What does it mean to leave everything behind in search of safety, education, and opportunity? In Episode 94 of The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast, I sit down with Webley Alfred, a Haitian-born entrepreneur, to hear how one traumatic moment in Port-au-Prince changed the course of her life—and led her to become a funnel and launch strategist in the United States. Read more about Webley’s Immigrant Journey.
Fleeing Political Instability for a Chance at a Future
Webley grew up in Haiti surrounded by love, security, and entrepreneurship. Her father was a successful business owner, and her childhood memories are filled with community pride and locally made goods. But a violent encounter with Haiti’s paramilitary forces forced her to make an unplanned decision: she would stay in the U.S. after what was meant to be just another summer vacation.
Culture Shock: From Sunshine to Snowstorms and Systemic Racism
Settling in Boston wasn’t easy. Webley speaks candidly about her first experience with racism—being questioned and ridiculed during a driving test simply for being Haitian. She shares how jarring it was to go from tourist visits to the harsh realities of immigrant life: lack of transportation, financial uncertainty, and facing bias head-on.
Education as a Lifeline
Education was always central to Webley’s dream. Through determination and strategic planning, she leveraged tuition reimbursement benefits to earn a computer science degree from Boston University—fully funded by MIT, where she worked as an administrative assistant and later as a software engineer. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation.
Reinventing Herself as a Digital Strategist
After a layoff during the financial crash, Webley transitioned into entrepreneurship. She became a Zumba instructor, personal trainer, and eventually pivoted into web design and digital strategy. Today, she helps coaches and service providers bring their ideas to life by managing their tech and launch plans—turning chaos into confidence.
Lessons on Legacy and Letting Go of Distractions
Webley shares powerful insights on what it means to grow as both an immigrant and a business owner in a country where bias still lingers. She talks about choosing peace over online debates, staying rooted in purpose, and creating a legacy for her son—proof that her journey wasn’t in vain.
“I don’t feed into these distractions anymore. My focus is on changing my family tree.” – Webley Alfred
Final Thoughts on Webley’s Immigrant Journey
Webley’s immigrant journey is a reminder that the American dream looks different for everyone—and for many immigrants, it comes with a cost. But it also offers a powerful blueprint for how to persevere, pivot, and thrive.
With Love, Heidy
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