The Haitian Real Estate Professionals Association (HREPA) began on February 25, 2022, as a small WhatsApp group of Haitian real estate agents looking to connect, share resources, and support one another in an industry where their community was often underrepresented. After becoming a realtor, Tracy Vertus recognized the need for a supportive, culturally competent community of peers who could navigate the unique challenges of serving Haitian clients.
What started as informal peer-to-peer encouragement quickly evolved into a movement. Professionals across Florida and the Haitian diaspora recognized the need for a collective voice—one that could advocate for Haitian homeownership, offer cultural competence, and elevate those working in the field.
As the WhatsApp group grew, members realized that virtual connections weren’t enough—they wanted to put faces to the names. This led to the idea of hosting a brunch.
In October 2022, the first HREPA brunch was held at Pearl of the Island Cuisine in Hollywood, Florida. What began as an intimate gathering exceeded all expectations: the event sold out, with over 80 professionals attending. The energy, camaraderie, and shared vision for supporting Haitian real estate professionals inspired the next step: establishing a formal nonprofit.
Seeing the potential for a larger, lasting impact, Tracy Vertus and her co-founders officially filed HREPA as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The formal organization created a platform to empower Haitian real estate professionals, foster meaningful connections, and drive growth within the community.
Since its founding, HREPA has built stronger partnerships across the Haitian real estate community, enabling agents, lenders, and other professionals to collaborate and refer clients across states.
HREPA is more than a network—it’s a movement. From a simple WhatsApp group to a sold-out brunch, to a fully launched nonprofit, HREPA continues to grow as the leading platform for Haitian real estate professionals, building community, enabling collaboration, and championing Haitian homeownership.
Our mission is rooted in impact, our vision is global, and our future is built on the power of unity and shared purpose.
