Farah Larrieux: A Beacon of Leadership and Advocacy

Farah Larrieux, a distinguished communication strategist, social entrepreneur, and community organizer, has left an indelible mark on the media landscape and the Haitian community. Her journey began at 17 in Haiti, where she showcased her talents as a television host and radio personality at Télémax and Radio Vision 2000. This early exposure set the stage for her later work at Signal FM and Planèt Kreyòl, where she continued to captivate audiences with her engaging presence.

Larrieux’s talents extend beyond broadcasting; she has also made her mark as an actress, starring in films such as Cicatrices 2 and Protège-moi. In 2002, she ventured into public relations, co-founding Haiti THĒLAR Management Group with Pierre-Michel Théodat, a venture that started as THĒLAR Advertising.

A Flourishing Career in the United States

After relocating to the United States, Larrieux became deeply involved with the Haitian music industry in South Florida. Her work with renowned Haitian Compas bands like Nu Look and Zenglen and collaborations with esteemed producer Fred Paul and The Rhythm Foundation cemented her reputation as a pivotal figure in the industry. From 2006 to 2009, she dedicated herself to managing Zenglen, demonstrating her leadership and organizational skills.

Larrieux’s role as an international talent scout for Haiti at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) from 2006 to 2008 and her judging role at the National Miss American Coed Pageant highlight her versatility and commitment to nurturing talent. She also served as the Haitian community liaison for the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), showcasing her ability to bridge cultures and promote Haitian artistry.

Community Leadership and Advocacy

A 2007 graduate of the Leadership Miami Program, Larrieux has consistently prioritized community well-being. She is the founding member and Chairperson of the Association of Miramar Haitian-American Residents and Business Owners (MHARBO), demonstrating her dedication to fostering community solidarity. Additionally, she co-founded the Collège Classique Féminin Alumnae Association (CCFAA) in the US, supporting her former high school in Haiti.

Larrieux’s four-year involvement with the Haitian American Professionals Coalition (HAPC) as a board member and secretary underscores her commitment to professional development within the Haitian community. From 2011 to 2016, she hosted Haiti Journal, a public affairs program on WPBT2, a PBS affiliate station in South Florida, providing a platform for critical discussions on Haitian issues.

Her commitment extends to her faith community, where she serves on the Haitian Parish Council at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and the School of Miramar. In 2014, she graduated from the Archdiocese of Miami Lay Ministry School and was commissioned as a Youth and Young Adult Minister, reflecting her dedication to spiritual and community leadership.

Advocate for Immigration and Social Justice

Since 2010, Larrieux has received Temporary Protected Status (TPS). She has been a formidable advocate for immigration reform, fighting for a pathway to citizenship for millions of TPS and DACA recipients. Her advocacy work has taken her to Washington, where she engaged with Congress members from both parties. Numerous media outlets, including the Associated Press, CBS, CNN, Al Jazeera, France 24, and Société Radio-Canada (CBC), have recognized her efforts.

Larrieux’s involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and her role as a community organizer for the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) during the 2018 mid-term election further highlights her dedication to social justice. In 2020, she led the voter registration and civic engagement campaign for the Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC) in Broward County. She volunteered for several committees for the 2020 Census, focusing on educating the Haitian community.

Honors and Recognition

In 2024, Larrieux was honored with the title of “Model and Inspiring Haitian Woman” by the Network of Model and Inspiring Haitian Women (REFEHMI), the Initiative of Haitian Women in Tourism (IFTH), Sco Tour Haiti (STH), and the Office of the United Nations Youth Organization of Africa in Haiti. This accolade recognizes her commitment to the Haitian Diaspora and her practical leadership.

Her contributions to media excellence were also celebrated in 2014 when she received the “Beacon of Hope and Achievement Award” from Miami’s Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti.

Educational Background and Personal Life

Farah Larrieux’s educational journey is as impressive as her professional one. She studied entrepreneurship at Florida State University’s College of Business and music business at Broward College, where she led the Broward College Chapter of the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA). She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer sciences from the Institut Universitaire Quisqueya Amerique (INUQUA) in Haiti.