Refugee Artisan Initiative
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.
60% of Refugee Women are unemployed in the U.S.
This is the highest unemployment rate of any group in the U.S.
60% of Refugee Women are unemployed in the U.S.
This is the highest unemployment rate of any group in the U.S.
A Problem of Plenty: Single use materials
Due to a system that rewards consumerism, many materials receive only a single use before they end up in the landfill.
A Problem of Plenty: Single use materials
Due to a system that rewards consumerism, many materials receive only a single use before they end up in the landfill.
At RAI, artisans receive upskilling and micro-business training to overcome barriers to employment and begin handcrafting goods from recycled materials. This innovative approach champions both equity and sustainability: women achieve economic independence, and materials that would otherwise go to landfills find a second (or even third or more) use.
At RAI, artisans receive upskilling and micro-business training to overcome barriers to employment and begin handcrafting goods from recycled materials. This innovative approach champions both equity and sustainability: women achieve economic independence, and materials that would otherwise go to landfills find a second (or even third or more) use.
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.
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.
A champion for circular economy, textile re-use and resource protection, Kristina has been a part of RAI at every level. She’s led highly creative and technical teams to create ground-breaking entertainment for studios like Walt Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Madison Square Garden Sphere Studios. She is a two-time Academy Award winning producer for Best Animated Short Film for “Feast” (2014) and “Paperman” (2012.) As a daughter of two immigrants to the US, Kristina is passionate about helping the RAI community find their financial and social footing.
Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hind Audsley as its new Executive Director.
