Member Story: Meet Suzanne Chrispin
Suzanne Chrispin is new to the Folklorama Family, joining at the beginning of 2023.
Chrispin was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and immigrated to Canada in July 2001 under the permanent residency program for skilled professionals. Since then, she has obtained her Master’s in Accounting and become a Chartered Accountant. In the summer of 2014, she made the move to Winnipeg.
“I love the coziness of the city,” states Chrispin. ”I love the people living in it. I was surprised by how easy it is to establish connections with people, talk with them, and see them smiling so naturally. I did not feel that I was a foreigner or an outsider. I felt included.”
Upon moving to Winnipeg, Chrispin was introduced to Folklorama, where she explored many diverse cultures. This introduction reminded her of how much she loves sharing her own Haitian culture.
“I believe my native Haitian culture is rich and beautiful. I have wished since the day that I came to Canada that I would find a way to share it with others,” states Chrispin. “In Haiti, we have a history that would add to the mix of perspectives in our social quest to foster diversity and inclusiveness.”
Chrispin became a member of Folklorama because she believes in the mission and the vision.
“In joining Folklorama, I was reminded of citation from Reine Bombo- Allara, Municipal Councilor of the City of Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, translated here from French to English,” stated Chrispin. “The diversity of cultures constitutes a richness that we can no longer deprive ourselves of, and it is moreover the inevitable reflection of our society. It is by sharing our different realities that we can evolve and go further.” This is so true for me. It’s the reason that I am a proud member of Folklorama.”
Chrispin’s dream is to eventually start a Haitian Pavilion so that she can continue to share her identity and culture with others.
Please join Folklorama in welcoming Suzanne Chrispin to the family.
If you would like to become a member of Folklorama, contact Katie Green, Member and Festival Services at [email protected].