Presenters

• Cassandra Pierre

  Cassandra Pierre is a passionate advocate for social justice and is sensitive to the unique needs and cultures of the South Florida communities. Ms. Pierre was born and raised in Haiti. Her mother and father were educators who worked as public
  servants, helping the less fortunate. Their fervent desire to help those in need instilled the same passion in Ms. Pierre. In 2000, she earned a law degree from the State University of Haiti. A few years later, she immigrated to the United States.
  
  After Ms. Pierre came to the United States, she pursued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University in 2007. About two years later, she earned a Master of Social Work from Barry University in 2009. As a social worker, Ms. Pierre worked with underserved communities, affecting change for minorities and contributing to society. She later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2016.
  
  While in law school, Ms. Pierre interned at the University of Miami Immigration Clinic, where she represented clients in removal proceedings and participated in advocacy projects to improve human rights for noncitizens. Also, Ms. Pierre interned at the University of Miami Children and Youth Law Clinic, representing clients in dependency proceedings. Moreover, she was honored to work as a staff editor for the University of Miami Race and Social Justice Law Review.
  
  Ms. Pierre currently serves as an Assistant Public Defender. In this capacity, she combines her legal and social work skills to provide the best representation for her clients. Her passion for advocacy and social justice has
  inspired her to pursue a career in public service.
  

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• David Pires

  Pastor David Pires and his wife, Fanny Pires are both Brazilian. They have been married for 29 years. Together they have two children: Monique and William. Both of them were born in New York City. David was a pastor in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and now in Florida. He was a pastor for over 10 years in Orlando and now has been in the Deerfield and West Palm Beach Brazilian Churches for over 3 years. His wife, Fanny, works at the Neurology Department at Delray Medical Center, in Delray Beach.
  David studied Theology at Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts, and then earned a Master's degree from Andrews University, Michigan. He likes preaching, administration, soccer, and hang out with people. His wife likes singing, to talk to other women in the church, and to get involved in the children’s department.
  The family considers itself privileged for the opportunity to serve God's church.
  

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• Joseph Salajan

  Pastor Joe was born in the little town of Crasna (Romania). Ever since he was a child, he has been fascinated by the unique connection between pastors and their special book, the Bible. When at the age of 7 he received his first little Bible from a brave pastor who was able to procure it for him in spite of the interdictions of the communist regime, he felt special and decided one day he would become a pastor.
  
  After serving as a Pastor for 8 years in Romania, in 2013 he immigrated to the USA. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of Plantation Seventh-day Adventist Church. Along with his wonderful wife Anda and their gorgeous daughter Alessandra, he enjoys proclaiming God’s grace and ministering to his fellows.
  
  By God's grace, in February 2020 he completed my doctoral program obtaining a Doctor of Ministry degree in Preaching/Homiletics from Andrews University. His hobbies are languages, music, and poetry.