FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Refugee Artisan Initiative Appoints Hind Audsley as Executive Director
Seattle, Wash. — June 1, 2026 —Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hind Audsley as its new Executive Director.
Hind brings over 20 years of experience in international development, designing and leading projects focused on economic empowerment, workforce development, and community-centered program design for refugee, immigrant, and marginalized communities. Born in Iraq and fluent in Arabic, she has worked across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa supporting initiatives focused on livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic opportunity.
“RAI has always been rooted in the belief that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and the ability to build a sustainable future,” Kathi Lentzsch, Board President at Refugee Artisan Initiative. “We are excited to welcome her leadership as RAI continues to grow its impact in Seattle and beyond.”
As Executive Director, Hind will lead RAI’s strategic growth, partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and mission-driven programming.
“I’m honored and thrilled to be joining RAI and looking forward to the great things our inspiring team and artisans can achieve together,” said Hind Audsley. “Having devoted my career to empowering marginalized, refugee, and disenfranchised communities around the world, it gives me immense pleasure to be able to work with local communities in Seattle to achieve economic independence and integration into the local work force.”
After relocating from Washington, D.C. to Seattle with her husband in 2025, Hind now calls the Pacific Northwest home and enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and sharing meals with friends.
About Refugee Artisan Initiative
Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is a Seattle-based nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to uplifting refugee and immigrant women through sustainable employment, artisan training, and community-driven economic opportunities. Through ethical manufacturing, workforce development, and upcycled product creation, RAI creates pathways toward long-term stability, confidence, and belonging.
Media Contact
Leslie Evangelista
Marketing and Communications
Refugee Artisan Initiative
leslie@refugeesarts.org | 425-272-5376
refugeesarts.org
