Meet Djenane Gourgue | Project Manager & Community Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Djenane Gourgue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Djenane, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Success is often the result of cultivating effective habits and routines. Reflecting on my journey, several key habits have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals professionally as well as personally. They say that if you do something for more than 21 days it becomes a habit. I have always established daily routines which have played a significant role in my success, starting each day with a clear plan and establishing a morning routine that sets a positive tone and ensures. While in bed, I jot down 5 to 7 things that I want to accomplish and I tackle important tasks first. Effective time management is also crucial, as prioritizing tasks and setting deadlines keeps me on track, a great friend told me once “Do what is important, not what is urgent”. By consistently choosing to work on what truly matters, I have been able to achieve my goals more effectively and maintain a clear direction in both my personal and professional life.

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, which was followed by 2 other diagnoses therefore I had to train myself to stay motivated through setting both short and long-term goals, and celebrating small wins to keep me focused. Handling setbacks by viewing challenges as learning opportunities has been key to my resilience and ability to adapt to changes. I am blessed to be able to maintain a work-life balance which is essential to my healing. I schedule personal time (a walk at the beach, spending time with my nieces and dining with close friends) to balance professional responsibilities with family and self-care activities (massages and reiki sessions) for my overall well-being.

Continuous learning is another vital habit that keeps my mind sharp and my spirit young. I can always dedicate time to acquire new skills on line and remotely to stay updated in my field. Most people will describe me as a serial networker as I build and nurture professional relationships that have opened many doors, providing valuable insights and opportunities.

Lastly, I try to keep organized by keeping my workspace and digital files orderly to ensure efficiency and help me focus on working more effectively towards my long term goals.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the founder and Vice President of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, the past 12 years have been defined by a passion for fostering economic growth and community empowerment. What sets me apart is my dedication to bridging opportunities between Haitian-American businesses and the broader community, promoting economic vitality and cultural exchange.

I am most proud of our Chamber’s role in facilitating partnerships that empower entrepreneurs and advocate for the interests of our members. Building the Chamber was not without its challenges. Like any entrepreneurial endeavor, it required perseverance in the face of obstacles, a deep commitment to our mission and mostly a team of dedicated peers who shared our strategic vision to help create economic mobility.

My journey to this role has been marked by years of hard work, community engagement, advocacy and learning from several mentors to induerstand different fields. It wasn’t easy navigating the complexities of business development and community leadership, but each challenge has been a stepping stone to growth. I’ve learned valuable lessons about resilience, the power of collaboration, and the importance of staying true to our values.

What I want the world to know about our Chamber and my story is our unwavering commitment to promoting economic equity and cultural pride. Through our initiatives, we have aimed to create a thriving ecosystem where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and cultural heritage is celebrated. Our journey continues to inspire and uplift many – it is driven by a shared vision of a stronger, unified more connected community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Morning:
Breakfast at a local cafe like Third Plae Coffee Lounge for great coffee and pastries.
Breakfast at The Front Porch Cafe for a beachside meal on Ocean Drive.
Breakfast at Morgan’s Restaurant for a cozy breakfast spot in Wynwood.
Breakfast at The Daily Creative Food Co. for healthy and creative breakfast options.

Mid-Morning:
Explore the Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Arts District for street art and galleries.
Explore the shops and boutiques of Coconut Grove.
Explore Little Haiti Cultural Center and nearby galleries.
Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for contemporary art and stunning bay views.

Lunch:
Grab lunch at La Sandwicherie for gourmet sandwiches and smoothies.
Head to Joe’s Stone Crab for their famous seafood dishes.
Take a stroll through the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Afternoon:
Take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay or go snorkeling at Key Biscayne.
Visit the Miami Seaquarium or Jungle Island for animal encounters and exhibits.
Visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for lush gardens and rare plants.
Drive through Pinecrest and enjoy the beautiful homes architecture.

Evening:
Dinner at The Rusty Pelican for waterfront dining with views of Biscayne Bay
Dinner at Red Fish Grill for seafood by the water, followed by drinks at Monty’s Sunset on South Beach.
Dinner at Versailles Restaurant for authentic Cuban cuisine followed by drinks at Ball & Chain for live music & cocktails.
Dinner at Zuma for upscale Japanese dining, followed by nightlife at E11EVEN Miami for entertainment and dancing.
Dinner at Prime 112 for upscale steakhouse dining in South Beach, followed by drinks at LIV Nightclub or Juvia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to Max O Carre, a dedicated professional health coach at Healthmax Wellness Center L.L.C who inspired me and others to achieve their wellness goals with passion and expertise! Your commitment to helping others live healthier lives deserves recognition. Bon Bagay

Website: https://www.haamcc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haamchamber/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haamcc/

Twitter: https://x.com/HAAMCC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haitianamerican/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/haitian-american-chamber-of-commerce-oakland-park

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFriMUp0i4q9-5mbHUCPSeg