Devoted Staff Make all the Difference: Celebrating Nancy Audain

Nancy Audain, HELP’s Academic Deputy Director, is always busy. From her regular duties in the academic department, to facilitating Fanm Rasin Lakay, to one-on-one coaching, she always has something to do. Nancy began her journey at HELP in 2017 and has been a vital part of our team ever since. She reflects on her time at HELP, saying, “In the past five years, I've moved up the ladder, I am grateful for how the institution has accepted me, has shown respect for who I am and for my uniqueness. My brand is evident in my work and everything I do at HELP. I like how I am able to contribute to every department one way or the other."

In addition to her regular academic responsibilities, she also manages Fanm Rasin Lakay (FRL), HELP’s women’s empowerment group. She says, “I have seen the evolution of women at HELP in a co-ed space and the increased confidence of our female students as they leave the program. It is empowering to lead a platform where women can talk about gender issues in Haiti."

Nancy always seems to have her hands full at HELP, but she’s had an exceptionally busy time this summer. Nancy accompanied two of our students, Stael Toussaint (’24 law) and Bessy Marie-Aure Jeudilus (’24 education), to Bishkek for the “Get Engaged” conference, sponsored by the Open Society University Network (OSUN). The conference brought together students from all over the world to discuss and troubleshoot the civic engagement projects they are working on back home. Nancy comments on her participation in the conference, saying, “It was truly unique. It was nothing I am used to; it was a learning experience. I listened to different approaches to civic engagement, new leadership styles, networking, tips for leadership in crisis, a mental health session, and a presentation on diversity awareness."

Nancy also found time to participate in courses with Bard’s Institute of Writing and Thinking in New York this summer. The program was, “quite enriching. I learned new writing strategies for classroom instructors. Most importantly, it was a liberating experience as we were asked to write every day on different topics, express different emotions in our work, and share and listen to one another's’ thoughts. It was an awesome experience!”

Now her busy summer is over, but a busy school year has already begun. “I am looking forward to a peaceful year!” Nancy says, “We need peace. Sometimes I wonder, what is the price of peace? It is truly priceless.”