About hamoc
Founded in 2012, The Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) is the realization of a dream by its Founder, Elsie Hernandez, to create an institution that would hold programs and exhibits that will contribute to the rich multicultural tapestry that is Chicago.
The Haitian American Museum of Chicago is a nonpartisan institution dedicated to art, culture, history and community, and does not endorse or affiliate with any political party or candidate.
Founder/CEO
Elsie Hector Hernandez
Originally from Haiti, Elsie has a strong sense of attachment to her place of birth. It’s her love for Haiti that prompted her to open the Haitian American museum of Chicago. Her passion for Haiti and its rich culture is contagious and follows her everywhere she goes. Elsie has an extensive background as an educator, nurse, civil leader, and scholar
Director of Programs and Museum Practice
Carlos Bossard
Originally from Roseville, Minnesota, Carlos earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the art institutes international Minnesota in 2017. After working in commercial photography, he moved to Chicago to further his education. Carlos graduated in May 2020 with a Master of Arts in museum and exhibition studies from the university of Illinois at Chicago. His capstone project focused on creating more diverse and inclusive museum practices and highlighted Hamoc as a museum excelling in the field. Carlos’ passion for the institution will ensure the museum continues to be a key voice for the Haitian society in the United States and the world.
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
carlinthia cox
Board President Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society
Dr.brenda Jones
Board Treasurer Metropolitan Clinic
erica gonzalez
Board Secretary Fayo Bilingual Training Institute
Daniel Hernandez
Board Director Fayo Bilingual Training Institute
steve Bernin
Board Director Self Employed
carla carr
Board Director City Colleges of Chicago
Magda Joseph
Board Director Island Assisted Living
advisory MEMBERS
SANDRA MCCOLLUM
Education Program Liaison
jackie taylor
Founder & CEO of the Black Ensemble Theatre Company
dr.edward c davis iv
Education Consultant
Ariel O'Neal
University of Chicago
jean-herbert danier
Webmaster
luckner jean
Adjunct Faculty
Amanda Sexton
Tech Specialist
Cecilia Salvatore
Dominican University
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS
CHICAGO CULTURAL ALLIANCE
The Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC)
greater ravenswood chamber of commerce
Communities in Schools (CIS)
UPTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
STAFF, INTERNS, AND VOLUNTEERS
ROMEO HERNANDEZ
Curator and Installer
BENJAMIN HENDERSON
Educator
Eve Mangurten
Collection Specialist/Librarian
Jennie WenG
Collection Specialist Assistant
Janna Danier
SEO Analyst
Omari Ahmad
Marking Assistant
Katharina Weygold
Oral History Assistant
Najia Bashari
Marking Assistant
Asma Bashari
Graphic Design Assistant
Faristha Zargay
Facilities Assistant
Carter Hartzell
Grant Writing Assistant
past members/contributors
cesar ramirez lopez
Past Program Manager
nathaniel holcomb
Attorney
damian lewandowski
CPA
natasha phicil
Social Media and Marketing