About hamoc

What is hamoc

Founded in 2012, The Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) is the realization of a dream by its co-founder, Elsie Hernandez, to create an institution that would hold programs and exhibits that will contribute to the rich multicultural tapestry that is Chicago. Since 2012 the museum has hosted a wide array of programs and exhibits showcasing Haiti’s rich culture and art as well as its complex history. We invite you to enjoy our changing exhibits, attend virtual and in-person programs, and safely visit to the museum.

Founder/Executive Director

Elsie 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.

 MEMBERS AND STAFF

 

Executive Members

Carlinthia Cox

President/Dominican Sisters of Hope

Fabrice Chavannes

Treasurer/O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul

Dr. Brenda Jones 

Secretary/City Colleges of Chicago

Daniel Hernandez 

Director/Fayo Bilingual Institute

Carla Carr 

Director/Olive-Harvey College

Steve Bernin 

Director/Self Employed

Erica Gonzalez

Director/Fayo Bilingual Institute

Advisory Members

Jean Herbert Danier 

Webmaster

Luckner Jean 

Adjunct faculty

Cesar Ramirez Lopez

Past Program Manager

Damian Lewandowski

CPA

Nathaniel Holcomb

Attorney

Natasha Phicil

Social Media and Marketing

Sandra McCollum

Education Program Liaison

Amanda Sexton

Tech Specialist

Jackie Taylor

Founder & CEO of the Black Ensemble Theater Company

Professional  Members

Chicago Cultural Alliance 

Coalition of Haitian American Organizations in the Chicagoland Area

Uptown Chamber of Commerce

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

Staff, Interns and  Volunteers

Romeo Hernandez 

Curator and Installer

Benjamin Henderson 

Grant Writer

Dr. Cranston Knight 

Historian/Lecturer

Luis Limardo 

Illustrator

Eve Mangurten

Collection Specialist/Librarian

Austyn Shumard

Membership and Fundraising Coordinator

Alexandre Fleming

Administrative Assistant

Justus Hollingshed

Research Assistant

Anna Lezza

Retail Consultant

Owen Leroy

Special Project Coordinator

 

Legal Protection Fund 

Rae Clay

Program Manager

Stanley Nicolas

Community Liason

Ketlie Acacia

Navigator

Jean Yves Hector

Navigator

Evelyn Nazari

Navigator

Romeo Hernandez

Navigator

Sonia Lundy

Navigator

Carmelle Baptiste

Navigator

 

UX/UD Team

Caroline Ng

Pika

Jeanette Rivera

Thomas Carpenter

Crystal Tang