Chevening Scholarship at Warwick: Using Creativity for Social Impact in Haiti
MBA participant, Winnie Petit Paul, talks to us about her journey to WBS from Haiti, gaining her Chevening Scholarship to support her goal of driving social change.
Before pursuing my MBA, I graduated with a degree in Applied Economics from CTPEA in Haiti. My professional career spans over five years in marketing research and digital marketing. I co-founded HaitiBrand, a creative agency based in Port-au-Prince, where I worked as a marketing consultant. Through this platform, I developed branding strategies for local entrepreneurs and launched an accelerator program specifically designed to support women-led businesses in the creative sector.
This work provided me with firsthand insight into the power of creativity and entrepreneurship as tools for economic and social transformation, particularly within under-resourced communities.
My journey to WBS
I am currently pursuing an MBA to sharpen my strategic and leadership capabilities, ultimately positioning HaitiBrand as a significant driver of social change. Over the last five years, I grew HaitiBrand without external funding or formal business training, relying instead on resourcefulness, passion, and a deep commitment to community empowerment.
However, Haiti is now facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by escalating gang violence. In some of the most affected areas, gangs use sexual violence as a form of control, leading to mass displacement and widespread trauma. A national survey conducted in May 2023 found that 63% of people were forced to relocate due to violence, one in five women reported being raped, and 17% experienced physical assault. Many victims remain homeless, unable to return to their neighborhoods, and without access to basic resources or safety.
Having grown up in these same neighborhoods, I feel a profound responsibility to act. I believe the creative economy offers a viable path forward, particularly for young women. Through HaitiBrand, I envision building public-private partnerships with government, the private sector, and NGOs to create inclusive programs that train and equip young women from underserved communities for careers in creative industries. An MBA is the essential next step, offering the strategic insight, business acumen, and global network needed to build scalable, sustainable programs with real impact.
A life-changing scholarship
Chevening is the UK government’s prestigious international scholarship programme. It provides fully funded scholarships and fellowships to individuals with the vision, commitment, and leadership potential to drive positive change in their home countries.
Beyond academic excellence, Chevening offers access to a global network of professionals, policymakers, and changemakers. It equips scholars with the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to shape the future.
I had been applying for the Chevening Scholarship for three years, with various circumstances delaying the process each time. Initially, I wanted to study Strategic Marketing, and Warwick had already offered me a place. However, due to political instability and lockdowns in Haiti, everything was delayed, and I had to put my plans on hold.
Later, I took time to reflect on my true focus, realizing my priority was to develop my creative project through HaitiBrand, the company I co-founded. That clarity signaled the right moment to apply again. I submitted my Chevening application in November 2023. It’s a lengthy process,taking almost a full year from the initial shortlist to the interview and then finally receiving the university offer.
During my interview, I vividly remember telling myself: "Even if they only select one person from Haiti, it has to be me." I poured my heart into the preparation, spending countless hours refining my answers, and it paid off. I was honoured to be selected as a Chevening Scholar out of thousands of applicants from Haiti. For me, this opportunity is not only a personal achievement but a stepping stone to creating meaningful change in my country.
I also want to acknowledge the incredible support from the Warwick Recruitment Team, who ensured I had all necessary information and guided me every step of the way.
My MBA dream
Chevening is a prestigious scholarship, and for someone like me, from an underprivileged background, the first daughter and the first in my family to pursue a Master’s degree, it stands as proof that your circumstances do not define your future. Where you come from does not limit where you can go. What truly matters is the resilience, the vision, and the courage to keep moving forward and rewrite your story. Chevening is more than just a scholarship; it’s my launchpad for change.
I always dreamed of pursuing my MBA, but recognised it would be a major financial investment for both me and my family. Personally, I wasn’t yet ready for that level of commitment. Chevening transformed that dream into a reality, enabling me to pursue my MBA at one of the UK’s top universities in Warwick. Beyond supporting my studies, it has also connected me with an incredible global network of Change Makers.
I’ve met amazing people and made lifelong friends. For instance, I've connected with Olta from Albania, Alleena from Ukraine, including a friend from Côte d’Ivoire along with many others. The Chevening community at Warwick is truly special.
We’ve built strong connections, organizing events, socialising, and offering mutual support during personal challenges. This camaraderie makes a significant difference. Even in a new country where everything feels unfamiliar, you don’t feel alone. Meeting people who share similar stories and experiences greatly eases the navigation of both UK life and university.