Profits for Prosperity
Guelmana Rochelin’ 03 VSB always wanted to return to Haiti to help change the narrative of her homeland. During a visit to the island in 2014, the executive-turned-entrepreneur found her opportunity. Now, her business in Haiti is feeding families and creating jobs for a better future.
Much of Rochelin’s life led up to where she is today. Born in a tranquil, familial community in southern Haiti, her family moved to Philadelphia when Rochelin was eight. As an adolescent, she started to identify what it meant to be an American. “I saw America as a beacon of hope,” Rochelin described.
Rochelin came to VSB and maximized every opportunity to learn. She graduated in four years with a dual major in Finance and Management of Information Science, while taking courses in everything from art history to computer science to Islam to business law. “At Villanova, I had the flexibility to pursue all my interests, which serves me well today,” explained Rochelin. “It helps me view opportunities through a unique lens.”
She went on to work at Goldman Sachs, pursued an MBA from Harvard, and then held strategy and management roles at The Vanguard Group. She started her first business with her sister -Affinity HealthCare Solutions, a home-health business that employs over 100 people in Philadelphia. Still, she always wanted to return to Haiti to participate in the economic development efforts there. “Wealth creation changes the trajectory of lives,” explained Rochelin.
“I always believed that it could help change the narrative for Haiti.”
Rochelin established Mana S.A. in 2014 after watching Haitian residents buy a single serving of cereal from larger boxes along the side of the road because they couldn’t afford to buy a full box. Right then, she knew she found her opportunity to create value: Develop and distribute the island’s first single-serve cereal.
Along with a partner, Rochelin learned every aspect of food production and distribution. They created their own recipe for cornflakes with support from food scientists and consultants. Running a consumer products business in Haiti comes with its challenges though, and Rochelin recognizes the need to meet the culture where it is.
“Building a long-term sustainable business can have a positive impact on lives.” explained Rochelin. “It creates jobs, feeds families, and funds education and overall prosperity.”
Late-Night Endorsement
Conan O’Brien brought his talk show to Haiti earlier this year and highlighted the many women entrepreneurs making a difference on the island, including Rochelin. After tasting Mana cornflakes, O’Brien offered some high praise, with a little humor on the side.
Many, including O’Brien, tout Mana’s cornflakes as tasting better than the ones sold in the US.
Originally published in the Summer/Fall 2018 Issue of Villanova Business magazine.
Guelmana Rochelin’ 03 VSB
“At Villanova, I had the flexibility to pursue all my interests, which serves me well today,” explained Rochelin. “It helps me view opportunities through a unique lens.”