Vanessa Winston’s Journey of Resilience
Vanessa Winston, a 44-year-old mother of four from Roseau, Dominica, faced the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Despite losing her home and workshop, she persevered and with the support of the UN, she has successfully rebuilt her life.
Overcoming Adversity
Vanessa, a talented artisan specializing in handmade fashion accessories, is also the President of the Dominica Arts & Craft Producers Association. Hurricane Maria destroyed everything she had worked for, but Vanessa’s determination and resilience shone through as she embarked on the journey of rebuilding.
Surviving the Storm
During the hurricane, Vanessa and her family sought refuge in their workshop, only to witness the destruction of their home. Despite the chaos and devastation, Vanessa’s quick thinking and courage saved her family, demonstrating her strength in the face of adversity.
Community Support and Rebuilding Efforts
After the storm, Vanessa received support from her community, aid agencies, and the UN. With a focus on restoring the forest that is vital to their craft, Vanessa and the members of the Dominica Arts & Crafts Producers Association embarked on reforestation projects and beekeeping initiatives to revitalize their industry.
Empowerment Through Training and Support
Vanessa emphasizes the importance of business training and networking opportunities provided by the UN, which have played a crucial role in her success as an entrepreneur. Through continuous learning and collaboration, Vanessa has not only improved her own business but also supported her community and family.
Rebuilding Dominica with UN Support
The United Nations has been instrumental in supporting the recovery efforts in Dominica post-Hurricane Maria and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives such as the Joint Emergency Cash Transfer Programme and the Covid-19 Social Cash Transfer Programme have provided essential assistance to individuals like Vanessa Winston. Additionally, the Dominica Arts & Crafts Producers Association has received funding from the Green Environment Fund’s Small Grants Program to finance their sustainability projects.
