Soup Joumou Competition

Haiti Cultural Day

The 3rd Annual Haiti Cultural Day: Soup Joumou Competition, hosted by YE Foundation, is a vibrant celebration of Haitian culture, heritage, and history through its most iconic dish: Soup Joumou.

This year’s event proudly kicks off Black History Month by honoring Haiti, the world’s first free Black republic and the first nation born from a successful slave-led revolution.

The event brings together chefs, community leaders, and cultural supporters to showcase their unique interpretations of Soup Joumou while uplifting the legacy of freedom, resilience, and pride deeply rooted in Haitian history.

Soup Joumou, a hearty pumpkin-based soup made with squash, root vegetables, pasta, and meat, holds powerful historical meaning. Once reserved exclusively for French colonizers, the dish was reclaimed by Haitians following independence in 1804. It became a symbol of liberation and is traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day as a reminder that freedom was won, not given.

Today, Soup Joumou continues to represent unity, remembrance, and renewal, values at the heart of this celebration.

Attendees will enjoy rich flavors, cultural experiences, raffles, and community connection, all while supporting YE Foundation’s ongoing initiatives focused on sustainability, environmental impact, and global empowerment.

YE Foundation

Transforming Lives Globally, One Eco-Step at a Time 🌍

YE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to developing innovative solutions that address environmental and waste management challenges in underserved communities.

Our work extends beyond sustainability. It is about improving quality of life, restoring dignity, and creating long-term impact for future generations. Our journey begins in Haiti, a land deeply connected to our mission.

Our Mission

To convert global waste into clean energy.

Our Vision

To promote better living conditions, sustainable environments, and prosperous economies in underserved countries.

Our Founder

Shirley Xavier is the founder of YE Foundation, a multi-passionate thought leader with more than 20 years of combined experience in sales, retail fashion, marketing, and business management.

Born and raised in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, Shirley’s Caribbean heritage shapes her leadership, creativity, and commitment to service.

Our Why

During a visit to Haiti, Shirley initially envisioned building a hospital in honor of her late mother, Yvonne Etienne. However, witnessing widespread burning trash, environmental hazards, and unsafe living conditions revealed a more urgent need.

That experience led to the creation of YE (Yvonne Etienne) Foundation, an organization rooted in environmental justice, health awareness, and sustainable development.

Our Inspiration

YE Foundation is inspired by the enduring legacy of Yvonne Etienne, a certified Master Chef and compassionate home health aide whose life was dedicated to caring for others.

Her spirit of service, resilience, and love continues to guide the foundation’s mission to create meaningful, lasting change across communities worldwide.

To learn more or get involved, visit
http://YEF.Global