Smyrne Saintil is the Director of Student Affairs and has more than 15 years of experience in educating, funding, and supporting university students in Haiti. She grew up in a family where education was always a priority despite their financial precariousness. Smyrne is passionate about young people and families, and she cares about the quality of and access to education for young girls. In her spare time, she runs a couples’ association and a girls’ club.

Smyrne started working at HELP in June 2009 as a Junior Advisor. She has contributed enormously to the development of the Student Affairs Department at HELP, which now includes five units: Admission & Recruiting, Advising, Housing/Dorms, Career Services, and Support Services for Graduation Assignments (Thesis). Smyrne likes to say that education chose her, but it was her law studies at Quisqueya University that enabled her to strengthen her dedication and skills for the cause of young people.