April 1, 2026

Media Contact: media@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, CA. — The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic and untimely passing of Florida Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, a respected public servant, community leader, and unwavering advocate for immigrant communities.

“Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen was a light in the Haitian community and a true champion for immigrants,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance. “Her advocacy was not performative—it was rooted in lived experience, empathy, and an unwavering belief in the dignity of all people. We have lost not only a partner in this work, but a dear friend. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to fight for justice, humanity, and the protection of immigrant communities everywhere.”

HBA had the privilege of engaging with Vice Mayor Metayer Bowen on climate migration, environmental disasters and other issues impacting immigrant families, particularly those navigating systemic barriers and seeking opportunity in the United States. Her voice helped bridge communities and elevate conversations that too often go unheard. She was only 38 years-old with an incredibly bright future ahead of her.

Reports indicate that her death may be connected to domestic violence. If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at  1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now.

At this time, Haitian Bridge Alliance extends its deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched. We join the broader community in mourning this profound loss and call for continued support, healing, and justice.

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ABOUT HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE

Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), also known as “The Bridge”, is a grassroots community organization that advocates for fair and humane immigration policies, foreign policy, and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services, with a particular focus on Black migrants, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses. HBA also seeks to elevate the issues unique to Black migrants and build solidarity and a collective movement toward policy change. Anpil men chay pa lou (“Many hands make the load light”).
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