Interview with Marie-Paule Woodson

              Haitian Diaspora Oral History Collection
Interview with Marie-Paule Woodson
Little Haiti in Miami, September 12, 2013
Interview ASM0085000046
Interviewed by Lucrèce Louisdhon-Louinis
Recorded by Javier Carrion
Outline by Lucrèce Louisdhon-Louinis and Ben Morris
Length: 01:02:26
Interview with Marie-Paule Woodson, an advocate for women and children, with particular interests in human rights, fair employment, and social justice. Woodson grew up in Haiti, and her father encouraged her to come to the United States to continue her education. She worked as a social worker aide for Miami-Dade County while studying public administration at Miami Dade College. She then earned a B.S. in criminal justice at Florida International University, followed by an M.A. in public administration at St. Thomas University. Woodson has held a number of positions with Miami-Dade County, working as a counselor in both juvenile and adult court before moving into administration, where she is currently the Director of the Human Services Division of the Department of Community Action and Human Services. She also active in the local community, serving as the Chair of the Board for Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc. (Haitian Women of Miami), a community group that provides services to Haitian women and their families. She is also the Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission for Woman, and the General Secretary for the Caring Brothers and Sisters Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides medical services to northwest Haiti.
This interview forms part of the Haitian Diaspora Oral History Collection of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections.
This oral history expresses the views, memories and opinions of the interviewee. It does not represent the viewpoints of the University of Miami, its officers, agents, employees, or volunteers. The University of Miami makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in the interview and expressly disclaims any liability therefor.
Copyright to this interview lies with the University of Miami. It may not be reproduced, retransmitted, published, distributed, or broadcast without the permission of the University of Miami Libraries Special Collections. For information about obtaining copies or to request permission to publish any part of this interview, please contact Special Collections at asc@miami.edu. Marie-Paule Woodson 2
September 12, 2013
INTERVIEW OUTLINE
− 00:00:13: Introduction
− 00:00:43: This is just a conversation. Let’s start by you telling us about your childhood, your family environment, where you grew up, where you went to school, all of that good stuff.
− 00:15:52: I can see that your father was the most influential person in your life, right?
− 00:21:08: In the U.S., where did you start your journey? How old were you? How did you come? Tell us a little bit about that, because each of us has a story.
− 00:29:42: At Miami Dade [College], what degree did you earn there?
− 00:36:10: There’s one question I’ve asked a couple of times, and each time people have something a little bit different. Let me see how you go about it. If you could start again, would you start a different path, or are you happy with the choices you’ve made?
− 00:39:35: What would be the different thing you would have done if you had to choose?
− 00:42:27: You’ve been working for over 30 years… in Miami-Dade County. And none of it in public administration. What are the different positions you’ve held, and which of these do you feel has been most impactful?
− 00:50:00: Well, you volunteer for different causes related to women’s well-being… just to help people in need. Describe all the work that you’ve done, especially at the board member level, the Commission for Women, and other organizations like this?
− 00:58:16: Of all of these accomplishments, which one are you most proud of?
− 01:02:26: END OF INTERVIEW