theGrio’s 100: Cleve Mesidor, nation builder at the Department of Commerce

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Who is Cleve Mesidor?

Cleve Mesidor is a nation builder. She has over 15 years experience in public relations, legislative policy, strategic planning and business development. As an appointee to the Obama administration, she promoted regional economic initiatives and programs at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.  She was born in L’Asile, Haiti and came to the U.S. when she was eight years old. In July of last year, she returned to Haiti to focus on economic development, teach and publish news stories promoting what’s good and important to that island nation.

Why is Cleve Mesidor in theGrio’s 100?

Cleve Mesidor joined the Obama administration a few weeks after the fatal earthquake that ravaged Haiti. But before starting her new job, she took the time to volunteer at the embassy of Haiti in Washington facilitating communications and coordinating media availabilities. She then went on to serve the Obama administration with distinction before turning her attentions to her ancestral homeland to apply her skills and talents to better the lives of the Haiti’s people.

What’s next for Cleve Mesidor?

Ms. Mesidor looks to help Haiti sustain continued economic growth through consulting business leaders and teaching marketing workshops. “More and more it is being said that Haiti is open for business,” Mesidor wrote in theGrio. “But the reality,” she says, “Haiti has been open for business for a long time now.” She is quoted as saying she hopes one day to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. Look for Cleve Mesidor to help develop strategies to stimulate investments in Haiti and its people.