An Interview with the First Tikkun Olam Award winner, Rodneyse Bichotte

Rodneyse Bichotte, State Committeewoman / District Leader of 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn NY pictured with Boris Noble, co-recipient of the first Tikkun Olam Award

In one section of Brooklyn, Rodneyse  Bichotte is quietly making her mark. In the mostly Haitian and Jewish Orthodox neighborhood she represents, in the 42^nd district, she’s steadfastly making a name for herself.  Born and raised in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. Bichotte is proud of her Haitian-American roots.

Those Caribbean roots have instilled the value of community organizing. She’s made it her mission to help bridge the gap in her community, so everyone can have a better understanding of each other’s differences and make every attempt to live in harmony. Her hard work is paying off and getting her noticed. She recently became the first Haitian person, along with colleague and fellow community organizer, Boris Noble, to receive the first Tikkun Olan Award, for their work with the New Haitian-Jewish Coalition. Our Dominique Verdieu spoke with Bichotte about her accomplishments.

Her accomplishments are many:  She’s a product of the New York City Public Schools; PS 198, Andries Hudde Junior High, Sheepshead Bay, and the LaGuardia School of Music and Arts & Performing Arts, where she studied classical music such as Beethoven, Schubert and Mozart. Rodneyse continued her studies at both Buffalo State College and SUNY at Buffalo, where she received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering; Her next stop, Illinois Institute of Technology for her Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering; and then Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where she received her MBA in Finance and Marketing.

Academically, she’s a high achiever. But community organizing continues to tug at her heart.

1. Tikkun Olan, is a Hebrew phrase meaning “repairing the world” how do you feel about receiving such a prestigious award?

Bicchotte: I was honored and very happy because I was recognized. It’s a lot of community work. It’s symbolic and significant. I didn’t expect it. It’s the first award ever given.

The two communities have shared commonalities. I wanted to bring a positive message to bridge the two communities together. I wanted to make our community a better place.

 2. What are some of the things you are doing now, in your own community?

Bichotte: I’m bringing information to people. I’m letting them know about access to resources such as :  youth programs, healthcare, small businesses, grant writing, how to get a license, financial literacy, and educating Haitians to fill out applications. I’ve gone to churches to let people know about programs that are out there. 

I’ve collaborated with other elected officials to have different programs. Especially, for people who were incarcerated to help them re-enter back into society: with help going back to school, getting jobs, etc. It’s an ongoing effort.

I’ve also created a newsletter to let people know what’s happening in the community. So far, it’s been well received.

3. You majored in music and engineering, what made you go back to your community to help?

Bichotte: Growing up, I wore many hats. I’m a child of a musician. (Her father was the lead saxophonist of legendary Haitian jazz band, “Jazz Des Jeunes”)

I was always part of community organizing. I ran for office in high school. I am also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Brooklyn Chapter.  I think it was passed down genetically. My mom likes to help and make a difference. She always said, “Help everyone. You never know when you’re going to need help from others.”

4. You went to Haiti after the earthquake to help. What was the experience like for you?

The people made the best of it. A very large portion of the areas I used to visit no longer exist.

5. What are your thoughts about Haiti’s future and President Martelly?

Bichotte: It will take some time to build a foundation again. Give him a chance and see. He’s able to relate to the younger generation to help the country, where it needs to be.

6. What does the future hold for you?

Bichotte:   I will continue helping out and getting our community involved in the political process. Sometimes the message doesn’t get across. At the end of the day it impacts us all. We should have more young people get involved.