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.
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.
Born in the U.S. with roots in the Philippines, Leslie leads marketing, communications, and brand strategy at RAI, showcasing the artisans’ journeys and creativity into stories that inspire and drive impact. She believes in the power of storytelling to connect communities and showcase mission-driven work.
Hayden came to RAI through her desire to be active in the Lake City community while she was still a member of the tenured English faculty at Edmonds College. She has since retired, but retains the deep commitment to education, mentorship and diversity initiatives that inspired that career. Her current work is in property management, which allows her to work from her laptop—often from Kenya, where she has spent the last 20 years as the International Program Director for Cura Orphanage.
April is a month of blossoming flowers, warmer weather, and the transition from the long days of winter. Spring is a time for new beginnings, personal reflection, setting intentions, and entering a new chapter.
This RAI team member, who wished to remain anonymous, immigrated to the US from Vietnam and used her sewing skills to become a RAI artisan. She later became the office bookkeeper as she had a previous working experience in Vietnam in that role. Now, she feels like she’s in her dream job at RAI.
As we spring into the fourth month of the year, we’re reminded that we blossom together. Each day, through shared effort and commitment, we continue to create opportunities, strengthen community, and move forward with purpose.
This month, that growth was reflected in a powerful way—through a milestone that reminds us exactly why this work matters.
