Background and Journey to the U.S.

Fabrice Juin is originally from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. When he was a toddler, his family moved to the northeastern United States, where Fabrice transitioned into American life. Although he spoke English due to his schooling in Haiti, adapting to the cultural differences in the U.S. was a challenge. He felt disconnected from his peers, who didn’t share his tastes in food, music, or customs. Despite the desire to fit in, Fabrice embraced his heritage and chose to stand out, proud of where he came from.

Arrival in Dayton and Cultural Challenges

After graduating from high school in New Jersey and college in New York, Fabrice moved to Dayton. The city lacked the Haitian community he had grown accustomed to, which left him feeling disconnected from his cultural roots. There were no Haitian Creole speakers or places to enjoy traditional Haitian food, so he often traveled to Columbus to find the closest Haitian restaurant. This sense of cultural isolation fueled his desire to help others and contributed to his motivation to give back to the community.

Education and Career in Dayton

Fabrice earned his Master of Public Health from Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine. His work on updating the 2012 Dayton Refugee Community Assessment helped him better understand the city’s needs. Afterward, he worked at the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Student Affairs, managing multicultural programs. He then joined Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County, where he led efforts to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. This included coordinating COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics specifically for Hispanic communities and securing a grant to support immigrant and refugee health services, which played a key role in establishing Ebenezer Healthcare Access.

Currently, Fabrice leads the Regional Equity Initiative at the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. His mission is to strengthen the Miami Valley by reforming policies and institutions that disproportionately affect minority populations, striving to close gaps in quality of life for underserved communities.

Pride in Haitian Identity

Despite Haiti’s challenges, including political corruption and civil unrest, Fabrice remains unapologetically proud of his heritage. He is especially proud of Haiti’s history as the world’s first Black republic and its fight for independence. His Haitian identity fuels his passion for liberation, freedom, and justice, and drives him to advocate for the most vulnerable communities.

Contributions to Dayton

Fabrice’s professional work has been deeply tied to his personal commitment to helping immigrants, refugees, and marginalized groups. His leadership in health initiatives and his focus on community-based equity have made a tangible impact in Dayton. He continues to work toward strengthening the city by advocating for policies that support vulnerable populations and by promoting unity in the face of adversity.

Vision for Dayton’s Future

Fabrice sees Dayton’s future as a city where different cultures unite for the greater good. He believes that collaboration and unity are the keys to improving life for all. His vision includes creating more opportunities for diverse communities to thrive together and ensuring that every resident, regardless of background, has the chance to achieve their dreams.

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Fabrice Juin’s story illustrates how he draws strength from his Haitian heritage and channels that energy into his work for the benefit of all Dayton residents, especially immigrants and marginalized communities. His efforts continue to shape the future of Dayton, ensuring that it remains a welcoming, inclusive place for everyone.