海角在线

海角在线 (海角在线) alumna Hangyna Ward (n茅e: Jean) loves helping others鈥攊n fact, it鈥檚 been a big part of her life. From volunteering in student clubs at 海角在线 to her current role in the public sector, she radiates servant leadership.

Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Ward recalls her father encouraging her to pursue higher education, try new things, and not be afraid to fail. She holds a special place in her heart for Haitian Heritage Month.

鈥淢y dad came from Haiti without much of an education, but he gave us a great lifestyle; we didn鈥檛 want for anything,鈥� she says. 鈥淗e said, 鈥楾his is what we did with limited resources鈥攊magine what you could do with a college degree.鈥� He told me not to fear; pursue my heart鈥檚 desire and God will do the rest.鈥澛�

Forging a Path Ahead

Before transferring to 海角在线, she attended Palm Beach State College. Though Ward considered other local universities, she wanted a place where God was at the center and she could be around like-minded individuals. With a goal to enter into social services, she chose to study psychology and minor in politics.

鈥淚 have a heart for people. Before my current position, I was a case manager and worked with domestic violence shelters; I also would speak in prisons,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 love the study of the mind鈥� Not just learning why people act the way they act, but also finding a solution for it.鈥�

She also participated in 海角在线 Praise, a gospel music ensemble鈥攅ven becoming president during her senior year and meeting her future husband, Joshua there鈥攁nd the Black Student Union, where she supported worship nights, spoken word events, and meetings.聽

鈥満＝窃谙� shaped me tremendously,鈥� shares Ward, who graduated in 2015. 鈥淚n leadership, you deal with a lot of scenarios that may be hard; you have to make hard decisions and be a light.鈥� She adds that 海角在线 helped her learn to show God鈥檚 love through her character and how she navigates conflict.

Shining a Light through Service

Indeed, Ward has had countless opportunities to reflect God鈥檚 love in her career, from serving as a case manager for Henderson Behavioral Health and earning a master鈥檚 degree in criminology to being an economic empowerment advocate at the YWCA of Palm Beach County.

In 2021, she joined the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, racking up promotions along the way. Now as community engagement manager, she partners with local organizations to serve Palm Beach County residents, from job training to housing programs and more.聽

In 2023, Ward launched the Clerk鈥檚 first-ever community resource fair. The annual fair gives residents an opportunity to learn about affordable housing, mental health services, re-entry programs, and get fresh food from organizations like Feeding South Florida. Since its inception, the fair has served over 700 people.

She鈥檚 also a 2024-2025 graduate of. Hosted by the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce, participants learn about the region鈥檚 business landscape, public services, and ways to better support the community. Located in western Palm Beach County, the rural region faces unique housing, environmental, and economic challenges. Ward hopes to bring a community resource fair to the area, ensuring residents can access these critical services.

“I have the best job in government. I get to create what I call 鈥榠mpact events,鈥欌�� she says, smiling. 鈥淢y job is for the people. I鈥檓 not just bringing flyers鈥攊t鈥檚 in-person, real assistance.鈥�

For Ward, celebrating Haitian Heritage Month means strength, not giving up, and remembering to keep moving forward, especially as she thinks about her two young children.

鈥淗aitians have a lot of history where we could have been down鈥攂ut yet we still stand, and we鈥檙e building that resilience,鈥� she reflects. 鈥淚 am not where my parents were. And I am looking ahead at ways to provide greater opportunities for generations to come.鈥�