Inspired by Dick Wolf’s “Law and Order” introduction: In relationships, core values are the foundation of a sustainable and long-term partnership.  In real-time, the dedicated stakeholders who acknowledge this very item are members of an elite squad, known as trustworthy people.  Here is a story [about it]. *Dun*Dun* This entry is going to be an… Read More Using the “C” Word in Relationships…

Don’t get too comfortable! Have you ever found yourself getting comfortable with a situation or circumstance (but knew there was room for progress)? What was the defining moment that made you step out of your comfort zone? Comment below and share your aha! moments. Until then, You stay HOPEful, folks, ~Laur, HOPEster-in-Chief

Hello HOPEsters! By now, I hope you read the brief story on Clara’s brief exchange with some colleagues and folks at work.  (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, read up before you move forward with this post). Clara’s experience of being dismissed by Blake is nothing new and probably something you or… Read More SPEAK or BE DISMISSED–The Community Toolkit (Pt. 2)

The brisk weather put an extra pep  into Clara’s pace back to work.  Though she had half an hour left to walk around the city of East Branford, she instead headed for the indoor heating and comfort of her office. Alas, she arrived and settled into her workstation at Bean-Sprout, a start-up digital agency that creates… Read More A Story on Speaking Up or Being Dismissed — Pt. 1

Easier said than done. I came across this very quote years ago. It came right on time as I took on role whose name I was hung up on.  I was hung up on the name because it sounded like a demotion to what I was I doing at that time. Nevertheless, I took on… Read More Big Egos, Little Returns

Happy Tuesday, HOPEsters! If you’re in the Northeast, I hope you’ve been able to stay healthy as we experience a multitude of seasons over the course of a few days!  Today I am featuring a #HaitianHOPEster who is making impact is making impact in the classroom, museums, and soon public policy!  And now, Sophia Domeville! H4C:… Read More #HaitianHOPEster: Sophia Domeville, Artist

Happy Saturday HOPEsters! Yes! A Saturday post! Today’s feature is on a pretty dynamic individual making dynamic changes to the future of startups and businesses.  Meet Venture Capitalist Henri Pierre-Jacques.  Speaking to Henri and reading up on his path, I can tell there is a combination of passion, hope, and tenacity in this gentleman.  The… Read More #HaitianHOPEster: Henri Pierre-Jacques, Venture Capitalist

Happy Thursday, HOPEsters! Today’s feature is on a “top chef” (pun intended).  Mr. Alain Lemaire not only cooks up a mean dish but he is also contributing to the bringing Haitian cuisine to the mainstream US and beyond and he’s bringing his community along for the ride.  Enjoy his feature! H4C: In a nutshell, who… Read More #HaitianHOPEster: Chef Alain Lemaire

Great morning, fellow HOPEsters! I hope this week is starting off well for you and you enjoyed yesterday’s feature! Today I bring to you a leader in higher education and civil engineering.  Meet Dr. Reginald Desroches, current chair and professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and soon to… Read More #HaitianHOPEster: Dr. Reginald Desroches, Engineer, Professor, Chair, & Soon-to-be Dean

Goooood morning HOPEsters! Happy Monday! I know, I know…umm, Laur, where have you been? I needed my fix of #HaitianHOPEsters and you left me hanging? Oh oh! Sa sa ye laaaaa (Kreyol for “what’s up with that?”) Firstly I want to apologize as I committed to featuring someone everyday out of the work week but… Read More #HaitianHOPEster: Cynthia Lubin, CPA and President of NABA-NNJ