From Les Cayes to Leadership: How One Haitian Woman’s Journey Showcases the Talent Haiti Must Harness
Haitian Excellence | The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team | July 27, 2025
Haiti’s Hidden Potential: A Leader in Engineering
Haiti is often portrayed as a nation struggling with instability and poverty, but Haitians—especially those in the diaspora—continue to prove that the country is rich in talent and potential. One such shining example is Régine Condé, a Haitian-American engineer whose career spans over 40 years, marked by notable achievements in infrastructure development in North America.
Born in Les Cayes, Haiti, Régine Condé moved to the United States after completing her engineering degree at the State University of Haiti in 1983. Since then, her exceptional work has spanned critical projects, and her leadership role as CEO of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel stands as a testament to her exceptional skill and resilience. Condé is a trailblazer, a woman who has carved a path in a field that was once reserved for the privileged few.
Building Critical Infrastructure: The Mark of Haitian Talent
Régine Condé’s career highlights the power of Haitian talent when given the opportunity to thrive. She played a pivotal role in the development of key infrastructure projects, including the A25 bridge that connects Laval and Montreal—a testament to her vision and expertise in large-scale projects. She also contributed to the Detroit River International Crossing, a $4.2 billion infrastructure initiative, enhancing cross-border trade and travel between Canada and the U.S.
Régine’s achievements extend beyond engineering. She also served as Senior Vice President at HNTB Corporation, focusing on mobility equity and sustainable transportation solutions—helping cities design smarter, more efficient transportation networks. Condé’s leadership was further recognized when Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed her to the Board of Trustees of the Michigan Infrastructure Bank, showing how her expertise goes beyond technical ability, making her a key figure in policy development as well.
Her credentials are a clear reflection of the depth of talent Haitians possess, but it is essential to understand that these opportunities would not have been possible for many in Haiti itself—despite their potential—due to the corruption and political instability that have long plagued the country.
Haitian Talent Held Back by Corruption
Régine Condé’s rise to prominence and success in the U.S. underscores a crucial point: Haiti is not lacking talent, but rather, it is the corrupt system within the country that continues to stifle the progress of its brightest minds. If individuals like Régine Condé had access to the same opportunities in Haiti as they have abroad, the country would undoubtedly be on a very different trajectory.
Haitians, both within the country and in the diaspora, have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in various fields—from engineering and medicine to arts and politics. Yet, the systemic corruption in Haiti’s political and economic systems keeps these talented individuals away, as the reality of operating in an environment where violence, political favoritism, and corruption dominate makes it nearly impossible for potential leaders to make an impact.
For Régine Condé, this barrier was overcome through her relocation to the U.S. where she had the chance to work, grow, and ultimately lead. But for many others, the promise of success remains out of reach, simply because the system in Haiti continues to serve only a small, corrupt elite.
A Call for Change: Haiti Deserves Better
The story of Régine Condé is not just an inspiring tale of success, but a clarion call for the Haitian people to demand better. Haiti needs a system where the brilliant minds of its citizens are nurtured and supported, rather than suffocated by political greed. Haitians like Régine Condé are capable of making a profound impact on the world, but the country's corrupt infrastructure holds them back from realizing their full potential.
To build a future where Haiti can rise to greatness, there must be a complete overhaul of the political system, one that erases corruption, provides real opportunities for talented individuals, and gives power back to the people. It’s time for Haitians to take charge of their own destiny, ensuring that the next generation of Haitian leaders can thrive within the country rather than being forced to seek success abroad.
A Brighter Future for Haiti
If Haiti is to ever fulfill its true potential, the corruption that has held it back for so long must be eradicated. The success of Haitians like Régine Condé serves as a reminder that the country’s brilliance is not in question—it is the system that has failed its people. As Haiti stands at a crossroads, it is more important than ever to create a new era where talent and integrity define the future of the nation. Haiti deserves leaders like Régine Condé, and it is up to the people to make sure the conditions are right for them to lead.
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