As we step into a new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the support, partnership, and trust of the community, donors, and friends — all of whom have made RAI’s work possible and meaningful.

At Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI), our work has always been rooted in the refugee and immigrant women we support, the skills they build, and the pathways created through care, empathy, and compassion. Through growth and change, RAI's mission remains clear: to be a space where refugee and immigrant women, and our staff, feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, and that handmade work is not only a means of income, but a pathway to independence, confidence, and community connection.

Looking back on 2025, we’re proud of the opportunities created, the stories shared, and the impact brought to life because of the community that believes in people first.

As we move into 2026, we do so with optimism, excited to continue this journey together and deepen the impact of the work we love stitched with intention and care.

2025 Impact at a Glance

Congratulations to RAI's WDP Level 1 Graduates!

We’re excited to celebrate the women who recently completed Level 1 of RAI’s Workforce Development Program (WDP).

This milestone marks the beginning of their journey toward paid opportunity, skill-building, and long-term economic mobility. We’re honored to walk alongside them as they continue to grow.

Threaded Together Thursday: Meet Khadija

Khadija brings more than nine years of experience in human rights, women’s rights, gender equality, and workforce development to Refugee Artisan Initiative. Originally from Afghanistan, she joined the RAI team in 2024, supporting women as they build skills, confidence, and pathways to economic opportunity through the Workforce Development Program.

In her work, Khadija helps guide training programs, supports artisans as they progress through each level, and ensures women have the tools and encouragement they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, dedication, and a deep commitment to seeing women thrive.

Khadija’s work reflects the heart of RAI: partnership, growth, and creating opportunity together. We are grateful for her leadership and the care she brings to our community every day.

We’re proud to be threaded together.

Caring for the Whole Community

We’re proud to share that RAI is part of the Seattle Aquarium's Connection Program, providing free aquarium tickets to the RAI community, offering moments of rest, wonder, and connection for women and their families.

Starting this month, we have distributed over 500 tickets, ensuring that each artisan and their loved ones in our community have access to this experience. These moments strengthen community, celebrate family, and reinforce that the artisans deserve not only opportunity — but joy.

Upcoming Volunteer Activities

• Dog Toy Making Workshop at Microsoft Event | Feb 12: The artisans at RAI will lead a dog toy–making workshop with Microsoft as part of a team-building event. Volunteers are needed to help support artisans during the workshop. All toys made will be donated to a local animal shelter.

   

• Packing Support | Feb 9–10: We’re looking for a few extra hands to help pack our space as we prepare to move into our newly renovated building this month.

   

• ESL Buddy 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.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we move forward, we remain deeply committed to creating pathways for women to thrive — as artisans, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

Your support makes this possible. Thank you for believing in our mission and standing with our community. Here’s to a year filled with growth, resilience, and opportunity.

Many thanks,

The Team at Refugee Artisan Initiative