Every year, International Women’s Day provides a platform to celebrate remarkable women whose stories of resilience uplift and inspire others. One such story is that of Dr. Solanges Vivens, a woman whose extraordinary journey from a young girl facing chronic illness in Haiti to a successful business owner in the United States speaks volumes about perseverance and the indomitable spirit of women everywhere.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dr. Vivens was a beacon of hope despite battling rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that caused her immense pain. Growing up in a challenging environment, she leaned on the love and wisdom of her parents. Her father, a man without formal education, utilized his knowledge of natural remedies to ease her suffering. “I was really crippled,” she recalls. “I couldn’t sit. I was in pain constantly.” This early encounter with hardship laid the groundwork for a tenacity that would define her future.
Her childhood in Haiti was abruptly transformed when the political unrest escalated under François Duvalier’s dictatorship, leading to the emergence of the Tonton Macoutes, a ruthless paramilitary force. Faced with the threat of violence and instability, her family made the difficult decision to help her escape. “I graduated school in June and in July, I was exiled,” Dr. Vivens shares. This notes the bittersweet nature of leaving her childhood behind. Arriving in America as a teenager with limited English skills, she was determined to carve out a new life for herself.
She began her new journey as a seamstress in Manhattan, where learning to sew from her mother became an invaluable skill. Each skirt she produced earned her just a nickel, but it instilled in her a strong work ethic. From the Garment District to hospitals, she navigated through various jobs while her immigration lawyer worked tirelessly to secure her legal residency. Emphasizing the importance of immigrant contributions, Dr. Vivens reflects, “America understood that immigrants make this America we live in today.” This belief propelled her as she sought opportunities that would change her life.
After gaining her footing, Dr. Vivens focused on her education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Long Island University, became a registered nurse, and then completed her master’s degree in Health Services Management at Georgetown University. With over two decades of experience managing nursing homes, she co-founded Vital Management Team, Long Term Care, Inc., a multimillion-dollar nursing home management company, which she sold in 2018.
Dr. Vivens' journey was about discipline. Living below her means with her husband allowed her to invest in her dreams wholeheartedly. “We lived like we had nothing,” she affirms, emphasizing the sacrifices made to achieve her goals. Her story serves to inspire women who may feel constrained by their circumstances, illustrating how determination and hard work can lead to a transformative life.
Her recent foray into media with Vivens Media Group reflects her desire to empower women further. She authored “Educated Girl, Empowered Woman: The Art of Living with Grace, Joy & Dignity,” a memoir aimed at inspiring women on their journeys of self-discovery. “It’s for every woman on the path to self-discovery and empowerment,” she shares.
Dr. Vivens also aspires to bring her message to a broader audience through film and documentaries. She is working on a movie adaptation of her book titled “Girls Can Move Mountains: Rewriting the Rules of Female Entrepreneurship,” as well as a documentary focusing on her namesake, Saint Solange. These creative ventures celebrate her story and also remind everywhere that they can rewrite their narratives, no matter how challenging the circumstances may appear.
With her retirement comes a newfound purpose. Dr. Vivens now champions the empowerment of women globally, urging them to recognize their value. “We as women take care of people every day – and we forget we exist,” she tells TheGrio, a statement that resonates deeply in a world where women often put others' needs before their own. Her advice is to look in the mirror and love the person staring back. “Let her know you will do anything to protect her because if you don’t protect her, she can’t protect anyone else,” she advises.
Dr. Solanges Vivens’ story embodies the essence of what it means to be a woman with a dream. Her life journey which was marked by challenges, resilience, and ultimate success serves as an enduring inspiration for women around the world. On this International Women’s Day, may her story invigorate the hearts of those who dare to dream, demonstrating that with courage, commitment, and belief in oneself, anything is possible. In celebrating Dr. Vivens, we not only honor her achievements but also recognize the countless women whose stories remain untold, reminding us that every woman has the power to change their world, starting with their own.
