We’re only in the second month of 2026, and already this year has been full of meaningful milestones.

Community gathered around tables. Artisans stepped into large rooms with confidence. Hard work turned into celebration. Leadership voices reflected on why this work matters.

What we are building together creates opportunity — economic opportunity, creative opportunity, and space for visibility that feels real and tangible.

Thank you for allowing us to share this story with you each month.

Here’s a look at what unfolded recently.

Threaded Together Thursday: Meet Farida

Threaded Together Thursday highlights members of the community whose journeys inspire us.

Meet Farida — an artisan who has stepped into a staff role.

At Refugee Artisan Initiative, Farida continues refining her craft while also building a future rooted in confidence, purpose, and pride. Her path reflects what dignified work and consistent support can make possible.

Her story is one of many that remind us why this work matters.

Together, we’re threading resilience into every stitch.

A Milestone Team Experience

This month, artisans facilitated a hands-on team building experience during MCAPS Tech Connect, an event connected to Microsoft that had over 5,700 participants.

While thousands attended the conference, many participants chose to engage directly in the workshop experience.

Participants created handmade dog toys, and each completed toy was donated to Resilient Hearts Animal Sanctuary. What began as a corporate activation became something more — skill shared at scale and service woven into the experience.

Artisans led, demonstrated expertise, and guided participants through the process with professionalism and care.

Moments like this expand visibility. They reinforce leadership. They open doors to new possibilities.

We’re grateful to Angel Event for selecting us, Visit Seattle for providing a platform where this partnership could take shape, Leslie for leading coordination on our end, and Kelsi for ensuring the donated toys reached their destination.

Congratulations to RAI's WDP Level II Graduates!

We also celebrated graduates of the Level II: Sewing with an Industrial Sewing Machine, part of RAI's Workforce Development Program (WDP).

Level II equips participants with the technical skills to operate and maintain an industrial sewing machine with confidence and precision. Completion of this course marks a significant achievement: graduates take their industrial sewing machines home and are formally recognized as RAI artisans.

This milestone reflects dedication to growth, skill refinement, and professional development. That commitment was unmistakable in this cohort.

As newly recognized RAI artisans, graduates step forward with greater independence and confidence, and the ability to complete RAI sewing projects from home.

We’re incredibly proud of each artisan and look forward to see their continued growth and impact through their work.

Investing in Women So They Can Fly

This month on our website, we’re featuring a conversation with Yumiko Damashek, RAI Board Member and Immediate Past President.

An immigrant herself, Yumiko came to the United States as a graduate student from Japan and went on to rise to executive leadership in the semiconductor industry, breaking glass ceilings along the way. Her lived experience — navigating a new country, building a career without a network, and finding mentors who opened doors — deeply informs her commitment to immigrant and refugee women today.

In this conversation, she shares why RAI’s model matters, how economic independence transforms families, and why the goal is never to keep women “in the nest,” but to help them fly with their own wings.

We look forward to continuing to share reflections from leaders and community members who help shape this work.

Support Women as They Build Their Own Wings

Your support fuels economic independence, leadership development, and long-term opportunity for immigrant and refugee women. Donate today.

Thank you for being part of the Refugee Artisan Initiative community.

Every connection, every contribution, and every moment you engage with this work strengthens the foundation that allows artisans to grow, lead, and thrive.

We’re grateful you’re here.

More soon,

The Team at Refugee Artisan Initiative

Upcoming Volunteer Activities

• Packing & Move Support – March 9–10:We’re preparing for our move into our new space and welcome extra hands to help pack materials, organize supplies, and support the transition. It’s a practical way to contribute and be part of this exciting next chapter. As we step into a new season at RAI, there are meaningful ways to engage directly with the community.

• ESL Buddies Program Coming Soon: We’re launching an ESL Buddy program that pairs volunteers with immigrant women in our program for weekly, casual English conversation practice. This opportunity includes a 6-month commitment and is open to women only at this time. No prior ESL experience needed—just patient, friendly listeners. Most meet-ups will take place near Lake City and Kent.