Haitian Heritage Month at PBA
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) alumna Hangyna Ward (née: Jean) loves helping others—in fact, it’s been a big part of her life. From volunteering in student clubs at PBA to her current role in the public sector, she radiates servant leadership.
Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Ward recalls her father encouraging her to pursue higher education, try new things, and not be afraid to fail. She holds a special place in her heart for Haitian Heritage Month.
“My dad came from Haiti without much of an education, but he gave us a great lifestyle; we didn’t want for anything,” she says. “He said, ‘This is what we did with limited resources—imagine what you could do with a college degree.’ He told me not to fear; pursue my heart’s desire and God will do the rest.”
Forging a Path Ahead
Before transferring to PBA, she attended Palm Beach State College. Though Ward considered other local universities, she wanted a place where God was at the center and she could be around like-minded individuals. With a goal to enter into social services, she chose to study psychology and minor in politics.
“I have a heart for people. Before my current position, I was a case manager and worked with domestic violence shelters; I also would speak in prisons,” she says. “I love the study of the mind… Not just learning why people act the way they act, but also finding a solution for it.”
She also participated in PBA Praise, a gospel music ensemble—even becoming president during her senior year and meeting her future husband, Joshua there—and the Black Student Union, where she supported worship nights, spoken word events, and meetings.
“PBA shaped me tremendously,” shares Ward, who graduated in 2015. “In leadership, you deal with a lot of scenarios that may be hard; you have to make hard decisions and be a light.” She adds that PBA helped her learn to show God’s love through her character and how she navigates conflict.
Shining a Light through Service
Indeed, Ward has had countless opportunities to reflect God’s love in her career, from serving as a case manager for Henderson Behavioral Health and earning a master’s degree in criminology to being an economic empowerment advocate at the YWCA of Palm Beach County.
In 2021, she joined the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, racking up promotions along the way. Now as community engagement manager, she partners with local organizations to serve Palm Beach County residents, from job training to housing programs and more.
In 2023, Ward launched the Clerk’s first-ever community resource fair. The annual fair gives residents an opportunity to learn about affordable housing, mental health services, re-entry programs, and get fresh food from organizations like Feeding South Florida. Since its inception, the fair has served over 700 people.
She’s also a 2024-2025 graduate of Leadership Glades. Hosted by the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce, participants learn about the region’s business landscape, public services, and ways to better support the community. Located in western Palm Beach County, the rural region faces unique housing, environmental, and economic challenges. Ward hopes to bring a community resource fair to the area, ensuring residents can access these critical services.
“I have the best job in government. I get to create what I call ‘impact events,’” she says, smiling. “My job is for the people. I’m not just bringing flyers—it’s in-person, real assistance.”
For Ward, celebrating Haitian Heritage Month means strength, not giving up, and remembering to keep moving forward, especially as she thinks about her two young children.
“Haitians have a lot of history where we could have been down—but yet we still stand, and we’re building that resilience,” she reflects. “I am not where my parents were. And I am looking ahead at ways to provide greater opportunities for generations to come.”
