Cindy Similien-Johnson, a Haitian-American author and graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, was elected as a Board Member of the United Nations Association-Brooklyn Chapter.
“I am very excited about being elected to the board,” Ms. Similien-Johnson said. “I am concerned about what happens not only around the world, but also in my community. As a Brooklyn native, I grew up with an appreciation and love for all cultures, and I look forward to engaging the youth in my community to become more aware of global issues.”
Ms. Similien-Johnson has written more than three motivational books, including “Living Expectantly” and “How to Stay Motivated.” Recently, she launched a cookbook series on Haitian meals called, “Cook Like a Haitian,” in which she plans to give a portion of all sales to combat childhood hunger.
The United Nations Association-USA has 125 chapters and divisions of approximately 20,000 members throughout the United States who work to advocate, educate, and teach their communities of the need to support the United Nations in its global efforts for human rights, maternal health; and, ending conflict, combating climate change assisting over one million refugees and people fleeing war, famine or persecution, and vaccinating 58 percent of the world’s children while saving 2.5 million lives a year and mobilizing the U.S. to provide a billion dollars in humanitarian and peacekeeping aid.
Through local events, social media, and advocacy, the United Nations Association Brooklyn Chapter inspires and mobilizes the community to understand and support the indispensable role of the United Nations in creating a safer and more just world. They also endeavor to raise money for and awareness about the work of NGOs that are dedicated to causes that supplement the work of the UN.
UNA-Brooklyn’s executive committee members include President Margarette Tropnas, Secretary Travis Hardy, and Treasurer Gabriel Levitt. Newly elected to the board also include Michelle Horne-Findley, Loretta Patton-Greenidge, Dr. Joan Tropnas, and Heidi West. Continuing board members are Peg Byron, Michelle Cuartas, Yuliya Gutkovskaya, Dr. Marceline J. Watler and Danny Jumpertz.
President Margarette Tropnas said, “I am eternally grateful to the board and all members of the United Nations Association (UNA)-Brooklyn Chapter for electing me as Chapter president. After four years as a board member, I humbly accept this new position as we work together as a team to mobilize and inspire Brooklyn to support the work of the United Nations. Many thanks to outgoing Chapter President Gabriel Levitt for the great precedent he has set and for his willingness to continue advancing our efforts now as Chapter Treasurer. We are hoping for another productive year, as we continue the hard work that Mr. Levitt and his team have been doing for the past six years.”
To become a member of UNA-Brooklyn and learn how to improve lives in our community and globally, please visit unabrooklyn.org.
