The following blog post was written by Hope for Haiti Economic Development Manager, Wilner Saint-Preux.
“Working at Hope for Haiti since August 2021, and for about two years as Economic Development Manager, has been a deeply enriching experience, both professionally and personally. What I love most about my role is being able to directly contribute to initiatives that have a tangible impact on the lives of families living in vulnerable communities in the Southern region of Haiti. Supporting these communities in their efforts to improve their living conditions, strengthen their economic capacities, and promote self-sufficiency is a daily source of motivation for me.
Leading a team is both an exciting challenge and a valuable learning opportunity. I have discovered how essential active listening, trust, and recognition are for motivating a team and fostering a collaborative work environment. At Hope for Haiti, I have the privilege of working with passionate, committed colleagues who are deeply connected to the realities on the ground. This team dynamic pushes me to give my very best every single day.
A Leadership Journey That Transformed Me
Through my leadership journey, I have learned a lot about myself. I have developed greater adaptability, empathy, and, above all, a more human-centered approach to leadership. I’ve realized that sustainable impact comes through strengthening local capacities, and that a leader’s role is not just to give directives, but to guide, train, and inspire. This same leadership experience also led me, three years ago, to co-found a local organization called “Ansanm Pou Timoun” (Together for Children). Based in Petit-Goâve, it aims to educate children, support families, and transform communities. This initiative brings hope to the youth in my community and aligns perfectly with my vision of sustainable and inclusive development.
At its core, Hope for Haiti is an organization that places communities at the heart of its actions. The Economic Development program aims to create opportunities within the local economy by facilitating access to financial assistance and education for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Grand Sud region. We firmly believe that economic empowerment is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. Every project led by our team has a real impact: whether it’s helping women entrepreneurs strengthen their small businesses, supporting community agricultural initiatives, or assisting women in accessing savings and credit through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), we see concrete and positive changes. These successes, even when they start small, have a multiplier effect on families and the community as a whole.
In summary, my work and that of my team at Hope for Haiti go far beyond numbers and indicators. Step by step, we are building bridges towards a better future for thousands of people. It is this vision of sustainable, human-centered development that gives true meaning to our mission.”
