Success Story: Widline Lexiné

Widline Lexiné is more than a leader—she is a bearer of YWCA Haiti’s (YH) mission, carrying forward its legacy while shaping its future. Her journey with YWCA Haiti began in 2013, a transformative year for the organization as it expanded its reach with the opening of its new center. But for Widline, it was also the start of her own transformation. At the time, she was completing her classical studies (niveau philo) but was unsure of what her future held. A simple invitation from a neighbor led her to the YWCA Haiti—a moment that would change not only her path but the lives of countless young girls she would later mentor.

Three years after completing the Leadership Academy program, in 2016, Widline was selected to participate in the first edition of the Training of Trainers program. The following year, she stepped into the YH center as a mentor. Before this, she had gained some experience working with children at a local school. However, her time at the YH exposed her to a new and unsettling reality—one she had not encountered before. As a mentor, she worked closely with a group of girls who were not in school. She was deeply shaken by the severity of their academic deficiencies, realizing for the first time the harsh educational disparities that many children in her country faced.

Since then, Widline has dedicated herself to supporting young girls and helping them persevere in their academic pursuits. Her commitment and leadership have seen her grow from a mentor to now overseeing the Youth Center program. In this role, she now leads a team of six mentors and three young women volunteers. She also works closely with the administration to provide scholarships, ensuring that more girls can complete their education.

Widline envisions a Youth Center that continuously offers this kind of support to young girls—a space where they are encouraged, empowered, and given the resources to succeed. She hopes to see the program grow stronger and more structured, driven by the dedication and determination of its mentors, who will inspire and guide participants to overcome the challenges they face today and stay on their educational path.

Her story is one of purpose found through service. What started as an uncertain step into the unknown became a journey of leadership, advocacy, and impact. Today, as the Youth Center Coordinator, she stands as a guiding light for young girls, ensuring they receive the academic support and mentorship they need to persevere. But her vision extends beyond the present— she dreams of a future where every child, regardless of their background, has access to an education system that sees them, supports them, and empowers them to believe in their own potential.

Her words echo the heart of her mission:

"I hope to see an education system that truly considers children's realities, one that is more compassionate, that helps them stay on track, that gives them a new vision of school, so they can see a future and believe that what they aspire to is possible."

Widline’s journey reminds us that true change begins with those who dare to see beyond challenges and dedicate themselves to shaping a brighter tomorrow.