Island SPACE Caribbean Museum has named Cleopatra Bauduy Moise as its new board president, making her the first Haitian-American to lead the organization, in a leadership shift that underscores the growing influence of the Haitian community within the institution.
Christina Brown, a Jamaican native, was elected alongside her as vice president, ensuring continued Caribbean diversity at the highest level of the museum’s leadership.
The appointments, finalized on April 27, 2026, mark a generational transition for the South Florida-based museum, with both leaders under the age of 45. Together, they bring a blend of cultural connection, professional expertise and a shared focus on expanding the museum’s reach and impact.
They succeed co-founder David Muir, who now serves as immediate past president.
Bauduy Moise’s appointment is particularly significant given the composition of Island SPACE’s team, where a majority of staff identify as Haitian and serve in key roles across programming, operations and volunteer coordination. Her leadership signals a closer alignment between the museum’s governance and the communities it represents.
“I’m honored to serve as board president of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a space that celebrates Caribbean culture and tells our stories unapologetically,” Bauduy Moise said. “My vision is to grow our impact, expand our reach, and ensure our heritage continues to inspire future generations.”
She brings a background in communications and community engagement, currently serving as director of communications and community engagement at HCA Florida Westside Hospital. She is also co-founder of My Native Tongue, a mobile language-learning platform, and previously held roles at Miami Children’s Museum and Chapman Partnership focused on outreach and partnerships.
Brown, who steps into the vice president role, brings a multidisciplinary background in culinary arts, event production and cultural programming. She has led the development of large-scale events and built an operation that produced more than 200 programs annually, with a focus on fostering community connection through shared experiences.
“Through Island SPACE, I get to be in service to culture,” Brown said. “I’m excited to support the organization at a strategic level and help grow its legacy as a place where people can experience and learn about Caribbean culture.”
Both women will serve an initial two-year term alongside treasurer Leary Mullings of CrichtonMullings & Associates and Marcia Ward, a retired Broward County library manager.
Under their leadership, and with Executive Director and co-founder Calibe Thompson continuing in his role, Island SPACE is entering a new phase of growth. The organization is expanding beyond traditional government funding to pursue private philanthropy, corporate partnerships and deeper community support, including memberships and institutional collaborations.
The museum is also seeking to expand its board and is inviting applications from individuals interested in supporting its mission.
Located at Broward Mall in Plantation, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Caribbean history, culture and artistic contributions, and remains the only museum of its kind focused exclusively on Caribbean heritage.
The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children under 12.
