Founder and Executive Director — As an immigrant from Taiwan, Ming-Ming understands the challenges refugees and immigrants face. She wants to connect women with the skills they have and opportunities to earn income to provide for their families. RAI combines Ming-Ming's compassion acquired as a pharmacist and her love for fashion.
Director of Programs and Business Development— Tali joined RAI in 2023. An immigrant from France, she has always had a passion for economic development and immigrant empowerment. Tali has worked for over 30 years in the nonprofit sector. She moved to Seattle in 2009 and co-founded Washington’s Paramount Duty in 2015. Tali currently serves on the Seattle Venture Partners Board and holds an M.A. in Urban Policy and Planning from Tufts University. A parent of three, she has a passion for advocacy, policy and social justice.
Director of Development and Communications— Shelley is a non-profit professional with over a decade of experience in fundraising and communications. She is dedicated to serving great causes that make a difference, and working together with passionate community members to effect change is the cornerstone of her career. When she’s not hard at work for RAI, Shelley keeps herself busy as a Volunteer Fundraising Advisor for JJoy Foundation, a Board Member at Seattle Area Feline Rescue, and a volunteer for humanitarian projects around the globe. So far, Shelley has mixed concrete on four different continents and hopes to take her work boots to a new destination soon.
Workforce Development Program Manager — Khadija is a dedicated professional with over 9 years of experience in human rights, women rights, gender equality, and workforce development. Originally from Afghanistan, Khadija moved to the USA in 2024 and now leads workforce development initiatives at RAI, empowering refugees and immigrants through job training and economic opportunities. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Management, Khadija combines expertise in program management with a passion for creating sustainable, impactful programs. She is committed to fostering long-term success and community integration.
Grants and Development Manager— Fatima-Iram is an immigrant from Pakistan who grew up in the Midwest and moved to the PNW in 2018. Her immigrant experience has shaped her life and drives her work. She seeks to serve the community in impactful ways. Reminded every day of the love, sacrifices, and hard work of her own family to thrive here financially, she understands how integral these services are to the livelihood of people and families. She has worked in nonprofits for over a decade since graduating from Michigan State University. Fatima-Iram is honored to connect with people and entities to ensure funds backing the very necessary work of RAI.
Marketing and Communications Manager — Leslie is a storyteller at heart and brings brands to life through impactful visuals and marketing. Here at RAI, she brings the artisans’ journeys to life: transforming their craftsmanship into compelling, aesthetic narratives that inspire and drive impact. Beyond the world of marketing and creativity, Leslie is a bodybuilder and an avid foodie. Whether she’s crafting a brand story or a new recipe, she believes in the beauty of transformation, progress, and connection.
Project Manager, Vinyl and Plastic— Kristina is a two-time Academy-Award winning film producer with over 25 years of experience leading highly creative and technical teams. Together, they created emotionally resonant, visually ground-breaking entertainment for feature film animation studios like Disney and Dreamworks. At RAI, Kristina is managing the vinyl and corrugated plastic upcycle/production, including prototyping new products.
Sustainable Production and Training Strategist— As the founder of Crystalyn Kae Accessories, Crystalyn brings a wealth of experience in crafting beautiful bags and accessories. With a BA in Apparel Merchandising and Textiles from Washington State University, she's passionate about using recycled and upcycled materials to create unique, eco-friendly products. She shares her knowledge of sustainable practices and sewn product manufacturing with RAI, developing innovative products and showcasing the skills of artisans while minimizing environmental impact.
Production Manager— With a passion for design, Isabella came to Washington in 2016 from Taiwan, earning her AA in Apparel Design from Seattle Central College in 2019. She joined RAI in its early stages in 2020 working on projects like making masks for medical workers during COVID, and rejoined RAI in 2022 as a designer. In her free time she works on personal projects, and her outfits to work are often her own creations.
Assistant Production Manager — Baseerah learned to sew from her mom and brings experience in sewing, embroidery and design. Originally from Afghanistan, Baseerah has lived in Seattle since 2003. She is founder of Asiya Design Art, featuring her beautiful designs in home goods and specialty items. She loves to cook and shares this passion with the staff in bringing tea and baked goods.
Assistant Production Manager— Mehnaz is from Pakistan. She loves sewing and teaching the new artisans skills. She has learned a lot working here such as how to speak and work with others from different cultures. She speaks Pashto, Urdu, and English which she learned from working at RAI!
Operations Associate— Noi immigrated to the US from Vietnam, and one of Noi's friends suggested she should attend a RAI recruiting event at the Children's Home Society of Washington. Shortly after, she became a RAI Artisan and began utilizing her sewing skills. Noi also designs beautiful jewelry, a skill she learned from RAI. In 2021, Noi joined the staff as a sewing associate, sharing her talents in a variety of ways. Noi is a wonderful cook and loves to read. She also enjoys sewing and designing clothes for her kids in her free time.
Sewing Production Associate
Sewing Production Associate
