Cherie Abbanat

Cherie Abbanat is a Lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the Department of Architecture and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP). With over 15 years of teaching experience, she focuses on policy, non-profit management, post-disaster rebuilding strategies in New Orleans and Haiti, and the importance of grassroots initiatives. She serves as CEO of Haiti Projects Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit transformed into a social enterprise under her leadership, employing 90+ staff in Haiti and 4 in the U.S. Her organization operates women's cooperatives, health clinics, and community libraries.

Education: BA in Economics and French from Simmons College, MA in Environmental Policy and Planning (MCP '97) from MIT. Professional interests emphasize empowerment of women through community-driven development.

Current courses include 'Foundations in Art, Design and Spatial Practices' (Spring 2025), continuing a teaching lineage from 2018 onwards.