SMALL GIFTS. BIG IMPACT !
$50 – Contribute to a scholarship for business and career readiness courses for a low-income immigrant or refugee woman in your community
Training includes:
- Intensive training courses of 4-6 weeks with classes lasting 2.5 hours
- Presentation, networking and marketing skills
- Job readiness skills: resume building, biography and job interview skills
- One-on-one coaching and mentoring with career professionals and entrepreneurs
- Product development, market readiness and marketing plan
- Legal and financial knowledge for running small business
- Referrals and follow-up
- Continued professional development and support for graduates
$35 – Enable a low-income immigrant or refugee woman in your community to enroll in self-sufficiency programs
Services include:
- Case management and career/business assessment
- Comprehensive career readiness plan
- Income generating activities through EWI’s micro-enterprise program
- Opportunity to present/sell art to established venues and targeted audiences
- Participation in service and educational programs
- Market linkages and marketing assistance
- Job links and referrals
Read About What We Have Accomplished
Each year, EWI trains, presents and gives access to the market to more than 200 immigrant and refugee women each year. Artists serve, teach and present art in schools and in community organizations.
In 2008, 235 immigrant women benefited from our services, and more than 1,500 people participated in our culturally diverse arts programs. More than 120 volunteers donated 12,000 hours in service valued at $90,000
Women artists participating in our programs report gaining life-long business, entrepreneurial and leadership skills in addition to hands-on work experience that facilitates their entry into the workforce.
* 80% report they increased their income, changed jobs for better positions and/or enrolled in college and other educational programs.
* 70% report they taught art in schools, volunteered in educational and community organizations or partnered with EWI to sell and promote immigrant women artists.
* Many have gone on to exhibit, perform and sell their creative works in upscale private galleries, shops and arts centers such as: The Smithsonian, The World Bank, The Torpedo Factory Arts Center, The Kennedy Center, the Strathmore Center and various embassies in Washington, DC.
Awards and Recognition
• The 2009 Bruce Oliver Educator Leadership Award Winner – Fairfax County Public Schools for partnership with West Potomac Academy High School
• Alex Awards 2009 – Alexandria Commission for the Arts
• Enterprise Award 2008 – the Catalogue for Philanthropy after being featured as “one of the best small nonprofits in the Washington DC region” by the same organization
• Virginia House and Senate Commendation 2006 – The Commonwealth of Virginia House and Senate honored EWI with a Commendation for outstanding achievements in the community and for promoting the arts and cultures of immigrant and refugee women artists in 2006
• Making a Difference for Women Award 2006 – Soroptimist International
• Cultural Affairs Award 2005 – Alexandria Commission on Women
• New Century Scholar Award 2004 – Coca-Cola Foundation Award, USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa
• Governor of Maryland’s Award for Service and Volunteerism, 2003
EWI and its women beneficiaries been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Alexandria Gazette and WETA and have appeared on The Voice of America Television and WUSA 9News, among others.
