Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Taina Camy, I’m 33 years old, married with two children, a boy and a girl.
How long have you been with Habitat?
Since December 2013.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Haiti. I have a degree in sociology which I received from the Université de l’Etat d’Haïti.
What motivation drives you?
I have a long background in the nonprofit sector in Haiti where I have worked mostly in gender equality. I’m lucky enough to have found a job where I can fuse my passion and my livelihood. With Habitat for Humanity, I’ve been able to work on various gender related projects, which ensured that women were not left out of the conversation with home ownership and construction.
What is one of your fondest memories at Habitat for Humanity?
During one of our projects, we sent people from the community of Simon Pele to vocational school to learn construction. My goal was to make sure that everyone who enrolled stuck with the program and obtained their certificates. One young man in particular explained that a life of crime was all he knew, because he was born into it. I kept an open door policy with everyone in the program, and one day, this young man asked to see me, he brought me $1; he explained that he knew this dollar wasn’t much, and would make no difference in my life, but it was the first dollar that he had earned honestly. I was incredibly moved by that moment.
What are three words that best describe you?
Joyful, friendly, determined.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m very passionate about women’s rights, as such, I’m involved in several organizations that fight for the rights of women and girls in Haiti. Aside from that, I’m someone who loves life, and believe that things should bring you joy. If it doesn’t bring you joy, what’s the point of having it in your life? I love to dance, play with my children, laugh with friends, try to always spread joy.
What are some of your plans for the future?
I plan on getting a Master’s Degree and continue the work I do to empower women and girls in Haiti, especially those who are often marginalized by society and don’t have access to the tools that would help them advance in life and empower themselves.