Honoring 15 Years of Resilience and Progress in Haiti

Fifteen years ago, I stood in Haiti as the earth shook beneath us, altering the course of countless lives forever. The 2010 earthquake brought unimaginable devastation—homes reduced to rubble, families torn apart, hundreds of thousands dead or injured, and communities left reeling. Yet, even in those darkest moments, I witnessed something extraordinary: the courage, strength, and determination of the Haitian people.

Several weeks after the earthquake, I found myself boarding a U.S. military flight out of Haiti. I had been working as a first responder near the quake’s epicenter in Carrefour, sleeping in a 10,000-person tent encampment alongside heroic Haitian doctors, nurses, and first responders who gave everything they had to help others. Exhausted, heartbroken, and forever changed, I sat on that plane overwhelmed by emotion and made a promise to spend the next 20 years of my life working to empower and resource local community leaders in Haiti.Serving as the CEO of Hope for Haiti has allowed me to continue to fulfill that promise in ways I could never have imagined. Before, during, and after the earthquake, Hope for Haiti’s work has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide resources and training to those shaping Haiti’s future. From entrepreneurs creating jobs and building businesses, to nurses and doctors improving health outcomes with unwavering compassion, to young scholars who embody hope—like one of our scholarship recipients who recently graduated college and is now beginning her career as a nurse, determined to serve her community—and to families striving for a brighter future for their children, we are committed to empowering and resourcing Haiti’s changemakers.

If you are following the news surrounding the 15th anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, you’ve likely seen headlines focusing on the misuse of funding, government corruption, and the current challenges in Port-au-Prince. While these issues are real, that is not the full story.

What often gets overlooked are the stories of transformation and progress happening every day. Haiti is not just its struggles, nor is it solely defined by its capital city. It is a nation of extraordinary people—economic development professionals teaching women the power of communal saving, nurses providing critical care to patients, farmers feeding their communities through innovation, and families striving for a brighter tomorrow. These stories may not make the headlines, but they are the heartbeat of Haiti’s progress and potential.

Fifteen years later, I’m reminded of three vital lessons from the earthquake that remain just as relevant today:

1. Empower and Resource Local Leaders: Sustainable change happens when we support leaders who know their communities best. By investing in their leadership, we create a lasting impact.
2. Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance Are Non-Negotiable: The earthquake highlighted the dangers of inefficiency and the misuse of resources. All organizations working in Haiti must adhere to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and governance, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and transparently to create measurable results that are available for all to see.
3. Focus on Realistic and Tangible Action: Haiti’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but progress is made through realistic, actionable goals that address immediate needs while building for the future. This pragmatic approach creates ripple effects of progress where it’s needed most.

As the Haitian proverb says, “Dèyè mòn, gen mòn”—beyond the mountains, there are more mountains. The challenges are great, but so is the determination of the Haitian people and the global community committed to walking alongside them.

The earthquake 15 years ago revealed both the immense challenges Haiti faces and the incredible resilience of its people. While the country continues to confront adversity—political instability, economic hardships, and natural disasters—there are countless examples of progress driven by those who refuse to give up.

Now, more than ever, Haiti needs a global community that believes in its potential. I invite you to take action:

• Donate: Support programs that empower local leaders and deliver meaningful change.
• Share: Help amplify stories of progress and hope to counter negative narratives.
• Advocate: Stand for accountability, equity, and sustainable solutions for Haiti’s future.

Together, we can honor the lives lost, celebrate the resilience of the Haitian people, and commit to writing the next chapter of Haiti’s story—one of hope, determination, and transformation.

With gratitude and hope,

Skyler Badenoch,

Hope for Haiti CEO