Whether she is bringing joy to audiences through her vocal prowess or assisting a student on their path to a successful future, Felina Backer is a true inspiration to everyone she encounters. From her first performance, it was obvious that a new star had emerged. In her own special way, Felina uses her talent and spirit to transcend negativity and serve as a driving force in her community.
In her quest to share her gift, she has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Haiti. She has performed everywhere from weddings and funerals to community events and political functions. On December 9, 2000, Felina released her first solo CD at her third anniversary concert. The CD features twelve recordings -- including ten original compositions. In 2003, CIME Production Company took control of her CD and distributed the album in Europe. The artist has participated in a major music and video production entitled “Atis Pou Ayiti.” She was one of a group of talented Haitian artists who joined together to pay tribute to Haiti and celebrate her 200th year of Independence. Recently, she was a guest artist on the album entitled “The Tribute” recorded by jazz guitarist Jean Chardavoine.
She has always used her talent in service of her community. This is evidenced in the many honors she has received. In 1991, she was the recipient of The French Gospel Music Awards (FGMA) for "Best New Female Artist.” In December 1999, she was the lead performer at The Caribbean Images 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Ceremony, where she was honored with an award for outstanding leadership - an event which also featured and honored many well known and respected community and political leaders. In 2002, She was awarded the Top Singer Female at the Caribbean Gospel Music Awards. Additionally, in 2003, she was named the International Gospel Artist of the Year. Felina was also honored with a proclamation from the City of New York for service toward her community. Then, in 2004, she was named the Top Caribbean Gospel Singer. In 2011, she was an honoree at the “Women Celebrating Women” sponsored by the Progressive Democrats Political Association. Also in 2011, she was awarded the Best Female Vocalist of the year at Kompa On Broadway.
Caucus Awards Dinner (Phoenix Awards Dinner – September 2009) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center where the president of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama, was the featured speaker for the event. Also in attendance was Ambassador Dr. Susan E. Rice – U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Actor Danny Glover, Senator Patrick J. Kennedy, Ms. Susan L. Taylor – Editor-in-chief and columnist with Essence Magazine, Actor Jeffrey Wright - profile politicians.
Felina has ministered at events such as the Fourth and Sixth Annual Anniversary Concerts of Gospel Kreyol at the Adventist Seminary in Diquini, at Rex Theatre, and recently at Karibe Convention Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In January 2010, she performed at the John F. Kennedy for the Performing Arts at “An Evening for Haiti”. She has performed at the International Women Celebration held at the Washington Hebrew Congregation Hall where the Actor Sean Penn was the guest speaker. In addition, she has performed at the Brooklyn Museum at a benefit concert for Haiti. Recently, she was called upon to perform at the Caribbean Heritage Month event Celebrating Heroes for Haiti – an event sponsored by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke where U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representatives Donna M. Christian-Christensen, Anthony Weiner, and NYC Comptroller John Liu were in attendance. In February 2011, she performed at the NYS Black and Puerto Rican Legislators Caucus chaired by Assemblyman Nick Perry and Gov. Bill Richardson was the guest speaker. Among the attendees were NYS Governor Cuomo and Senator Schumer. Additionally, Felina has performed at the following venues: Medgar Evers College, in the presence of Dr. William L. Pollard, President of the college, York College, in the presence of President Mr. Michel Martelly, President of Haiti, Hotel Montana, Parc Canne a Sucre, Lakay (Cap-Haitien), Citi Hall, Borough Hall, in the presence of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, just to name a few.
Over the years, her voice has reached hundreds of thousands of people – including many youth. In fact, her deep concern for the young people in her community led to her desire to become an educator. While continuing to perform, Felina earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education and began teaching middle school math. Her quest to improve her community did not stop there. As someone known for a relentless work ethic, she went on to earn her second Master’s Degree in School Building Administration and started a PHD in Educational Leadership. This led to her appointment as an Assistant Principal at a school in Brooklyn, NY. Felina, being a product of bilingual education, occasionally spends her time speaking to large number of bilingual education students, sharing her story and how they can also a success story. She recently, presented her bilingual education experience to NYSABE at their 35th Anniversary Dinner held a Fordham University, Lincoln Center Campus.
In addition to the long hours she spends working with youth, and sharing her gift of song, Felina also excels at fashion and clothing design. And thus, with this talent, she is running a sewing club at her school where she teaches the basic skills of Sewing to students who are interested. Décor is also a passion of hers. Moreover, she is the founder of MIPO, Inc. formerly known as Fayministry Outreach, Inc. and FAMIP (Financial Assistance – Making the Impossible Possible) Scholarship, which enable Haitian students to apply for financial assistance in order to pursue their education.
A deeply rooted and intensely spiritual woman, Felina gives all praise and glory to her Father in Heaven for the inspiration and the ability to transform that inspiration into something positive. As singer, songwriter, educator, and community leader, Felina possesses myriad gifts that have been and will continue to be a blessing to all.
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