A Conversation with Leslie Evangelista, Marketing and Communications Manager at Refugee Artisan Initiative.
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.
Why did you want to be a part of RAI?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the strength that exists within people’s journeys. From a young age, I’ve sought out stories that are often not heard—stories of resilience, perseverance, and transformation. When I learned about RAI, I was inspired by the women at the heart of its work and the opportunities being created through creativity, skill-building, and community.
What stood out to me most is that RAI focuses on the next chapter people are creating for themselves, opening doors to possibility, purpose, and forward movement. It felt like a place where resilience and community are woven into everyday experiences.
I wanted to be part of an organization that creates opportunities for empowerment through skill-building, art, and shared experience. What resonates deeply with me is how RAI shows that community becomes powerful when it is rooted in dignity, opportunity, and belonging. RAI gave me a space to help elevate those stories and contribute to the impact they create.
What do you like best about your job at RAI?
What I love most is being part of a woman-led space centered on transformation. There is a strong culture of support, encouragement, and trust that extends from leadership to staff and artisans alike.
We are connected through our stories, through resilience, and through the understanding that rebuilding takes courage. Our leadership genuinely cares, whether it’s intentional check-ins, creating a sense of safety, or making sure every voice is heard. There is a strong sense of support here, and that culture extends beyond staff to the artisans themselves. Being surrounded by people who believe in one another’s potential is something I value deeply.
What inspires you or excites you about RAI?
I'm inspired by the transformations I get to witness. I've seen artisans step into new opportunities, teammates discover strengths they didn't realize they had, and partners gain a deeper understanding of the impact they're helping create.
It’s like a pebble dropped into a quiet lake, the work we do creates ripples and ripples that extend far beyond a single product, workshop, or event. Small moments of opportunity can lead to lasting change, and seeing that ripple effect unfold across our community is what excites me most.
What are your hopes for the future of RAI?
I hope RAI continues to grow beyond any one person, role, or season. That we continue expanding our impact in ways that are sustainable and thoughtful.
I want us to continue finding new ways to do more good, whether it be more opportunity, partnerships, and especially more pathways for artisans to thrive. I hope that as we grow, we stay grounded with the heart that started it all: community, dignity, and transformation.
Is there anything else you want to add?
Sometimes something begins as a simple act of care, and it becomes far bigger than the person who first imagined it. What’s beautiful about RAI is that it has grown and blossomed into something truly collective. It belongs to the artisans, the team, the volunteers, the partners, and most of all, the community that continues to support us. RAI is living proof that when people come together with one goal in mind, the impact can grow far beyond its origins.
