A statement from Executive Director and Founder of Refugee Artisan Initiative, Ming-Ming Tung Edelman:

In this time of uncertainty, even as we worry what the future may bring for refugees and immigrants, here at RAI we are finding reasons to feel hopeful. 

Since RAI began, it has been a place of refuge. In our Maker Space, women of all backgrounds–of all faiths, traditions, and languages–feel safe and valued. Over tea and sewing machines, we find common ground together. RAI celebrates the talent that women bring to their work, and offers the training and tools they need to shine bright. 

This week, we are celebrating an artisan who joined us in 2020. I remember her first days at RAI: although at first she was too shy to try even a few words of English, she started sewing masks. She works hard to learn, and over the years her confidence has grown. Now, after a great deal of study, she just passed her citizenship test. Her joy at becoming an American citizen brought a big smile to all of our faces. 

As we witness her realize her dream, we are filled with hope—not only for her future but for all the women who are just beginning their journeys with RAI. This includes our two newest artisans, refugees from Afghanistan who arrived only recently. As they work to build new lives for themselves and their families, we are continually inspired by their resilience, skill, and determination to give back to their communities. We have great hope for their futures here and for the impact they will make.

We are also hopeful for the women who have not yet joined RAI. With so many women on our waitlist urgently seeking work, we have a bold and unprecedented goal for 2025: welcome25 new artisans. 

Creating a safe space for all of these women to learn, earn, and achieve their American dreams is only possible because of the people who believe in RAI’s mission. Together we can make our communities more inclusive and resilient. Together, we can take action together to create a brighter future.