My name is Winny Cupidon from Haiti. I would describe myself as a sensitive person with a strong personality and a little bit shy. I am a hard worker who likes to read, travel, learn new things, enjoy my day off work, watch culinary shows, and movies. I enjoy helping people, since in my country I was part of a Church group helping senior people in the center without family, children in the state hospital without income and others. I always felt that I had this mission, because God gave me great grace to help others in difficult situations. 

I also love living life in the best way possible through traveling to learn new things, new challenges, enjoying nature, the fresh air, walking without shoes to feel the land, going to the spa, eating healthily in a classic restaurant, meditation, spending time with my family and writing poetry. I believe in wellness, family with a very positive outlook even in tough situations and a belief that there is no limit. I am quadrilingual who speaks Haitian creole, French, Spanish and English. In my daily life as a Baptist, I value moral-spirituality, honesty, respect, punctuality, discipline, hard work, persistence, trustworthiness.  

One of my dreams since I was a child was to be part of the decision makers or managers of Industry or multinational Company and to have my own business. I remember my mom telling me to choose one and I told her I could do both. I am good at multitasking and balancing many things in life, it’s my passion and joy that gives my life direction. I have a master’s degree in Commercial Management and Marketing and used to work as a Commercial Promotor in my country. I have over 15 years of experience with various Industries like Insurance and production services. My experience is in management, marketing, and service or product promotion. I am a passionate, dedicated person with no regrets in my career and I always treat my client with passion, care, love and professionalism. 

When I first arrived in Philadelphia, I felt lost and sad, I had been vacationing for more than 10 years in the US, but this time it was my first time in Philadelphia. My objective was to go to New York and then I changed my mind at the last minute, and I did not regret anything. One thing that I experienced is that every time you ask about something, people responded, they didn’t know. Being in Philadelphia has been an experience for me and one of my favorite places is the Philadelphia Zoo, especially at night when it’s very spectacular. 

My experience at The Welcoming Center

I like reading and learning new things. One day at the library, I saw an announcement, and I went to the Welcoming Center to get more information about the programs that they have for immigrants. I didn’t regret this day because I enjoyed the training that helped me really complete some of my goals and I share this information every time I have the opportunity with others. I found exactly what I really need to make my first step in the US.  I became more confident, had a desire to learn more skills, and wanted to share information and help others to enjoy the opportunities that are available in Philadelphia. I have just started with the beginning of my goal, and I am sure that I will accomplish it. 

I learnt many things at the Welcoming Center. In the International Professionals Program, I shared with some friends that are living in other states how they can prepare themselves to find a job in their career. In the Immigrant Leadership Institute, I shared with friends how they can help other immigrants close to them about the integration process. In the Entrepreneurship program, I became a source of inspiration, that despite the circumstances you can always cherish your dream as an entrepreneur, by cherishing your passion. I formed relationships with people that I met through The Welcoming Center, and they are my motivation, because they were at the same place and to move forward and grow up. Maureen Smith and Mariama Diallo shared their story of when they first came to Philadelphia and with hard work in determination they are in another step in their career.   

One of favorite memory of The Welcoming Center was My first day, in Immigrant Leadership Institute when I was listening to the team presentations, and I had a big positive feeling that it is the right place for me. I keep coming back to The Welcoming center because the same way they helped me to find my way is the same way I will support the Welcoming Center helping other Immigrant to find their goal, dream, as they grow the Philadelphia Community. 

If I had not connected with The Welcoming Center, I would find other connections to realize my goal, because I believe that positive vibes attract positive vibes. I hope that The Welcoming Center uses more communication, because most of the Immigrant don’t really know the great work they are doing. With my project, the team could be a connection between the Immigrants in the International Professionals Program and the others and be a great opportunity for more people to expand the programs.