Stitching Hope: RAI's 3rd Annual Gala

Stitching Hope: RAI's 3rd Annual Gala

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Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission and Vision

RAI partners with refugee and immigrant women to foster an inclusive, prosperous transition to the U.S. through artisan skills training and microbusiness development.

Our vision is a community that values and invests in refugee and immigrant women as they achieve economic independence.

RAI partners with refugee and immigrant women to foster an inclusive, prosperous transition to the U.S. through artisan skills training and microbusiness development.

Our vision is a community that values and invests in refugee and immigrant women as they achieve economic independence.

Our Impact

Since being founded in 2017, Refugee Artisan Initiative partners with refugee and immigrant women to build skills, launch small businesses, and craft sustainable products that empower communities and protect our planet.

110k
Materials Divested
167k+
Upcycled Products Made
$1.7M
Income Generated for Refugee Women

Our Programs

We offer a variety of programs both for refugee and immigrant artisans and community members to get to know our organization and develop skills.

Public Programs

  • Mending and Alterations
    Expert mending and alteration services from RAI artisans.
  • In-Store Retail
    Shop online anytime or in-store from 10 - 5 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
  • Product Development
    Work with us to develop products for your team or upcycle old billboards and other materials.

Artisan Programs

  • ESL Classes
    Classes for English learners of varying levels.
  • Sewing Certification
    Sewing training courses at three levels to receive certification.
  • Artisan Recruitment
    Partnerships with local artisans to connect them to jobs, skills, and workforce development.

Khadija is a dedicated professional with over nine years of experience in human rights, women rights, gender equality and workforce development. Originally from Afghanistan, Khadija moved to the U.S. in 2024 and now leads workforce development initiatives at RAI, empowering refugees and immigrants through job training and economic opportunities. She is committed to fostering long-term success and community integration.

Shelley comes to RAI with a background in animal welfare, mental health fundraising and a wide range volunteer work from around the world. With more than a decade of nonprofit experience, she wears many hats for us including communications, fundraising, special events and more. Working together to effect change is the cornerstone of her career. She is dedicated to serving great causes and making a difference. 

Fatima-Iram is an immigrant from Pakistan who grew up in the Midwest and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2018. Her immigrant experience has shaped her life and drives her work. Reminded every day of the love, sacrifices and hard work of her own family to thrive in the U.S. financially, Fatima-Iram understands how integral support and services are to the livelihood of people and families. She has worked in nonprofits for over a decade and is honored to connect with people and organization to ensure funds backing the essential work of RAI. 

RAI's mission is made possible by funding from:

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