Reina Viera
Lori Connell
Reina working with design partner, Maria Jose Padget
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, knowing this course would benefit her life, but she did not imagine how joining the Mi Esperanza program would change not only her own life but also that of her family. After graduating from the computer course in 2006, she applied for a job at the Mi Esperanza Maquila.
Guadalupe Betancourt was in charge of the maquila, and she was aware of Reina's sewing skills, recommending 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 grateful for her work because it has enabled her to provide education for 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 Reina's salary from her work at Mi Esperanza, she can also help her mom with medical bills.
Reina is grateful to God and to the Mi Esperanza Project for the opportunities it has provided for her family. And the hope of a brighter future for her children.
2025 - Riena's youngest daughter is completing her internship and will soon graduate from university with a degree in psychology. Because of the education Reina has been able to provide for her daughters, Heydie (her oldest daughter) is working in a stable job and can send her son to a bilingual school that will provide him with opportunities. The cycle of extreme poverty is broken, and brighter futures are a reality for Reina and her family. Reina has been with Mi Esperanza for 20 years.