MEET OUR BOARD
Our Board of Directors is made up of passionate leaders, visionaries, and advocates, who are dedicated to empowering children and families in Haiti.
Our Board of Directors
Guiding our mission with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.
Angela Assé
Founder & Executive Director
Angela Asse is the founder of Marie’s Kitchen of Love, inspired by her mother’s lifelong devotion to Haiti’s children. With over 20 years of experience in Information Technology and Project Management for Fortune 500 companies, she bridges business, technology, and philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Passionate about mentorship and empowerment, she guides students to reach their fullest potential.
Justin Polynice
Director of Youth Development
Justin Polynice embodies the next generation of leadership at Marie’s Kitchen of Love, carrying forward his grandmother’s legacy of compassion and service. With a deep connection to his Haitian roots, Justin brings creativity, focus, and purpose to every endeavor. His passion for youth empowerment and cultural pride reflects the organization’s mission to nurture hope, education, and opportunity for all.
Melinda Jules
Director of Program Management
Melinda Jules is a licensed mental health clinician, educator, and creative visionary who bridges behavioral health, performing arts, and community advocacy to create spaces of healing and empowerment. As Director of Program Management and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she embodies service, sisterhood, and cultural pride in all she does.
Christina Auguste
Director of Digital Media
Christina Auguste blends over a decade of healthcare experience with creativity in digital media to amplify awareness and engagement for Marie’s Kitchen of Love. Passionate about service and storytelling, she uses her platform to highlight impact, inspire giving, and strengthen the connection between the organization and the communities it serves.
Our Inspiration
The Woman Behind Marie’s Kitchen of Love
Marie Assé is the heartbeat and inspiration behind Marie’s Kitchen of Love. After the passing of her husband, she turned grief into purpose and founded Institution Mixte de Marie Assé in Haiti. Sacrificing the comforts of life in America, she returned home and built the school from the ground up.
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When the 2010 earthquake struck, she saw not destruction but opportunity—expanding the school to serve even more children. Now in her late 80s, Marie continues to show up daily, ensuring every child she meets is fed with hope, love, and a warm meal. Her courage and compassion continue to inspire everything we do.