The inception of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS) can be credited to Ernst Pierre Vincent's visionary pursuits. While earning an MS in Leadership at the Huizenga College of Business of Nova Southeastern University, the groundwork for this initiative began to take shape. Driven by a profound interest in leadership studies, he initiated the Global Initiative for Leadership Studies (GILS). After completing his master's degree, he experienced a shift in his interests. His attention was drawn to conflict resolution, fueled by political conflicts in Haiti and the Dominican Republic's Constitutional Court's Judgement 168-13. The judgment retroactively revoked the citizenship of over 250 Dominicans of Haitian descent. Following this, Naturalization Law 169-14 was passed, effectively disenfranchising more than one hundred people in the affected population. His desire to understand this conflict led him to complete a Ph.D. program at Nova Southeastern University. During this study, he decided to add a conflict resolution layer to the organization’s mission. This pivotal evolution led to the organization's renaming as the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies. In May 2022, the center was incorporated as a non-profit entity in Florida. Since its inception, the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS) has remained resolute in its dedication to advancing leadership development and nurturing peaceful conflict resolution on a global scale. The organization aims to offer comprehensive programs, research opportunities, and consulting services to individuals, organizations, and governments seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and adeptly manage conflicts. Through our holistic approach, we aim to make meaningful contributions to cultivating resilient and harmonious communities worldwide.
To provide impactful leadership and conflict resolution programs, conduct cutting-edge research, and offer strategic consulting worldwide.
To advance global peace through comprehensive education, pioneering research, collaborative initiatives, and strategic consulting.
Ernst Pierre Vincent is a global conflict expert whose research interests revolve around identity, religious and political conflict, race and ethnic relations, statelessness, slavery, and neo-colonialism. He has conducted research with Dominicans of Haitian descent, human rights activists, and religious leaders to explore the persistent challenges faced by stateless people in the Dominican Republic. He has also studied the role of the Church in the struggle for racial reconciliation and social justice in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. Dr. Vincent is the president of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS) Board of Directors.
Francklyn Bien-Aimé Geffrard is an accomplished journalist, originally from Trou du Nord, Nord-Est, Haiti. He earned a degree in journalism from the prestigious Haitian Center for Journalists' Training (CHFJ), following his studies in social communication. Driven by a passion for learning, Francklyn pursued advanced studies in broadcasting at City College, Hollywood, Florida, USA, where he gained extensive expertise in radio, television, cinema, marketing, and related fields. His extensive academic background and professional experience make him a highly skilled and knowledgeable journalist. Seeking further education, Francklyn delved into management studies at City College, Hollywood, Florida, earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration and project management. Passionate about politics and international affairs, he pursued postgraduate studies in International Relations at Norwich University in Vermont, USA. This comprehensive academic journey has equipped him with deeper understanding and enhanced analytical skills in addressing issues related to politics, diplomacy, economics, leadership, and human rights within the global context. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Francklyn serves as the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS). Through his multifaceted experiences and education, he remains committed to contributing to advancing global understanding and positive social change.
Dr. Roland Joseph is a Haitian researcher living in the United States and evolving in the field of peace and international conflict studies. His research focuses on the challenges and transformative experiences of activists/scholars promoting nonkilling political science with anti-nuclear weapon activists and realists. Dr. Joseph is a research associate at the Center for Global Nonkilling (CGNK), a US NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council that promotes nonkilling peace and peacebuilding. He served as the Latin America and the Caribbean Working Group (LACW) president at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where he obtained his Ph.D. in Conflict analysis and resolution. Since 2022, he has begun to raise awareness among people from Latin America and the Caribbean region, particularly the Haitian diaspora, on the threat posed by the existence of nuclear weapons. He is the executive secretary of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS).
Ismael Baptiste is a Protestant minister who is fervently dedicated to leadership and advocating for human rights. His passion for empowering individuals and promoting justice has led him to serve as the assistant secretary of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS) Board of Directors. In this role, he works tirelessly to advance the organization's mission of fostering effective leadership development and peaceful conflict resolution on a global scale. With a deep commitment to positively impacting the world, Ismael continues to champion the values of integrity, compassion, and equality in all aspects of his work.
Kesnel Duvéréus is a devoted Protestant pastor, philanthropist, and host of a Christian talk show. He is passionate about integrating leadership and conflict resolution within the church community. As the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies (ICLCS), Kesnel brings his financial management expertise and servant leadership commitment to the organization. He is highly dedicated to serving the organization and understands the significance of promoting open communication and offering leadership training to empower others.
Ana María Belique's exceptional leadership qualities have enabled her to create educational programs that offer learning opportunities to women and girls residing in marginalized communities in the Dominican Republic. Her efforts have challenged discriminatory societal norms and helped promote youth empowerment. Notably, Ana has also overseen the publication of two influential books: Nos Cambió La Vida (Our Lives Changed) and Somos Quien Somos (We Are Who We Are), which document the experiences of members of the Reconoci.do movement, a movement that she helped establish. Ana frequently organizes Critical Training Spaces in the Dominican Republic to provide educational opportunities for individuals of Haitian descent. She actively participates in international academic forums, sharing her knowledge and experiences on various topics such as the plight of Dominicans of Haitian descent, human rights, Afro-descendant issues, and women in bateyes. Ana has gained national and international recognition and respect for her unwavering dedication to human rights advocacy and empowerment. As a visiting student in the Human Rights Advocacy Program (2022-2023 COHORT) at Columbia University, Ana expanded her knowledge and skills to advance her mission of promoting equality and citizenship rights for Dominicans of Haitian descent. Additionally, she is pursuing a master's degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University, which will further enhance her expertise and impact in the field. As a member of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Leadership and Conflict Studies, Ana provides valuable insights and leadership to help advance the organization's mission of promoting effective leadership and peaceful conflict resolution globally.