Three Haitian-American Women Elected to School Boards in South Florida’s Largest Counties

Three women of Haitian descent have made a historic breakthrough in South Florida’s local political landscape. Cynthia Alcéus Dominique, Christina Romélus and Linda Cothière were elected to the school boards of Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, becoming the first Haitian-American women to hold these positions in these three major districts.

According to The Haitian Times, this milestone is a first for the Haitian community, which is deeply rooted in the region and has long been present in the public education system.

Cynthia Alcéus Dominique wins in Broward in the first round

In Broward County, 41-year-old Cynthia Alcéus Dominique won the District 7 seat in the August 18 primary with about 60% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. A Broward native, she was raised by a Haitian immigrant mother. Before her election, she spent nearly ten years volunteering and in community leadership roles in her district.

Christina Romélus prevails in Palm Beach County

In Palm Beach County, 38-year-old Christina Romélus won the District 4 seat in the November 3 election with about 62% of the vote. Born in Port-au-Prince, she first entered local politics in 2016, at age 27, when she was elected to the Boynton Beach City Commission. She served there for six years, including as vice mayor.

Linda Cothière victorious in Miami-Dade’s District 1

In Miami-Dade, Linda Cothière won the November 3 runoff in District 1 against fellow education professional Katrina Wilson. She prevailed with 51.6% of the vote to her opponent’s 48.4%. Born in Cap-Haïtien, Cothière immigrated to the United States at age 15. She has worked for more than thirty years as a teacher in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

She will represent communities including Miami Gardens, North Miami, North Miami Beach and Opa-locka.

These three victories mark a symbolic step forward for Haitian-American representation in South Florida’s local education institutions, a region where the Haitian diaspora plays an important role in community life.