Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI)

Community Challenge Match announcement:

An anonymous donor has pledged an additional $1,000 gift to RAI if we can reach at least 50 individual supporters this year!  Any donation of any size helps us reach this goal. Please help us spread the word to create an even bigger community!

We're Standing with Refugee and Immigrant Women

Refugee and immigrant women have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Language barriers and cultural differences can make it challenging to gain economic independence and contribute to their families and community in a way that feels meaningful for them. Many arrive with valuable skills but lack access to pathways that lead to stable, income-generating work.

RAI addresses this gap by providing hands-on training, real-world production experience, and connections to employment opportunities. Through this work, artisans build confidence, earn income, and take meaningful steps toward economic independence—often receiving their first personal paycheck in the United States.

"I'm comfortable here. People here are so kind. People understand me. I feel I'm an important person here."
— Palwasha, an artisan at RAI

Now It's Your Turn to Stand Together With Us

This GiveBIG, we need YOU to stand with us in supporting women and families in your community. Your gift of any amount will help to build pathways toward long-term stability for women as they start new lives in King County and beyond. Together, we can create a community where refugee and immigrant women are valued, supported, and able to achieve economic independence through meaningful work. When we give together, we GiveBIG!

"One thing that is super powerful is the pride people feel when they do something for the first time. Maybe it's learning a new skill or bringing home their first paycheck. Being able to work and making their own money gives them so much dignity, pride, and confidence. It’s so great to see that transformation!"
—Tessa, RAI's Economic Mobility Manager

About the Organization

Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) partners with refugee and immigrant women to build pathways toward long-term economic stability. Through paid training in industrial sewing and production, artisans develop in-demand skills while recycling and upcycling materials into high-quality, market-ready goods. RAI bridges workforce development with small-batch manufacturing—creating meaningful employment opportunities and keeping textiles out of the landfill.

This model brings together equity and sustainability—ensuring that every product supports both people and purpose!

Mission Statement

Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) partners with refugee and immigrant women to support a successful transition to the U.S. through skills training, employment, and microbusiness development.

"Our mission is to help the artisans learn skills, work independently, and make their own money. To have the opportunity and a better life in their new country. I see how the women change, how they have more confidence, how they are so happy—and that makes me happy too."
—Isabella, RAI Production Manager