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Haitian-American author, professor, counselor, and philanthropist, Albeete Betty Fortunat, has won renown as an inspired innovator and leader dedicated to assisting emerging literary voices, entrepreneurs, students, and women through community initiatives, mentorship, publishing, and writing. An MBA holder, her strides in the education sector and community empowerment earned her a doctorate degree in 2024. Currently, she is a business management professor at DeVry University, shaping the lives and careers of aspiring professionals and future leaders. Her books x-ray identity, entrepreneurship, culture, and empowerment. Her oeuvre teems with Before You Flip, This Friend Inside, The Color of Your Accent, Fortunately Femmes: A Legacy of Fortune and Fempreneurship, Ayiti Gen Pitit, Compas Direct: 70 Ans, Men O’ Pause: A Hot Mama’s Diary, and Fanm Pa Dra.
In 2024, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 presented under the administration of the U.S. President, Joe Biden. Twice In 2025, she received the prestigious Author of the Year Award, and was also honoured at the Haiti Inbound and the Haitian Music Awards. In this interview with Henry Akubuiro, the Haitian-American recollects fond memories of her Caribbean heritage and how it has shaped her writing, work and life today.
You were born in Haiti, how did that background shape your writing?
Being born in Haiti shaped not only my writing, but my entire worldview. Haiti is a land of resilience, culture, spirituality, creativity, and survival. Growing up in that environment taught me the power of storytelling very early. Our stories were often carried through conversations, music, proverbs, and lived experiences.
As a writer, I carry Haiti with me on every page I write. Whether I speak about entrepreneurship, empowerment, identity, or healing, there is always a Haitian heartbeat behind my words. My writing is deeply rooted in strength, dignity, hope, and the desire to preserve our voices and experiences for future generations.
If you had to advise your younger self on writing, what would that be?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid to take up space with her voice. I would say: write boldly, write honestly, and do not wait for perfection before sharing your story. Many people silence themselves because they believe their stories are too ordinary, too painful, or not important enough. But I have learned that the stories we hesitate to tell are often the very stories that heal and inspire others.
Are you satisfied with the impact your books have made so far? Tell us your books that got you the most accolades.
I am grateful for the impact my books and publishing projects have made so far, especially because the greatest reward is hearing that a story changed someone’s perspective or gave them courage. However, I still believe there is much more work to do.
One of the projects that brought significant recognition was , which celebrated women who contributed to Haitian music and culture. The project opened important conversations about representation and cultural preservation. Receiving recognition such as the Author of the Year Award was also a humbling reminder that meaningful stories truly matter.
What’s your writing regimen like?
My writing regimen is very intentional but also flexible because I wear many hats as an educator, entrepreneur, publisher, and community advocate. I write best when inspiration meets discipline.
Sometimes I write early in the morning when my mind is clear, and other times inspiration comes late at night. I keep notes constantly, because ideas can come from conversations, experiences, community work, or even moments of reflection. For me, writing is not only about sitting at a desk. It is about observing life closely and turning meaningful experiences into words that can educate, heal, or empower.
Do you think you are within distance of the target you set for yourself as a writer?
Yes, but I also believe that purpose continues to evolve. I am proud of how far I have come, especially as a Haitian woman creating spaces for stories that are often overlooked.
At the same time, I still have bigger dreams. I want to continue building global platforms for authors, especially Haitian and minority voices. I want to see more stories translated, preserved, and shared internationally. So while I celebrate the milestones, I still see this as part of a larger mission.
Between being a Business Management professor at DeVry University and being a writer, which gives you the most mileage you want?
Interestingly, both complement each other beautifully. Teaching allows me to shape minds directly, while writing allows me to impact people beyond the classroom and beyond borders. As a professor, I enjoy helping students develop critical thinking and confidence. As a writer, I can leave behind ideas, stories, and lessons that continue living long after the conversation ends. If I had to summarize it, teaching allows me to touch lives in the moment, while writing allows me to touch generations.
Your books explore identity, entrepreneurship, culture, and empowerment, what determines what you write?
I write about what moves me emotionally and what I believe society needs to discuss more openly. My experiences, my culture, my community work, and the people I encounter often influence my themes.
I am especially drawn to stories that uplift voices, challenge limitations, and encourage transformation. Whether it is entrepreneurship, women empowerment, or cultural identity, I want my work to leave people thinking, healing, and aspiring for more.
Do you write to express yourself, or with defined objectives? What does writing mean to you?
It is both. Writing is definitely a form of self-expression, but it is also deeply purposeful for me. I rarely write without intention. Sometimes the objective is empowerment. Sometimes it is education, healing, preservation, or inspiration. Writing allows me to transform emotions, experiences, and ideas into something that can outlive me.
To me, writing is legacy work. It is one of the most powerful ways to preserve voices, document truths, and create impact.
Were you expecting it when you were garlanded as the Author of the Year Award last year?
Honestly, I was humbled and surprised. We often work so passionately behind the scenes that we do not always stop to realize the extent of the impact being made. Receiving that recognition meant a great deal to me because it represented more than personal success. It felt like recognition for every dreamer, every immigrant, every woman, and every voice that keeps pushing forward despite obstacles.
You have flourished in community empowerment and women support, what prompted this and do you see yourself as a bridge builder?
Absolutely. I do see myself as a bridge builder. Growing up and later working within communities showed me how many talented women simply lack access, confidence, resources, or support systems. I wanted to help create those bridges through education, entrepreneurship, publishing, mentorship, and visibility.
That is one of the reasons I founded Fortunately Femmes Inc. My mission has always been to help women recognize their value, uncover their hidden potential, and build sustainable success. When women rise, families and communities rise with them.
Former US President, Joe Biden, honoured you with a Lifetime Achievement Award, what does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is impact. It is knowing that your work has improved someone’s life, opened a door, inspired confidence, or created opportunities for others. Awards are beautiful milestones, and I am deeply honored by such recognition, but true success is measured by the lives touched along the journey. I believe success is also about service, legacy, and remaining authentic while uplifting others along the way.
You have a passion for empowering authors and women, what do you look out for?
I look for authenticity, willingness to grow, and the courage to keep going despite fear or obstacles. Many people have incredible gifts and stories, but they sometimes underestimate themselves.I enjoy helping people recognize the value of their voice and turning their ideas into something impactful. Whether through publishing, mentorship, or entrepreneurship, I want people —especially women —to understand that their experiences, knowledge, and creativity can become part of their legacy.
Are you still nostalgic about the land of your birth, Haiti, given the recent troubles?
Haiti will always live in my heart. No matter where life takes me, my roots remain deeply connected to the land of my birth. The recent challenges are heartbreaking, especially knowing the strength, beauty, brilliance, and resilience of the Haitian people. But despite the pain, I remain hopeful. Haiti has survived unimaginable hardships throughout history, yet its spirit continues to shine through its people, culture, art, faith, and determination.
I believe it is important for Haitians everywhere to continue telling our stories, supporting one another, and reminding the world that Haiti is far more than its struggles. Haiti is also greatness, creativity, courage, and legacy.
