When I think about it, I really can’t believe the developments that have happened in Haiti over the last year. I know I love the word “extraordinary,” but, truly, the rebuilding of Haiti is extraordinary; I am so honored to play a small part in this country’s continued story.

I recently traveled to Port-Au-Prince for the 2011 Invest in Haiti Forum (an international investment conference sponsored by the IDB Bank). It was an amazing experience, of course, to hear all three presidents speak with unified passion about their belief in Haiti.

DAY 1:

We arrived in Haiti in time to meet at Maryse Kadar’s home for dinner with our original posse; those now very familiar faces that have been with me on this journey from the very beginning: The Greif Team, Greg Milne, Joey Adler, Dr. Paul Farmer, Alison Thompson and Barbara Guillaume (who is such a powerful voice for women and hopefully the next mayor of Cite Soleil). The dinner, the conversation, and comradery all felt like the perfect homecoming.

After dinner, I caught up with Sean Penn. Together, we traveled to visit his Pétionville Camp – I was so overwhelmed by what Sean and his team have manifested! Over the past year and a half, the population of the camp has shrunk from 50, 000 Haitian residents to roughly 23,000 because of neighborhood redevelopment; people are back to work and living in homes. Everything was so thoughtful and organized – they even have an artisan manufacturing camp that I am excited to help with. Sean’s vision is coming to life. He is rebuilding Haiti and he’s doing it with passion. I am so proud of him.

DAY 2:

I started my day traveling north to Carocal to visit the Northern Industrial Park at the invitation of President Martelly, President Clinton, IDB President Moreno and the US State Department. As with most great things, this park is a collaboration; a shared effort between the Government of Haiti, the US State Department, the Clinton Foundation and the IDB Bank, and it represents a significant step forward in Haiti’s recovery. What makes this park so special is that it will provide 250 hectares of industrial space for manufacturing – it will be a place and a space for over 65,000 sustainable Haitian jobs. Haiti is open for business and hiring!

After visiting the Industrial Park, we took off in a military helicopter – my first time and another experience to add to my list of adventures in Haiti. I had the privilege of sitting with the president and executive vice president of Marriott International. Of course, I took out my iPad and walked them through my Haitian love story. I was thrilled to learn that Marriot International plans to expand to Haiti and I look forward to helping them with this development… I’m already dreaming of ways to weave in my passion for the artisan communities!

I finished my day at a delicious dinner at Magdoos – I loved having my Haitian family all gathered together around the table.

DAY 3:

The day of the IDB Invest in Haiti Forum was definitely one for celebrating – it was absolutely inspiring and motivating to see thought leaders and public figures rallying together to unveil the enormous potential of Haiti to the global community. The Forum took place at the Karibe Hotel in Port-au-Prince. It felt like home to me – images from the Nomad Two Worlds exhibition were printed on transparent fabrics and draped all throughout the courtyard; Russell James’ beautiful photos capturing the faces of Haitian artisans. The courtyard booths displaying artisan wares from the Urban Zen Haitian Artisan Project only added to this beauty.

Panelists and speakers wove together a rich tapestry of culture, innovation and promise that depicted an inspired future for Haiti. With contributors like President Moreno, President Martelly, President Clinton, Joey Adler, Sean Penn, Laurent Lamothe, Richard Coles, Magalie Noel Dresse and Kathleen Matthews (to name only a few), it was no surprise that the breadth and depth of conversation was beyond motivating.

Clearly I’m an advocate for traveling to Haiti, so I was honored to join the tourism panel with Stephanie Balmir, Minister of Tourism in Haiti. I am always happy to share my love of all that Haiti has to offer; for me it has been an ever-replenishing well of raw, creative beauty. I want the world to experience the inspiration that I have enjoyed, but more than this, I know that the tourism industry is an integral piece in Haiti’s rebuilding process. This session focused on the abundant opportunities to invest in Haiti’s tourism industry and the importance of integrating tourism into the country’s development agenda.

Every time I travel to Haiti it is a learning experience for me. I am continually discovering the country, the Haitian people, and the power of spirited tenacity. This trip was another resilient step forward toward the rebirth of Haiti and her people. I continue to feel humbled and blessed to be a part of this story.

I invite you to click here to read about how we brought Haiti to Art Basel.