6 | Acquisition International, Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2025 seasoned business executive with over 25 years of experience spanning compliance, financial advisory, and computer engineering. As the G100 Country Chair for Haiti, she plays a key role in a global coalition of women leaders shaping policy and driving progress across industries and borders. In Haiti’s evolving business landscape, Joanne has been a catalyst for innovation and institutional growth. She spearheaded the creation of the country’s first interconnected credit union platform – developed in partnership with Mastercard – which now serves over two million clients through mobile financial services. Her work is anchored in strong, long-term collaborations across both public and private sectors. Joanne maintains influential relationships with organizations such as the WK Kellogg Foundation, Dunn Family Foundation, Haiti Food Systems Alliance and the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce. Her network includes cross-sector partners and respected thought leaders. Her career is defined not just by innovation, but by the strength of the networks she’s built to drive it, and her track record reflects not only technical expertise, but also the ability to convene diverse stakeholders around bold, sustainable solutions. “As a Haitian woman who built the country’s first interconnected credit union platform, I understand firsthand the barriers that exist, and more importantly, the pathways around them. I founded Bracing Neighbors because I know what’s possible when Haitian women have access to the same opportunities I was able to create for myself. ” – Joanne Alexis Bounouni Born out of a deep commitment to give back to their home country and create real economic pathways for women and youth. Bracing Neighbors was built to do more than serve; it was designed to activate Haiti’s untapped economic potential by bridging local talent with broader market opportunities. At its core is a belief that every woman and young person in Haiti deserves the tools and support to grow beyond local success and achieve meaningful, connected growth. This is a movement rooted in possibility, powered by purpose, and committed to transforming Haiti from within. Investing the whole of Haiti through collaboration-based initiatives, one of Bracing Neighbors’ primary aims is to support emerging entrepreneurs establish successful business ventures, giving them the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in a professional capacity and scale their existing ventures. This stems from the recognition that entrepreneurship is, for many, the best way to secure empowerment and financial independence. “Our organisation was born out of urgency and vision – unlocking intergenerational wealth-building opportunities. Giving another dimension to our nation’s motto Stronger together. ” With the WK Kellog Foundation as a trusted partner, to enact the real change they seek within Haiti, Joanne and her team work at what she described as the “intersection of business strategy, impact investment and community development through behaviour change”, targeting small, female-led enterprises, unemployed youth, and families building economic resilience. Across these focus areas, Bracing Neighbors delivers comprehensive programmes that blend financial literacy and seed funding with mentorship, as well as community accountability mechanisms utilising the likes of the CGAP and women’s economic empowerment (WEE) frameworks. Remarkably, since first opening its doors three years ago, Bracing Neighbors partnered with more than 900 entrepreneurial families, connecting them with networks and opportunities that supported them to scale. These insights all stem from the knowledge, experience, As the world’s first Black republic, Haiti holds a legacy of revolutionary leadership and entrepreneurial brilliance. From the formidable Madan Sara market women to a global diaspora fueling transnational commerce, Haiti’s economic foundation is rooted in innovation, resilience, and community-driven enterprise.” A Best Community Empowerment & Economic Resilience Program 2025 – Haiti
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