Reina Viera
Lori Connell
Reina first learned of Mi Esperanza from her friend Maria Salazar, a sewing student. She heard of Mi Esperanza's free computer course for women living in poverty. She immediately signed up and knew this course would benefit her life, but she did not imagine how joining the Mi Esperanza program would change her and her family's lives. After graduating from the computer course in 2006, she applied for a job in the Mi Esperanza Maquila.
Guadalupe Betancour was in charge of the maquila, and she knew about Reyna's sewing skills and recommended that Reina be hired. Reina was part of our artisan team until she was promoted to sewing instructor and maquila manager in 2016. She is so thankful for her work because she has been able to provide education to her daughters. One of her goals was to see her daughter Heydie receive a diploma from a private university. Heydie has completed university and holds two degrees. Her younger daughter Stephanie is now attending university.
Reyna at a glance
Children: 4
Community: Los Pinos
Mi Esperanza Course: Computer, Sewing Maquila
Thanks to Reyna's salary from her work at Mi Esperanza, she can also help her mom with medical bills.
Reina is thankful to God and to the Mi Esperanza Project for the opportunities it has brought to her family. And the hope of a brighter future for her children.