‘It’s not about how much you can make but how many people you can help:’ El Centro Alum Changing the World, One Story at a Time

Journalist and 2014 El Centro graduate Manny Paul is a born go-getter, an entrepreneur, and a compelling storyteller.  

Born and raised in Haiti, Manny has been passionate about pursuing his dreams since he was a child. After leaving his native country behind to pursue an education in the US as a young man, Manny worked diligently to learn English and launch The Caribbean Television Network (CTN), a mission-driven media company which provides news coverage to immigrants around the world. 

It wasn’t until Manny was diagnosed with stage four cancer ten years ago, however, that he discovered what would become his life’s true vocation: helping people in need. 

“My diagnosis changed everything for me,” said Manny. “It gave me purpose in life. It’s not about how much you can make but how many people you can help and how great a difference you can make in somebody else’s life.” 

Today, Manny channels his skills into ensuring that immigrant families in need have access to accurate, unbiased news. As the founder of CTN, Manny and his colleagues cover a wide range of topics that are meaningful and relevant to the immigrant community, from international politics to immigration policies to resources for small business owners.  

“People take our information very seriously and it often guides their decisions,” said Manny. “It’s a collective effort at CTN; knowing that you can help someone make the best decision for their family and life is a great feeling.” 

With representatives in the US, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Chile, Canada, France, and Mexico, CTN’s mission is to create equitable access to vital news and to inform, inspire, and empower immigrant communities around the world. 

In today’s divisive political climate, where shifting immigration policies are causing so many to live in fear, Manny and his colleagues are striving to be an objective voice of calm and reason for fellow immigrants. When times get challenging, Manny said he turns to the support system he found at El Centro over a decade ago. 

“If I have to make a big decision or am faced with a challenge, I still call Marianna, [Director of Education at El Centro] to this day. El Centro is so much more than an English school, where they help you and then you go on your way. It is like a family. You are never on your own.” 

As a cancer survivor and immigrant, Manny knows firsthand what it feels like to be vulnerable and to be faced with the unknown. Today, he seeks to give others the support he found in his time of need. 

“I remember the way I was helped by my teachers at El Centro when I had just moved to the US. I remember how I was helped by the nurses who cared for me in the hospital when I was sick, and I just want to give back. I’ve received what I need and now it’s my turn to give.” 

Learn more about CTN here. To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s life-changing programs, visit our Ways to Give page.