About me – Caribbean Transition

About Me and Why I Started Caribbean Transition

My name is Gardy, born in Haiti and raised in New Jersey after moving to the U.S. as a teenager with my brother. Growing up in a mostly non-immigrant neighborhood, my high school circle was mostly Caucasian, which, while educational, left me feeling a bit disconnected from the Caribbean community. Driven by a passion for creativity, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, leading to a freelance role at a prominent Philadelphia university where I specialized in 3D modeling and animation. However, during the recession, work became sparse, and I found myself at a crossroads until one of my best friend’s fathers, an executive at a Fortune 500 company, extended a helping hand with a temporary job in New Jersey.

The Mission of Caribbean Transition

Caribbean Transition is an organization I founded to address the critical challenges Caribbean immigrants face in continuing their careers in the U.S. after immigrating. I believe that professional experience isn’t left behind at the border—it’s something that can and should be built upon. Our mission is to provide resources, guidance, and inspiration, empowering individuals to continue their careers rather than abandoning them due to relocation.

As a full-time professional, I’m currently laying the groundwork to scale Caribbean Transition into a dynamic platform. The vision is to create a space where people can access valuable information, exchange resources, and find encouragement as they navigate their professional journeys in the U.S. This initiative isn’t just a career project—it’s deeply personal. I’ve witnessed how talented individuals are often misled or underserved, leading them to leave promising careers behind, and I’m committed to helping change that narrative.
My Journey: Reconnecting with My Roots and My Mission

When I moved to Flatbush in 2011, I was surrounded by the vibrant Haitian and Caribbean culture I’d missed for years, reigniting my sense of identity and mission.

One night, I met a Haitian woman working as a bartender who shared that she’d built a successful career as a banker back in Haiti. Here, though, she felt her qualifications were irrelevant—a perception that struck a chord with me. Why should someone’s professional experience feel dismissed just because they moved to a new country?

That conversation lingered, and as I spoke with more Caribbean immigrants, I heard similar stories: skilled professionals feeling pushed into jobs far below their abilities. I knew something had to change.
Success Stories: Small Wins with Big Impact

One of the most rewarding moments in this journey was helping a childhood friend, a photographer in Haiti, who thought he’d have to give up his craft after moving to the U.S. I wouldn’t let that happen. I encouraged him to get a camera and even shared my Adobe software so he could keep refining his skills.

Months later, he excitedly shared that he’d done a photoshoot for my cousin’s family—a small but deeply meaningful win. It reminded me that, with the right support, people can continue their passions and careers, regardless of where they relocate. That success felt shared, affirming my belief that talent and skill should never be left behind
A Call for Volunteers: Join Me in Making a Difference

I’m inviting passionate individuals to join Caribbean Transition in supporting Caribbean and other foreign-born immigrants as they continue their careers in the U.S. If you have expertise in career counseling, experience within immigrant communities, or simply a desire to make a difference, your skills can help us grow.

Together, we’re building a network to guide immigrants through credential evaluations, career transitions, and professional growth. Every contribution, whether offering career advice, assisting with research, or raising awareness, plays a vital role in expanding this initiative. If you’re interested in volunteering your time or skills, let’s connect and make a lasting impact.
Overcoming Challenges: One Step at a Time

One of the biggest challenges foreign professionals face is misinformation. Many believe they have to start over in the U.S., unaware of how to translate their credentials or leverage their experience. While some careers require re-certification or extra steps, the notion that their previous achievements hold no value is simply untrue.

Right now, our focus is on spreading awareness and correcting this misinformation. I may be one voice, but with the support of others, we believe we can shift this narrative and open more opportunities for Caribbean and other immigrant professionals to continue their careers.
Looking Forward: The Vision for Caribbean Transition

Currently, Caribbean Transition serves as a bridge, connecting immigrants to credential evaluation services, professional networks, and job opportunities. While we provide links and resources to these services, our long-term vision is to offer them directly, creating a one-stop platform for career continuity and growth.

As we build awareness and celebrate each success, we’re laying the groundwork for a future where Caribbean and other immigrant professionals can seamlessly transition their skills to the U.S. workforce, knowing their experience is valued and supported.