Some people know their chosen calling early in life. Some choose the road not usually taken. Hermanie Pierre at 26 is one of the youngest Civil Engineers, not to mention one of the few female and African-Americans currently working at Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. The stunning beauty queen has several titles (Miss Saline County USA, Miss Northeast Arkansas International) and is the reigning Miss Haiti International. Hermanie is the personification of beauty and brains. Because in addition to her beauty pageant honors, she is a passionate children’s advocate! The budding philanthropist has launched hand continues to raise awareness for her platform, A Better Tomorrow for Today’s Children: Building a New Generation.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the Arkansas resident came to the United States at the age of 14 to reunite with her parents. “It was a bittersweet transition that left me with excruciating feelings of nostalgia,” she recalls. “Nonetheless, I remained convinced that I would eventually adapt and thrive.” Part of that determination was inspired by her late Uncle, Arnold Castille, an exemplary man whom she credits with helping her develop a dog-like determination to succeed.
“There is a personal story behind my affinity for engineering. I was inspired by my late uncle. He was a self-taught construction foreman with a passion for good deeds.” Hermanie points out. Her parents also played a role, instilling into her that education was an indispensable part of life through endless lectures. Hermanie earned a full scholarship to Tennessee State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 2010.
When asked what is her secret to success as a Civil Engineer, Hermanie answers, “I am intrinsically connected to my profession. Choosing engineering as a career was no accident. That’s why I feel content and resolved, every morning and sometimes in the middle of the night, on my way to work. This state of mind nourishes my ambitious being and directs it to upward mobility. It takes intelligence to make it up the ladder. Organizational politics is a thorny territory. Neither knowledge nor outstanding performance alone is sufficient for securing opportunity for organizational advancement. A mélange of both is the secret.”
When Hermanie sets aside her engineer hard hat and boots, she volunteers and is called upon to be a motivational speaker with countless organizations, and takes part in philanthropic activities. You name it, she’s part of it: the Nashville Habitat for Humanity, Sophomore Mentorship Program, Peer Counsel Mentor, NSBE Arkansas Alumni Extension Chaplin; Advisor and Public Relations Director for Little Piece of Heaven Foundation, Board Member and Spokesperson for Haitian organizations Health Services (HOHS), Advocate for Go Red for Women, Young Adult Mentorship, May Town Scholar, College of Engineering ASCE Former President, Organization for Developing Leadership, Salsa Dance Team, Toastmasters International Member. Hermanie also partners with local and global organizations such as Little Piece of Heaven Foundation (LPHF) and Haitian organizations Health Services (HOHS) to promote those choices that emulate her own educational choices.
“Haiti will be a better place with better access to education. It is my goal to utilize my resources, contacts and experience in Haiti’s best interests. I hope to be able to play my part and help make Haiti a better place to visit and live– one where people are valued and accepted for who they are. My life has been filled with privileges, joy and love. I have learned that it is what you make of it.
As a single working woman with definite life goals, one wonders when the ‘right” man will arrive on the scene for this gorgeous young woman. When asked about her love life, Hermanie chuckles, “Funny you should ask that. With my schedule it is difficult to meet the right guy. Perhaps I should apply to be the first black Bachelorette on television!” – full story source
Wow!!! Thank god there are still women in this world like you. It was great meeting you today. I just read about you.