By (Brooklyn, NY) Thursday, June 2, 2016 – Haitian-American Author Cindy Similien-Johnson is announced as one of the recipients of the Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.’s “Caribbean-American Heritage Celebration Economic Development 2016 Award.” The Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place at Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201) on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 10:00 A.M.
Sandra Chapman, the Chief Program Officer at the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, said, “Cindy is admired by many for her vision and dedication to Brooklyn, and as someone who has repeatedly demonstrated courage and community spirit. She has established and sustained trust-based relationships with multiple groups who chose and continue to choose to follow her. In short, she has proven herself to be a courageous leader and a worthy role model for up and coming entrepreneurs.”
A graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, Cindy is a Haitian-American author of several motivational books, including “How to Stay Motivated” and “Living Expectantly.” She founded CSJ Media Publishing as a platform to share positive messages of hope and help others live powerful and purposeful lives.
With more than five years of experience in public administration, Cindy founded Goal Chic, an initiative dedicated to inspire, encourage, and empower women and girls through workshops, conferences, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships with local institutions and resources. Goal Chic equips the women and girls, particularly in Brooklyn, with the tools they need to succeed in their finances, careers & purpose, relationships, and health & wellness.
She said, “I am honored and very grateful to be the recipient of this award. I am always amazed when people take notice of what I do. It encourages me to be more and do more to bring positive changes to my community. ”
She went on to say that the Award is dedicated to her grandmother, Philomene Beaubrun, who passed away recently on Saturday, May 28, 2016 – the day before Haitian Mother’s Day. Her grandmother would have turned 106 years old on July 22, 2016.
“My grandmother had a great influence on me,” Cindy continued. “When I met her for the first time in more than 20 years back in November 2012, memories of my visits to Haiti as a child flooded my mind. I remember sitting in her backyard, eating her rich, savory meals such as Cornmeal (Mayi Moulen) served with Black Bean Sauce (Sòs Pwa Nwa), and White Rice (Diri Blan) with Chicken (Poule nan Sòs). Those early childhood memories stuck with me throughout the years.”
“The idea for a cookbook originated during that first meeting with her. I wanted to hold on to the precious memories of my Haitian & Caribbean upbringing and teach others about our rich Haitian culture, particularly its cuisine. It was then I realized how important it was to pass on memories, traditions, and stories. Receiving the ‘Caribbean-American Heritage Celebration Economic Development 2016 Award’ is the beginning of carrying on my grandmother’s legacy.” Cindy is now the bestselling author of the e-cookbook series, “Cook Like A Haitian,” which provide readers a Haitian culinary and cultural excursion.