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Meet Walden Alumna Juniace Etienne, EdD: Broadening Minds Through Education

This Doctor of Education graduate leads positive social change as a teacher, mentor, international speaker, and education consultant.

“I believe in my students. I believe I can make them lifelong learners. Even my lessons—yes, I am teaching French, but I always think: What is the social change that my students can [be part of]? When they leave the room, what have they learned from it?”

Improving academic performance. Enhancing teaching strategies. Inspiring academic change.

These phrases are the first you’ll notice on Dr. Juniace Etienne’s curriculum vitae. Every day, she pours her heart and soul into achieving these goals—but her aspirations and accomplishments don’t stop there. In fact, since earning her undergraduate degree in special education from Barry University in 2005, Dr. Etienne has parlayed two advanced education degrees and significant personal and professional experience into a multifaceted, influential, and deeply rewarding career.

Dr. Juniace Etienne

Driven to achieve
A passionate lifelong learner, Dr. Etienne understood early on that “education can expand one's opportunities to succeed.” As a 16-year-old migrant worker toiling alongside her Haitian immigrant parents in the fields of Florida, she took her mother’s advice to heart: “You do not have to work on a farm,” her mother would say. “I do it, but you can do better.”

And so Dr. Etienne took a bold step toward redefining her future: She left the fields and enrolled herself in high school—a decision that set her on the path to where she is today.

Propelled by purpose
Her insatiable appetite for learning led her to become one of the first in her family to earn a college degree. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University in 2007, followed by a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Walden University in 2011.

Today, Dr. Etienne teaches French at Collier Public Schools in Naples, Florida. She works with students at all achievement levels and strives to empower and stimulate their intellectual curiosity. As an educator, she helps foster students’ confidence, leadership potential, and global awareness. In recognition of her efforts, the Collier County School District recognized her with a 2020 Golden Apple Award for being a Teacher of Distinction.

Dr. Etienne also teaches adult French and English classes at a community educational center in Collier County.

Motivated to inspire
Through Juniace Shapes Young Minds—her coaching, mentoring, and advocacy platform—this influential educational leader shares her expertise with parents, teachers, students, and other individuals who are invested in creating stronger collective futures through accessible and effective education.

She has written five books, lectures to international audiences, and encourages individual clients to pursue purpose-driven education and careers.

Called to give back
In addition to her many other responsibilities, including co-parenting “four wonderful daughters” with her husband, Dr. Etienne serves as president of the Haiti Education Fund (HEF), a nonprofit organization she and her siblings founded in honor of their mother.

Together with local partners in the family’s hometown of Miragoâne, HEF endeavors to break the cycle of poverty through increased access to education. Ultimately, the foundation hopes to cultivate a legacy of social change by empowering future generations to pay their opportunities forward.

“Knowledge is not yours to keep,” Dr. Etienne says. If you keep it to yourself, it’s not knowledge. You have to pass it on.”

If you’re ready to take the next step in your own lifelong learning journey, Walden University’s fully online Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program could be the answer.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering high-quality online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as online certificate programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

Note on Teacher Licensure or Certification
This program does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

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