Archives

Our History, Preserved

The JMD Foundation Archives is a living record of our journey — documenting the programs, events, publications, and milestones that reflect our commitment to building equitable, empowered communities across the United States, Haiti, and the broader Western Hemisphere.

Past Events

Cultural Diplomacy

Si Ayiti Te Pale Archive

(Coming Soon)

The Si Ayiti Te Pale Archive will officially launch following the First Annual International Cultural and Arts Festival, which will take place from May 15–22, 2027 in honor of Haitian Flag Day. Beginning next year, this archive will serve as a growing repository of stories, creative works, performances, interviews, photographs, recordings, and cultural contributions shared through the Si Ayiti Te Pale initiative. Designed to preserve, celebrate, and amplify Haitian voices and cultural expression, the archive will document the evolving history of the project while creating a lasting resource for artists, scholars, community members, and future generations.

Throughout the week-long festival, participants will engage in cultural programming, artistic showcases, storytelling initiatives, educational activities, community dialogue, and international exchange. The works, experiences, and contributions generated through the festival will form the foundation of the archive, which will continue to grow as new content is collected, curated, and shared. Over time, the archive will become a living testament to the creativity, resilience, history, and global contributions of the Haitian people.

While the archive is being developed, we invite you to follow our progress and stay informed about festival planning, contributor opportunities, program announcements, and upcoming events by visiting sayitep.online. There, you can learn more about the initiative, track our journey toward the inaugural festival, and join us as we build a platform dedicated to preserving and elevating Haitian culture, heritage, and storytelling for generations to come.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP & EMPOWERMENT

Youth Leadership & Empowerment Summit Archive

(Coming Soon)

The Youth Leadership & Empowerment Summit will officially launch in the fall of 2027 as a signature JMD Foundation initiative dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and connecting the next generation of leaders. Designed to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds, the summit will provide opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, professional growth, and community impact. Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, mentorship opportunities, networking experiences, and collaborative learning, participants will be encouraged to explore their potential and develop the skills needed to lead with purpose and confidence. The summit is rooted in the belief that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today. By fostering critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, and civic responsibility, the program seeks to empower participants to become active contributors to their schools, communities, and the broader society. The relationships, ideas, and experiences cultivated through the summit will help create a growing network of engaged young leaders committed to driving positive change and building a more equitable and prosperous future. While the summit is being developed, we invite you to stay connected for updates regarding planning, partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, speaker announcements, and participant registration. Additional details will be shared as we prepare to launch this transformative experience for emerging leaders in the fall of 2027.

Past Events as the New York City Coalition for Educating Families Together

Manhattan High Schools Presidents’ Council: Parent Empowerment Forum
March 30, 2023

NYC CEFT Virtual Talk with @SandyHook Chief Program Officer Crystal Garrant & Peace December

NYC CEFT: A Conversation on Creating an Educational System That Is Responsive to Students in Underserved Communities with the Renowned Dr. Pedro Noguera

NYC CEFT Virtual Conversation with Anne Maxwell

NYC CEFT STEM After School Enrichment Programs in NYC Conversation with the Parris Foundation

Manhattan High Schools Presidents’ Council Parent-Association and Parent-Teacher Association Summit

NYC CEFT Roundtable Conversation with Chancellor of the New York City Public David C. Banks, About the Future of Education for NYC Students

Why Our Students Also Need Course Access

NYC Coalition for Educating Families Together Roundtable Conversation with Deputy Chancellor for Family and Community Engagement & External Affairs Kenita Lloyd

2022 NYC Labor Day Parade: School Bus Advocates Supporting ATU 1181-1061, 🚌 Drivers & Matrons & +++

Lifting up our voices with federal policy makers. #ParentLeaders #UPLANGathering2022

NYC CEFT Roundtable Discussion with NY State Senator John Liu

NYC Coalition for Educating Families Together Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with NY State Senator Luis Sepúlveda

NYC Coalition for Educating Families Together Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera

NYC Coalition for Educating Families Together Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with NY State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey
https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1ZkJzbDZYAgJv

Community Education Council District 8: Town Hall with Chancellor David Banks

For past events before we became the New York City Coalition for Educating Families Together and operated as the Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group

Please visit: What We Did as Bx PLAG:

Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group (Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/bxparentleaders

Bronx PLAG (YouTube Channel)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq8_8uBise75inpSYXQYS6A

Bx PLAG Petition for a Remote Option
https://bit.ly/BXPLAG-S-R-S

The Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with the United States Department of Education
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gubxMiRur3M&t=28s

The Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Roundtable Discussion with New York City School Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TenbNW_u1Q

Bronx PLAG Mayoral Education Forum

BXPLAG Parent Leaders Interview with Mayoral Candidate Maya Wiley

BXPLAG Parent Leaders Interview with Mayoral Candidate Scott Stringer

Bronx PLAG Bronx Borough President Education Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcRB-62ftg4

Bronx PLAG City Council Education Forum Round 1 – Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDDkp2fwDFA

Bronx PLAG City Council Education Forum Round 1 – Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58LZNw0ey9o

Bronx PLAG City Council Education Forum Round 2 – Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvTJiNouwws

Bronx City Council Education Forum Round 2 – Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuzPl8vJgZQ

Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group UFT/CSA Rally

Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Written Statement on the Reopening of Schools Without a Remote Option (If You Wish to Read It)

The Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Statement on the Reopening of Schools Without a Remote Option
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2nEZjJxcr0

The Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with Congressman Jamaal Bowman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyD0KwHXY5c

The Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with Congressman Ritchie Torres
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaszEZtazlE

The Bronx Parent Leaders Advocacy Group Invites You to a Roundtable Discussion with CSA President Mark Cannizzaro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8ZErdBlMbc

To learn more about Farah Despeignes’s activities as the Founder, President, and CEO of JMD Foundation and NYC CEFT, please view her Linktree page.

Program History

NYC Coalition for Educating Families Together (NYC CEFT)

JMD's flagship education program strengthens families by bridging the gap between parents, schools, and community organizations in New York City — building a support system that improves educational outcomes for children in underserved neighborhoods.

Si Ayiti Te Pale

A cultural arts and media program honoring Haitian heritage and amplifying diaspora voices across the Bronx, New York, and beyond. Through performances, storytelling, and cultural dialogue, Si Ayiti Te Pale preserves identity and fosters cross-cultural understanding.

Press & Publications

JMD Foundation Annual Report — Coming Soon
Mission & Vision Overview — Available for Download
NYC CEFT Program Summary — Coming Soon
Si Ayiti Te Pale Cultural Report — Coming Soon
Press Coverage & Media Mentions — Coming Soon

In Memoriam

Dr. Jacquelin Montalvo-Despeignes

“Diplomacy, education, culture, and economic opportunity can serve as instruments of peace and transformation.”

The JMD Foundation was founded in honor of Dr. Jacquelin Montalvo-Despeignes — a visionary leader whose life’s work was dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities, preserving cultural identity, and fostering international cooperation. His legacy lives on through every program, partnership, and life we touch.

Help Us Build the Archive

Do you have photos, documents, stories, or memories from JMD Foundation events or programs? We’d love to hear from you and preserve these moments for the communities we serve.