L’Union Suite, with joint efforts from Atizan International and M.I.A. Media, Inc hosted the first ever Miss Universe Haiti first runner-up Appreciation Hour in Miami.
Throughout her journey, Miss Raquel Pelissier has maintained the utmost poise and grace as she represented Haiti with distinction, so on Thursday, February 2, the community came out in droves and welcomed the Miss Universe 1st Runner in style at the Caribbean Marketplace at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.
Miss Pelissier traveled to Manila, Philippines, where she competed on Sunday to become the first Miss Universe runner-up of Haitian descent since 1975. As a 25-year-old earthquake survivor, Miss Pelissier is an Optometrist whose platform has brought awareness to the importance of treating ocular disorders. Miss Haiti Universe also holds a Master’s Degree in Scientific Research and has made it a life’s dream to share Haiti’s beauty, culture and heritage on a larger scale. As a humanitarian she has spent countless hours giving back to her community and as a mentor she has donated books to several schools in Haiti to promote education. “She encompasses everything L’Union Suite stands for Country, People and Culture, she represents all of it,” says Wanda Tima-Gilles, President of L’Union Suite.
On Sunday, as Miss Pelissier took the stage, she mesmerized the crowd as she made it to the Top 20, then the Top 9, then Top 6 before they announced the Top 3 contestants, Miss France Iris Mittenaere, Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar and of course Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier. At the end of the night Miss Pelissier took home the title of Miss Universe First Runner-up.
Pelissier’s appreciation hour was a 42 hour effort organized by L’union Suite’s Wanda Tima, Mia Media’s Mia Lopez and Atizan International Angie Bell with the assistance of local businesses Flourish Media Conference, Madame Gougousse, Little Haiti Cultural Center, Maximilian Consultant Inc, Onyx Security, In.Cre Photography ,Ayiti Parle, BMauger Videography, The Creative Esquire and DJ Ash Target.
The 3 hour event included a performance by ADA Ayiti, a short question and answer curated by Naomie Labaty and countless awards and recognitions by local dignitaries and a guest list of over 200 Miss Universe Haiti supporters.
Pelissier, who arrived to the sounds of Rara Lakay was escorted by Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon and wore an off-the-shoulder ensemble with Haiti red lips.
While guest waited for Raquel’s arrival On Thursday, scores of Haitians, including celebrity DJ Michael Brun, turned up at the invitation-only event to honor Pelissier sipped on complimentary wine and delicious Haitian infused hors devours by Chef Stephan and Chef TiGoute.
Also in attendance was General Consul of Haiti in Miami Gandhi Thomas, Chairman Keon Hardermon who awarded Raquel the key to the city, Commissioner Jean Monestime who awarded her the key to the county, The Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Jeff Lozama who awarded her an honorary Yopro, the freshman class of their 20 under 40 young professional award.
