change within Haiti through conservation.

Mr. Dudy Prevot

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader whose hardworking and gentle nature keeps the team grounded.

Ms. Fernanda M. Ramirez

Fernanda is a junior at Florida State University with a minor in International Affairs and Italian. She was a member of the student organizations council at her previous university, a member of the Unconquered Scholars program at FSU, and is an active volunteer in environmental and social projects. Fernanda's knowledge and involvement in humanitarian and environmental issues lead her to become a prominent advocate and leader for the Better Universe and Citizens organization.

Mr. Andre Raymond

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Raymond is a trained agronomist furthering the project’s efforts in the Jacmel area. He is dedicated to fighting soil erosion in Haiti and believes in our holistic approach of treating the problem, rather than its symptoms.

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader who is kind and desires perfection with everything he does.

Mr. Ridore Jean Francois

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Francois is an agrarian with proven expertise in fighting soil erosion. He plays an important role in our on-site team in Jacmel.

Mr. Nocent Saintile

Region: Jacmel, Haiti

Mr. Saintile is one of the agronomists on our team in Jacmel. His expertise helps ensure the efficient transplantation of grass from our nurseries over to barren slopes in the area.

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader with exceptional patience and believes what he is doing is priceless to help his community.

Mr. Noncent Warking

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader who is always seeking available grass to transplant in eroded areas.

Mr. Pierre Louis Yvnet

Outstanding Personal Quality: Deputy Project Leader who exhibits patience and is always encouraging others to do a good job.