Welcome to the

YEF Garden

There is more to the Garden than what you can see.

Converting global waste into clean, renewable energy in underserved countries, beginning in Haiti.

Enter the Garden Silent Auction at Prelude

Scroll

The Path

Our Vision in Motion

Waste becomes power. Countries become whole.

Our vision begins in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, where we seek to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for healthier communities, sustainable livelihoods, and lasting economic growth.

Guided by four interconnected pillars, we're laying the foundation for a future where what was once discarded becomes a source of renewal.

Smiling children in a community the foundation serves

Public Health

Cleaner environments mean healthier families and stronger communities.

Solar panels generating clean energy at golden hour

Environmental Sustainability

Turning what the world discards into energy the world needs.

Turquoise Caribbean coastline and white sand beach

Tourism Advancement

Showcasing the beauty and culture of the places we serve.

Local innovators building solar technology together

Economic Growth & Development

Building livelihoods and local economies that endure.

The Founder

Planted with purpose.

Shirley Xavier, Founder of YE Foundation, wearing a gold locket with her mother Yvonne Etienne's portrait

Shirley Xavier founded YE Foundation Inc. with a bold vision: to transform one of the world's greatest environmental challenges into a powerful source of renewal, converting waste into clean, renewable energy in underserved countries.

Rooted in her Caribbean heritage, her journey begins in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, with a vision that extends far beyond its borders. Through education, strategic partnerships and community empowerment, she is working to cultivate a future where sustainability drives economic opportunity, strengthens communities and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come.

A Legacy of Love & Service

In loving memory of her mother, Yvonne Etienne, a Haitian master chef and healthcare worker whose hands nourished generations and whose compassion brought comfort and healing to countless lives. Her legacy of love, service, and unwavering care lives on in every seed of light planted through YE Foundation.

The Garden Keepers

YEF Board Members

Stewards of the vision. Champions of the mission. Cultivating a legacy of lasting impact.

Shirley XavierShirley XavierFounder / Board Chair
Janie DeasJanie DeasBoard Secretary
Dr. Edeline FrancoisDr. Edeline FrancoisTreasurer
Nesly RousseauNesly RousseauProject Development Chair
Joensia MertilusJoensia MertilusFundraising Chair
Cassandra CharlesCassandra CharlesLegal Counsel Chair
Nina SimmonsNina SimmonsVisual Identity Chair
Dr. Oris GuillaumeDr. Oris GuillaumeGlobal Operations Chair

Guiding the Growth

YEF Strategic Advisor

Bringing insight, influence and expertise together to help our vision take root and flourish.

Lydia PierreLydia PierreEcosystem Strategist

The Canopy

The Garden in Bloom

One fruitful tree. Many possibilities.

Every bloom tells a story of what we are cultivating. Every branch connects the experiences within our growing ecosystem. Every root represents a way to help it flourish.

Touch a bloom. Explore a branch.
Take hold of a root.

A great exotic tree in the Garden, roots deep in the earth and its canopy full of glowing blossoms Prelude to the Garden The YEF Gala Green Futures  Haiti Cultural Day: Soup Joumou Competition  ROOTS & RENEWAL YEF.Global Give Partner or Sponsor Volunteer

Nothing in this Garden grows alone.

Behind every flourishing vision are the hands that nurture it, the relationships that sustain it, and the people who choose to believe in what is possible.

Taking root is a choice.
Now, that choice is yours.

A Key to the Garden

Every Seed. Every Root.

As your journey continues through
YE Foundation's ecosystem,
discover the many ways our vision is taking shape.

The Blooms · What Is Growing

The official Prelude to the Garden invitation artwork

Prelude to the Garden

Cultural Experiences

Friday, October 16, 2026 | 6 PM
Rock Steady, Atlanta.
Enjoy an intimate evening of cocktails, culture, and connection as you take your first step into the Garden.

TONIGHT: Complete your Cultivation Passport & WIN a prize 🏆

Take Root
Convert global waste into clean, renewable energy - YE Foundation vision

YEF.Global

Our home on the web. Discover the full story of YE Foundation, the mission that grounds us, the vision that guides us, and everything we're cultivating for the future.

Dig Deeper
Haiti Cultural Day Soup Joumou Competition save the date flyer

Haiti Cultural Day: Soup Joumou Competition

January 23, 2027

A celebration of Haitian heritage
through its most beloved dish, Soup Joumou, honoring freedom and flavor through music, art and storytelling. A living tribute to the soul and resilience of Haiti.

Nourish

ROOTS & RENEWAL

A cultural impact platform created
by The Xchange Agency, connecting culture, community and purposeful experiences while supporting YE Foundation.

Branch Out

YEF Gala

Coming 2027

The YEF Gala is YE Foundation's annual signature celebration. In 2027, A Night in the Secret Garden will unveil the beauty of what we've been cultivating and the impact we're growing together.

Blossom

Green Futures

Our sustainability education initiative, equipping youth and communities with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to build
a greener future.

Plant Seeds

The Roots · How to Take Hold

Give

Every gift helps plant clean energy where it is needed most.

Sow

Partner or Sponsor

Align your brand with a movement growing toward 2027 and beyond.

Cultivate

Volunteer or Offer Expertise

Lend your hands, your skills or your wisdom to the Garden.

Nurture

Every experience has a purpose.
Every initiative tells a story.
Every program holds the promise of something greater.