and network that the team behind the organisation have in the private sector, underpinning the effectiveness of these programmes. When it comes to the team at Bracing Neighbors, the team do much more than simply lend their knowledge to these initiatives – they bring a level of dedication that simply can’t be taught. The team here reflect the organisation’s core values of equity, resilience, community, accountability, and courage down to a T, and every person that is a part of this operation – from the field leads through to the board members – is driven by a shared purpose and an unbridled love for the communities they so diligently serve. The internal culture crafted as a result of this ethos is built around the values of trust, shared learning, and boldness. Exploring this in more detail, Joanne told us: “We do not shy away from the complexity of our work, nor do we pretend to have all the answers. We listen actively, cocreate, co-design, make space for local voices, and hold ourselves to high standards of transparency. This culture of collective accountability has allowed us to remain agile and impactful, even in the face of Haiti’s ongoing instability.” One of the primary investment opportunities before Bracing Neighbors involves a shift in its international donor funding, brought about by political instability in countries around the world. Therefore, Bracing Neighbors has restructured its funding model from the ground up, looking inwards to build financing systems driven by community and outcome. Moreover, it has also deepened its collaborations with diaspora networks and its partners in the private sector, ensuring its continued success. In the immediate future, Bracing Neighbors is scaling its national Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Census – which Joanne Best Community Empowerment & Economic Resilience Program 2025 – Haiti a explained is an “unprecedented effort to map and mobilise Haiti’s women-led enterprises” – carried out alongside both GECA and the Haiti Food System Alliance. Encouraging individuals to unlock their entrepreneurial potential, Bracing Neighbors continues to honor the women entrepreneurs of Haiti. As women entrepreneurs have long powered Haiti’s economy, such as the enterprising ‘Madan Sara’ who form the backbone of Haiti’s market systems, Bracing Neighbors acts as a partner to connect others to inspire many. The ‘Madan Sara’ truly demonstrate the sophisticated networks and financial expertise that already exist within communities, and these women manage complex supply chains, extend credit, and coordinate economic activity across urban and rural areas. They represent a proven model of women’s economic leadership that goes back generations. Women in Haiti have high business ownership rates and lead many of the country’s informal market systems. Their networks are complex economic ecosystems with established trust relationships, resource sharing, and mutual support systems. Therefore, Bracing Neighbors exists purely to connect existing networks to broader markets and capital. As for the longer term, this impact investment organisation is aiming to replicate its model to reach more than 4,000 entrepreneurial families across the country, in addition to doubling down on its social impact metrics and catalysing a network of female leaders to shape the future of women’s economic empowerment in Haiti. Finally, plans are in place to expand its behaviour change for development initiatives, as well as community-driven wealth creation delivered by addressing marketing access and local food systems. Reflecting on this well-deserved award in our Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2025, Joanne takes the time to recognise the invaluable contribution partnerships have had on the fantastic work that Bracing Neighbors has carried out over the past three years. From local entrepreneurs and grassroots leaders to global funders and those within the Haitian diaspora, this collaborative effort is contributing significantly to the bright future Haiti has ahead of it. Setting the bar for Haitian non-profit organisations, more information about the remarkable programmes Bracing Neighbors operates can be found at the web address below. We urge readers to visit the site and check these out for themselves, and to invest, partner, connect, and nurture a better tomorrow for people across Haiti in the process. Contact Details Contact: Joanne Alexis Bounouni Company: Bracing Neighbors Web Address: https://www.bracingneighbors.org/ https://www.g100.in/about-us/ G100 is an empowered group of 100 women leaders from across the world, leading 100 global wings, supported by G100 He for She champions (Denim Club) and 100 Country Chairs for powerful advocacy, awareness & impact across governments and organisations for a gender equal future.
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