LIFESTYLE NEWS: Georgia philanthropist Dr. Donald Variste acquires Honorary Doctorate Degree, named 2024 recipient for Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Andre Johnson 
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)
REAPING A HARVEST
For Dr. Donald Variste, it has finally come to pass.
“This has been one of my dreams for as long as I can remember. I was never sure if it would come to fruition,” Dr. Variste said.
That to which Dr. Variste is alluding is what could be appropriately described as his grandest milestone to date.
The Sandy Springs, Georgia-based philanthropist was recently named a recipient for an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the prestigious T.I.U.A School of Business during its annual Honors of Distinction Ceremony.
An assembly that took place in December 2024, the purpose for the Honors of Distinction Ceremony is centered on celebrating and honoring individuals who have demonstrated high achievement in various capacities and disciplines.
For Dr. Variste, his latest milestone, he acknowledged, is one he doesn’t merely take lightly, the Miami, Florida native told Making Headline News during a recent interview.
“A good friend referred me to this program and, although I went through the process, I told myself that simply being a candidate was an honor,” Dr. Variste told MHN. “I submitted all the required documentation and trusted that if it was meant to be, it would happen.”
And the rest, as they say, was history.
“When I received the email confirming my selection as one of the recipients of this distinguished nomination, I was elated and incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Dr. Variste, a 2024 recipient for the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and United Nations Peace Ambassador, said. “Witnessing another one of my dreams come true is mind-blowing. My heart is full.”
An esteemed Haitian-American playwright, producer, stage director, and business owner, Dr. Variste, an early age, he was labeled as one with a rash of behavioral issues when, in reality, the traditional classroom structure did not cater to his creative talents.
To his credit, he possessed a keen ability to invent characters and craft stories that captivated his classmates. However, it was not until 2013 that he officially debuted his first stage play, The Reason For The Season, during a church’s Christmas program.
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By all accounts, that first production filled him with immense joy, marking the beginning of his journey in the performing arts.
Over the years, he struggled to fully embrace his passion, but this play confirmed what he had always known: his creative gift was his true calling. The experience gave him a profound sense of purpose and motivation, helping him find peace in being previously misunderstood.
Moreover, the success of this production further fueled his drive for writing and led to the creation of other plays such as Church Hurts, I Hate My In-Laws, Russian Roulette: It Wasn’t Me, and Standing On Business.
Through his company, DV Productions LLC, these plays have been performed in several cities, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. His main objective is to raise awareness on critical topics such as family dysfunction, domestic violence, and mental health while delivering messages of hope, forgiveness, redemption, and healing.
For what it’s worth, Dr. Variste’s productions are a unique blend of drama, laughter, suspense, and thought-provoking themes that resonate deeply with audiences. His work encourages open discussions on subjects often considered taboo, aiming to inspire positive change and awakening in communities. Drawing from his personal experiences and the stories of others, he crafts compelling narratives that address the struggles of society. He believes in breaking negative cycles, one show and one city at a time.
Beyond the stage, Dr. Variste is committed to inspiring individuals to reach their highest potential. He conducts workshops, engages in motivational speaking, and mentors aspiring actors through his understudy program.
As a first-generation immigrant, he understands the challenges of pursuing an unconventional career path, especially in the Haitian community, where artistic expression is not always encouraged. His dedication to mentoring actors of diverse backgrounds and investing in their growth is a testament to his belief in the power of dreams and hard work.
Moreover, building his company from the ground up has required immense effort, but he remains steadfast in spreading messages of reconciliation, love, togetherness, selflessness, motivation, and compassion.
SEASON OF A REBIRTH
Dr. Variste collaborates with people from all walks of life and manages a diverse team of actors and support personnel. His leadership style is highly inter-collaborative, valuing the input of his team members to create a seamless production process in an often-challenging industry.
He is also an active member of Spirit Led, a non-profit organization focused on outreach beyond church walls. Through this group, he has participated in numerous programs in Miami and Orlando, providing food, beverages, and clothing to the homeless.
With over 15 years in the production business, Dr. Variste has received numerous accolades. He has been featured in The Miami Times and The Orlando Times, hosted various radio shows, and served as a keynote speaker at multiple events.
However, his greatest fulfillment comes from seeing his characters come to life on stage and witnessing the growth of his actors. As a husband and father, his ultimate joy is making his family proud and ensuring their well-being. Grateful for his journey, he aspires to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
For more information about Sandy Springs, Georgi Author/Businessman Dr. Donald Variste, to inquire about his books, or to schedule him for a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with him via social media at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donald.variste; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donaldvariste/.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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