By: Alex Popa
Derline Desjardins, a determined young woman who was born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, is passionate about her Haitian heritage and inspired by her parents’ sacrifices. They inspire her daily to work hard and make them proud.
Their unwavering support has played a vital role in her achievements, and she credits her strong faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation of her resilience. Raised in the church, Derline’s relationship with Christ has strengthened over time, guiding her through life’s challenges and fueling her ambition to pursue her dreams.
Being Haitian and its influence
Derline’s Haitian-American identity shapes her worldview and motivates her to appreciate the opportunities she has. She is acutely aware of the hardships her family and others in Haiti face, and this awareness pushes her to strive for greatness.
For her, every success as a Haitian-American helps uplift her community and serves as a step toward bringing positive change to Haiti.
Educational Journey
Derline’s academic background reflects her dedication to personal growth and excellence. She completed dual enrollment at Palm Beach State College while still in high school, earning an AA degree.
She then pursued a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Lynn University. Her next step is law school, where she plans to earn her J.D. and ultimately become a criminal defense attorney in South Florida.
Career and Professional Aspirations
Since 2020, Derline has been working as a kindergarten teacher, a role she took on right after high school. Educating young minds has been an enriching experience for her, allowing her to witness the growth and development of children.
While she loves teaching, her true dream is to become a criminal defense attorney. Her long-term professional goal is to fight for justice and advocate for those in need within the legal system.
Major Accomplishments
At only 18 years old, Derline became a licensed realtor and began her teaching career. She also purchased her first home at age 20, a remarkable achievement. Her academic excellence and community contributions have earned her recognition, including the title of Hot 100 Young Haitian recipient.
Additionally, Derline founded Desjardins Vision Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid to Haiti, further demonstrating her commitment to her community.
Future goals and impacts
Derline’s goals extend beyond her legal aspirations. She hopes to use her nonprofit to strengthen unity within the Haitian diaspora and provide much-needed support to Haiti. She plans to continue growing her relationship with God, keeping faith at the center of all her endeavors.
Derline envisions a future where the Haitian community comes together to create lasting change, and she intends to lead by example, contributing through both her professional and personal efforts.
Fun and hobbies
In her free time, Derline enjoys swimming, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She finds relaxation in reading, often by the beach or pool, and embraces the opportunity to explore the world through her travels.
