The Vassar Haiti Project is driven by Vassar College students, faculty and members of the Poughkeepsie community.
Profiles of our members are listed below. Check back often, this page will be updated frequently!
Andrew Meade, Founder and Co-Chair
"Participating with the Vassar Haiti Project is in so many ways a dream come true."
"Living and attending school in Haiti in the 1970's gave me the opportunity to get to know the land, the people, and their glorious art. Despite the poverty, the political turmoil, the environmental devastation, and lack for years of any kind of governmental infrastructure, the dignity and spirit of the Haitian people remains powerfully strong, vibrant and free. It is this vibrant spirit which translates so colorfully and creatively into art, which is one of that country's few remaining viable exports."
"I consider it a privilege to be engaged in this work. One of the greatest thrills has been the great and growing numbers of people, including dozens of Vassar students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and folks from the Hudson Valley and beyond, who have requested the opportunity to participate either as a member or a partner of this project."
Andrew Meade is the Director of International Services at Vassar College.
Lila Meade, Co-Chair
"Over six years ago, my husband, Andrew had a 'little idea' of supporting a school in Haiti which he took to the Dean of the College. This seed has blossomed into the Vassar Haiti Project, supporting nutrition, education and art in Haiti. By buying the artwork from Haiti, which gives budding artists the chance of a livelihood, a small committee started an art sale at Vassar which has blossomed into a family and partnership with students and community members. Vassar students have reached out way beyond the walls of the college (and themselves!) towards making a 'concrete' difference to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. What a joy and privilege it is to work with them, especially as they keep pushing the project towards new levels!"
"What was planted years ago has now become a virtual forest! I have grown to love Haiti through its incredible art, culture and spirit. This project has taught me much about what is truly rich in life. I dedicate my work in this project to my mother, Lily, who spent her early childhood in Haiti and who taught me how to love, respect and care for the children of the world."
Mark Andrews, Associate Professor of French
"A member of the Vassar Haiti Project since its second year of existence, I was drawn to the art sale initially through my research interests, which are focused on the use of imagery in Caribbean literature. I have come to appreciate more and more the camaraderie generated between faculty, administrators, staff, students, and community members and especially enjoy working with the art itself. My trip to Haiti in January 2007 with other members of the project offered a special opportunity to see the positive results of our efforts in Chermaitre and to appreciate the remarkable spirit of the schoolchildren, parents and teachers in this isolated village."
Mario Arthur-Bentil, Class of 2010
An Economics major with Math and Geography minors, Mario has been with the Project for seven months and was responsible for photographing nearly all of the paintings you see on this website.
"Why am I involved? Love the mission of the Vassar Haiti Project, love the beautiful and unique art and love the people behind the VHP."
Caryn, Madeleine & Noah
A holistic health counselor, Caryn loves the many aspects of the Vassar Haiti Project; particularly, how it visually educates the local community about the needs of the Haitian people and yet inspires that beautiful sense of hope that the people of Haiti embody. She loves learning about the artists, critiquing their work, stretching their canvases, and especially seeking the "perfect" name. While, her husband, Scott, would say the house is overflowing with Haitian art, she always finds room for one (or two or three) more.
A Middle school student, Madeleine has been involved for the last several years, serving in the capacity of art girl, displaying paintings for the auction, and most importantly, tallying up the evening's receipts, making sure that all sales are accounted for. This year she has expanded her role by educating her school friends and classmates on the mission of the Vassar Haiti Project and the continuing needs of the school children of Chermaitre. Through student council and other organizations, Madeleine hopes to be able to send school supplies to the children, so they can begin the year in their new school well stocked.
The youngest and self-proclaimed funkiest member of the team, Noah has been a team player since the beginning. He has served in the capacity of "runner" and wrapper, and painting namer, and is actually, the inspiration behind the titles of many Maxo paintings. When his mother isn't looking, he is often secretly bidding on paintings. His bedroom demonstrates his keen eye and appreciation for the art of Haiti, as he has taken it upon himself to artfully adorn his walls with both paintings and metal works. He has even asked his mother to paint his room a lovely shade of green " to better display" his Haitian paintings! He has also confessed his determination to add to his collection this year.
Dionne Carty-Jackson
"I've been a member of the Haiti Project since 2005. I was drawn in because of my interests in the arts and community development and am hooked by its simplicity, effectiveness, and ability to highlight the depths of humanity. Our trip to Haiti in 2007 was enriching and has left me fired up to do even more to help our Haitian brethren. This will be a life-long commitment for me.
My work is inspired by my Uncle Daily, my late friend Gloria Mingkoff, and the countless individuals who supported me when I had so little to give."
Dionne is Assistant Director of Corporate, Foundation, & Government Relations at Vassar College.
Sophia Chambers, Class of 2010
"My name is Sophia Chambers and I am a member of the class of 2010. I just joined the Vassar Haiti Project this fall semester, and am a member of the Outreach and Arts & Crafts committees. I am pleased to be a part of such an energetic group of people who are as enthusiastic as I am about creating some positive change in the world. "
Carol DiFiore, Community Volunteer since 2002
"In 2002, my dear friend Lila Meade asked if I could help out with a "project". I was hooked. This project is real. The support this project gives financially is real. There is no middle man. There is no paid help. This is real people working together to send real money to a community in need.
Talent comes in all shapes and sizes. From sticking a label on a postcard, to putting price stickers on handicrafts, to "helping" the Meades consolidate far too many address lists into one Excel Spreadsheet! - this project has brought together men, women, students and children with common goals - giving, helping, reaching out. This project is a successful testimony of enriching the lives of the less fortunate."
Livia Dinu , Class of 2010
"I found out about the project and what it involves during my first week at Vassar, at the Beginning School Conference. The cause, the warmth of people involved and their dedication to the Haiti Project's mission are the first things that drew me to join the committee. I loved the way this project helps the children and the artists, and, most importantly, how it teaches the Haitian people to help themselves through selling their art. With all the profits going back into education, the results are tangible and long-term. The project has no limits."
Livia is an Economics and Mathematics double major.
Maxwell Gold, Class of 2010
"I'm Maxwell Gold, 2010, and I organized and pre-edited the footage to be edited for the VHP. "
Gwen Higgins
"I am a retired teacher from Spackenkill High School. I have been with VHP since the beginning. As adviser, I involved the Youth Against Racism Program in fund raising for this project and they continue to contribute."
Marjorie Kauffmann, Class of 2009
A sophomore at Vassar College, Marjorie has joined Vassar Haiti Project since her early days at Vassar College and fell immediately in love with the project and its people. Not only was she given the opportunity to make a difference, she became part of a family whose kindness and enthusiasm created the strong bond she now feels with Vassar Haiti Project.
In 2006, she was deeply involved in planning events and working on the artifacts presented at the annual sale and auction. A native French speaker, she also presented the Haitian paintings auctioned off on parents' weekend and enjoyed it so much she is looking forward to taking over the responsibility once more this April. In addition to assisting the auctioneer this year, she is deeply committed in raising awareness about Vassar Haiti Project's efforts to support Haiti. She is greatly devoted to the project and will never forget her experience with VHP.
Maya Lau, Class of 2007
Maya is an International Studies major from San Diego. She has been involved in the Vassar Haiti Project since 2003, working in advertisement design, promotion, art stretching, and the sale. Having learned so much about Haiti from collaboration with other members, Maya is proud to be a part of the VHP.
Nora Lewin, Class of 2008
Nora has been with the VHP since her sophomore year. She was immediately attracted to the art and after learning about Charmaitre and meeting the extraordinary people behind the sale, she decided to had to get involved. Being in the VHP has been one of the rewarding experiences for her at Vassar and she is proud to be associated with such an amazing project. She is a member of the Publicity committee and is in charge of fundraising in the College Center.
Kristen Meade, Class of 2010
"I have participated in the Vassar Haiti Project since it began in 2002. My involvement ranges from soup to nuts, from attending committee meetings, preparing and planning for the art sale, and stretching painted canvases onto wooden frames to working at the actual sale and other events throughout the year. Supporting education is one of the most important things we can do to make a difference in the world, and that is why the VHP is so incredible."
Lily Meade, Arlington High School
"I've been working with the Vassar Haiti Project since the very start. I've been in love with it since, too. I love the feeling of helping children in need. It shows not only that something so little could make such a big difference, but also that we take so much for granted. I am truly privileged to work with my parents in this project and I can't wait to see it expand even more."
Anh Ngo, Class of 2010
"The Vassar Haiti Project is a major part of my college life. This project is about almost everything that I believe in: appreciation of arts, upholding education, common effort, and above all, compassion for life and people. "
Debbie Pham, Marketing & Publicity, Class of 2009
"Vassar Haiti Project gives me the fulfilment that I would not find elsewhere. It is a project with beautiful arts, beautiful goals and really beautiful souls. I learn to do many things, from stapling a painting onto a wooden canvas, being a cashier, designing t-shirts to loving and caring for others. I believe that VHP will grow bigger and our members will remain as a big family. I truly love it!"
Queen Pham, Class of 2010
"The beautiful cause of Vassar Haiti Project has the power to move people instantly! I was only one of many. At the first VHP meeting I attended, Andrew's speech on the project's progress and Lila's stories of how it inspired many people from Vassar students to Haitian visitors deeply touched me. I was overwhelmed when I heard that some parents in the neighborhoods even moved to Chermaitre so that they could send their kids to the school VHP was helping to build. Wow... why did I not get involved earlier! - I still wonder till today. I was mesmerized by the arts and absolutely loved the colorful and vibrant energy that filled the weekend sales at the Zion Episcopal Church. More wonderful still, I am constantly warmed by the many devoted hearts and minds that keep Vassar Haiti Project alive and growing. I look forward to getting more involved and having more people join us. The Project truly brings love, peace, and spiritual meaning to anyone engaged in it. "
Carly Ritter, Class of 2005
"I became involved with the Vassar Haiti Project as a senior and, because of it, experienced my most fulfilling year at Vassar. The Haitian art is amazingly uplifting and energizing, and the project showed me how I, as an individual, could make a difference in the world. It has been such a joy to watch the project grow and touch so many lives! I feel truly blessed to know the people involved with the Vassar Haiti Project, and hope to always be a part of this beautiful organization. "
David Schwartz, Community Volunteer since 2001
"Spending time on the Vassar campus, interacting with people attending the sale and auction, and helping Haitian artists and children in Chermaitre. Who could ask for anything more?"
Samin Shehab, Class of 2011
Samin is involved in various aspects of the Vassar Haiti Project. He was drawn to the project because of it's commitment both to the arts and humanitary action.
Claudia Sanchez, Class of 2011
"The Vassar Haiti Project has been an inspiring and encouraging experience for me. Not only am I working with amazing, driven people, I also get to learn form them and, most importantly, help the children in Haiti. It is truly a pleasure to be able to get a first-hand approach to Haitian art. Most of all I cherish the warming environment that Lila and Andrew have created. I simply love it!"
Emily Strasser, Class of 2010
"I was initially drawn to the project in my Freshman year by Lila and Andrew's warmth and passion. This year, I am co-chair of the Publicity Committee, which works on press releases, radio announcements, publicity archiving, t-shirts and merchandising. In March 2008 I had the amazing opportunity to go to Haiti to visit Chermaitre and see the work we were doing. I had a wonderful time playing with the children, talking to the elders of the village, and seeing first hand the product of our work. The trip to Haiti solidified and intensified my commitment to this project."
Daniel Tan, Webmaster, Class of 2009
An international student from Singapore, Daniel is an Economics and Music double major at Vassar who has served on the committee since his Freshman year. He is drawn to the art, the cause, and is especially excited to see the project grow.
"Why should you support the Vassar Haiti Project? Real people, real project, real impact. It doesn't get much better than that."
Grace Tan, Class of 2009
"I've been a part of the vassar haiti project since freshman year, having initially been drawn to it for its people and its purpose, and not really knowing anything about Haiti itself. I have since learned and come to appreciate a lot about the country - its art, its need, and the beauty of its people. With this in mind, I have decided to spend a semester in Kenya for the fall of '07 and am thoroughly excited for what i believe is going to be an educational, stereotype-breaking, life-changing experience. "
Dana Yosef Horton, Hebrew Language Fellow 2006-2007
Dana is the Hebrew language fellow from Israel and graduated from The Academic College of Tel-Aviv with a degree in Political Science and Sociology. Dana says that the Hebrew word that best describes the Vassar Haiti Project is "emoonah", which means "faith" in English.
"This allegedly 'small' project can influence people's lives on many levels. We must have faith in our activities for bringing about change in the Haitian community of Chermaitre."
