The Dominican Diaspora Social Network has close to 8,000 members with a connection to the Commonwealth Of Dominica will now be run by a new management team comprising of founder Diane Corriette, Natasha Henderson and Dominicasource.com
(PRWEB) November 30, 2009 -- The Dominican Diaspora Social Network was set up in February 2008 for people from the Commonwealth of Dominica (also known as The Nature Isle) to reconnect with each other where ever they are in the world. 19 months later and the network now has close to 8,000 members from Dominica, England, America and other parts of the world.
“When I started the network I didn’t expect it to grow so quickly or to have such a massive impact,” says UK founder Diane Corriette “knowing so little about Dominica was my main reason for starting it and in the short time it has been in existence it has produced a number of other initiatives like Uniquely Dominican and Dominicasource.com started by Masborn Williams, Grace Henderson and his business partner Michelle Ellis."
Starting in June 2009 Dominicasource.com (known as "The Source" in Dominica) has already developed a huge following.
“As soon as I spoke to Masborn I knew his team - some of whom who are based in Dominica - will be the best people to run the network,” said Diane.
But things didn’t stop there. “I really wanted to have support in Europe and again my instincts lead me to the right person. Natasha Henderson had put together a team to run the first ever Dominicans in Europe Gala, which took place in Paris. It was an ambitious plan to undertake with no budget and few people for support. It was Natasha’s determination and passion for what she was doing that made me realise I wanted to continue working with her.”
The four professionals have come together and made a commitment to make the Dominican Diaspora Social Network one of the highest achieving online networks for Dominica. The ethos of the network focuses on developing self reliance, raising awareness and community support.
“The four of us have two things in common,” continues Diane, “a passion to make a difference and a desire to contribute to our community.”
Masborn Williams & Michelle Ellis from Dominicasource.com expressed their views on being part of the network.
Masborn : "I hope to bring my love and passion for my country. I am eager to join Diane and Natasha and every other country loving Dominican on the Dominican Diaspora network towards this exciting but meaningful venture. ”
Michelle : “I am proud to be a part of this Dynamic team. In joining forces I believe that we can move full speed ahead with the movement that Diane has started. I cannot wait to share with the world what exactly Dominicans are capable of.”
Just as passionate and equally excited Natasha Henderson, daughter of Dominican musician Gordon Henderson talked about her contribution
“Being part of this team is above all my way of giving back to the community and I am committed primarily to promoting Dominica’s music talent on the Global scene and assisting artistes in making a living out of their art. We are going to look for sponsors who will have an interest in reaching out to our community and making us part of their corporate & social responsibility remit.”
Although less than two years old the Dominican Diaspora social network has made a valuable contribution to Dominica. It has reconnected family and old fri who left up to 40 years ago and it continues to be used not only by the younger generation but by the 40+ age group , the baby boomers and the elders of Dominica too. A fact that Diane is very proud of
Lola Louis, a member and regular contributor to the Dominican Diaspora social network had this to say
"I re-connected with my cousin Ronald (Baba) Deschamps on the Dominican Diaspora network after 30 years and all the fond memories of my youth came flooding back. Dominican Diaspora has been the catalyst for so many reunions, wonderful experiences and amazing opportunities that have emerged from Diane’s vision.”
“It is an extreme honor to be part of this dynamic, competent and passionate team,” says Natasha. “We all share the same vision and with the support of the entire Dominican Diaspora Community I am confident that we will take this network to the next level and bring along long term benefits for Dominica and the Dominican people.”
Masborn Williams echoed those views and said “In my opinion each Dominican can do something to promote our beautiful country. Dominicasource.com and Dominican Diaspora joining forces will provide a great online presence to promote Dominica to the world. I am looking forward to great things for Dominica.”
The new management team will begin to look at what projects they want to undertake and work with the members of the diaspora network to bring new opportunities for promoting Dominican talent.
“I am very proud of what the network has achieved. It has provided me with a sense of belonging and connection that surprised even me,” says Diane. “Myself, Natasha and the crew at Dominicasource.com really want to bring together people from Dominica and run community projects that will promote out talent. I believe that this is now possible and as long as we have the community supporting us, our dream will be realised.”
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