Nora Jeanne Joseph, a Haitian-American social entrepreneur, is a driving force behind sustainable development and women's empowerment in Haiti. With a deep-rooted passion for creating positive change, she founded RADIKAL, a social enterprise that empowers women through distribution micro-franchises. Moved by the urgent need for economic opportunities in Haiti, especially after the 2010 earthquake, Nora moved back to her home country in 2015 to establish RADIKAL.

The social venture initially focused on providing local women with access to affordable, high-quality cosmetic and household products. However, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a pivot towards addressing the critical issue of food security. RADIKAL's innovative approach involves empowering street

food vendors in Les Cayes, Haiti. By providing business and sanitation training, the organization helps these women become improved micro-entrepreneurs, offering affordable and healthy food to their communities. This not only improves the livelihoods of the vendors but also plays a vital role in combating

hunger in low-income areas.

Nora's vision extends beyond economic empowerment. RADIKAL aims to harness technology to create efficient distribution channels while prioritizing environmental sustainability. By manufacturing and distributing products locally, the social business reduces dependence on imports and promotes a more sustainable food system.

Nora's dedication to her cause has earned her recognition on the global stage. She has been selected in various global programs, including Agora Partnerships, SOCAP Social Entrepreneur Scholarship Program, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, How Women Lead/Women Leaders for the World.Nora is a Mentor in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s Mentoring Program, and serves as a Global Advisor to Women Leaders for the World fellows in How Women Lead. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and The Haitian Times.

In July 2023, Nora was selected for the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship, and her work has been featured in Ashoka's Leading Social Entrepreneurs 2023 report, highlighting her significant contributions to social and systemic change. In March 2024, Nora was featured in a special UN Partnerships exhibit “Portraits of Progress : Women Powering the Global Goals” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Through RADIKAL, Nora is catalyzing a transformative impact in Haiti. By empowering women street

vendors and connecting them to local producers, her initiative is creating a more resilient and sustainable

food system. RADIKAL addresses multiple challenges, including poverty, gender inequality, and food

insecurity, while also promoting environmental stewardship. With a background in International Affairs,

Nora is pursuing a Master's in Social Policy at the University of Connecticut, and has obtained multiple

certifications including in Cultural Diplomacy and Sustainable Development.