Naomie Payen

Naomie Payen is a city planner, educator, and community advocate of Haitian descent, born and raised in Miami, Florida, with lived experience abroad in the Caribbean. She is a proud alumna of Howard University, Class of 2013, graduating from the former John H. Johnson School of Communications with a degree in Legal Communications.

A two-time graduate of the University of Miami, Naomie holds advanced degrees in Community and Social Change and Architectural and Urban Design. Her interdisciplinary background bridges policy, design, and social equity grounding her work at the intersection of urban planning, cultural identity, and community transformation.

Naomie currently serves as the City Planner for the City of Opa-locka, where she advances sustainable development, equitable growth, and culturally responsive planning practices. She is also a professor at Miami Dade College, where she teaches courses on architecture in sacred spaces, exploring the relationship between design, spirituality, and community memory.

Her professional journey includes experience in secondary education, medical research and work as a student midwife, with a dedicated focus on advancing Black maternal health and improving outcomes for underserved communities.

Deeply committed to service, Naomie has been an active member of the Howard University Alumni Club of South Florida since 2016. She has served on the executive board since 2020 in the roles of Secretary, Vice President, and currently President, a position she has held since December 2022. Through her leadership, she continues to strengthen alumni engagement, scholarship initiatives, and community impact throughout South Florida.

Nominee is committed to the growth of HUAA on an international level - hoping to rebuild bridges with Caribbean alumni while strengthening the continental clubs. In addition, the nominee has served in the HUAA for a decade and understand the commitment it takes to get the job done.