By: Alex Popa
Gary Siffort, born in Miami, Florida, and currently residing in Ft. Lauderdale, is a dedicated father, court reporter, and passionate writer with deep roots in his Haitian heritage. He draws inspiration from his mother’s resilience, his peers who have risen from humble beginnings, and his two daughters, who have given him purpose and motivation to strive for more.
Gary immerses himself in the legal industry as a court reporter for Esquire Deposition Solutions, constantly learning from the brilliant minds he interacts with.
Inspiration and Haitian Heritage
Growing up with Haitian parents and knowing the history of Haiti as the first black republic to gain independence has profoundly shaped Gary’s worldview. “Being Haitian comes with a lot of respect in the black culture,” he says, emphasizing the strength, hard work, and dedication associated with his heritage.
Gary’s Haitian background also fuels his desire to see more education and opportunities for the youth, especially in writing and journalism.
Education and careers
Gary attended Edward Waters University, where he studied business administration, and later earned a degree in media broadcasting from City College in Ft. Lauderdale. This combination of business and media education has equipped him with a unique skill set for his career as a court reporter, where he’s able to blend his technical expertise with his passion for storytelling.
As a court reporter, Gary finds his profession rewarding because it places him in rooms with successful, intelligent people, offering daily learning opportunities. He’s particularly proud of the fact that he’s found a career he loves, especially as a black man in America, where he feels everything is “set up to keep us under.”
Accomplishments and goals
Gary’s proudest accomplishment is being a present and loving father to his daughters, something he values deeply. His other major achievements include earning his degree and being featured in the Miami Herald twice in the last 12 months for his work as a court reporter.
Though Gary prefers not to share specific goals due to past experiences with outside interference, he is determined to continue providing for his children and achieving success in his career. His ultimate aim is to secure a prosperous future for his family and be a role model for other young black men.
Giving back to the Haitian community
Gary is passionate about giving back to his community, particularly by educating the youth. He hopes to develop a course that teaches writing and journalism skills, which he believes are essential for personal and community growth.
His dream is to bring together like-minded individuals to address issues in Haiti and work toward positive change. He believes that the Haitian diaspora in America has the resources to make a difference but recognizes that it will take collective effort and sacrifice.
Gary enjoys spending quality time with his daughters, writing music, and exploring different cuisines. He also loves going to the beach, attending comedy shows, and coaching youth football, where he makes a point to stay connected with the kids he mentors.
