Joanne Jean - Navigating the Balancing Act Between Generations & Cultural Influence
Update: 2025-10-14
Description
Joanne Jean is a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Haiti in the early 1990’s. In this first episode of our special series, Voices from Haiti, Joanne shares personal details about her journey being raised in a Haitian household and how she challenged the traditions along the way. As the first-born child and the eldest daughter, the responsibilities were heavy at times, and required her to be an “adult” a bit earlier than her peers. She often had to translate English and interpret financial statements, and while her friends were having sleepovers, she wasn’t allowed to go. Nevertheless, at the core of her upbringing, her parents raised her with connections to her Haitian culture deeply rooted in church, education and love for family. Joanne opens up about correcting culture while attempting to educate her parents about U.S. customs, and the various feelings and reactions that often accompanied her perceived defiance.
As a proud graduate of Quinnipiac University, Joanne speaks about her education journey and the high expectations from her parents while they gently supported her along the way. Currently, she is a small business consultant and Program Coordinator, and it’s her upbringing and cultural awareness, along with her intercultural competence, that guide her impactful work. She credits her parents and family for her deep love and appreciation for the Haitian community she has successfully grown up in.
As a proud graduate of Quinnipiac University, Joanne speaks about her education journey and the high expectations from her parents while they gently supported her along the way. Currently, she is a small business consultant and Program Coordinator, and it’s her upbringing and cultural awareness, along with her intercultural competence, that guide her impactful work. She credits her parents and family for her deep love and appreciation for the Haitian community she has successfully grown up in.
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