Meet the Team at KONPAY "Konbit pou Ayiti"
Joe Duplan - Founder & President
Joe was born and raised in Jacmel, Haiti. He emigrated to the United States when he was nineteen years old. For twenty years Joe was an active part of the Haitian-American community in New York and traveled regularly to Haiti to assist childhood friends who had become artists, organizers and journalists. In 2002, Joe began working as a part-time consultant for the Quixote Center’s Haiti Reborn program. Responsibilities included co-coordinating delegations, interpretation, educational presentations, telephone fundraising, and group orientation. After co-leading an emergency observation mission after the 2004 coup d’etat in Haiti, Joe was ready to commit himself full-time to social justice work for Haiti and founded KONPAY in Haiti and Co-founded the 501c3 KONPAY in the U.S.
Joe currently lives full-time at “Habitat by the Sea” located in Jacmel, Haiti where he hosts an array of delegations, visitors, and volunteers with the same vision for his community. He frequently returns to the states visiting his family in Long Island and travels to multiple states advocating for his organization, KONPAY. Joe Duplan being fluent in English, French, Créole, and Spanish is a great asset as a community bridge to the Haitian community as a translator.
Joe currently lives full-time at “Habitat by the Sea” located in Jacmel, Haiti where he hosts an array of delegations, visitors, and volunteers with the same vision for his community. He frequently returns to the states visiting his family in Long Island and travels to multiple states advocating for his organization, KONPAY. Joe Duplan being fluent in English, French, Créole, and Spanish is a great asset as a community bridge to the Haitian community as a translator.
Emmanus Pitard "Papouche"
Recognizing his commitment and initiative, as of October 1st, 2012, Papouche has started his new position as Operations Manager at Habitat by the Sea, and also works in the field assisting with implementation of KONPAY and partner projects.
Born and raised in Cyvadier where the KONPAY and Habitat by the Sea are based, Papouche grew up in a large Haitian family that neighbors the compound. He has experienced all the hardships known to the majority of the Haitian population throughout his life, yet was taught to have a kind heart and live in unity with his fellow man. Combined with a bright mind and curious spirit, he went on to visit much of what Haiti has to offer by traveling the country, and volunteering in several organizations and homes with his carpentry, gardening, cooking, building and creative skills. His versatility and inclusive attitude are major assets for him personally and for KONPAY. Papouche continues to advocate change and participates in KONPAY's community-projects. "I was here in the beginning and am here until the end."
Born and raised in Cyvadier where the KONPAY and Habitat by the Sea are based, Papouche grew up in a large Haitian family that neighbors the compound. He has experienced all the hardships known to the majority of the Haitian population throughout his life, yet was taught to have a kind heart and live in unity with his fellow man. Combined with a bright mind and curious spirit, he went on to visit much of what Haiti has to offer by traveling the country, and volunteering in several organizations and homes with his carpentry, gardening, cooking, building and creative skills. His versatility and inclusive attitude are major assets for him personally and for KONPAY. Papouche continues to advocate change and participates in KONPAY's community-projects. "I was here in the beginning and am here until the end."
Marky Eustache
Marky has been with KONPAY for two years. He is a 27 year old who lives at Habitat by the Sea. Marky is deeply involved with the process and production of clean cook stoves and alternative charcoal. He Scaling the project and increasing production capacity, Marky's dedication and knowledge will be instrumental.