I was burdened the need I saw for employment and relationship in the refugee population in our community. The refugee women I knew were very isolated and longed for relationship. It was my hope that I could start a sewing business, teach them how to sew, and hire them. A friend of mine had the same dream, and in the end, we began a non-profit, Re:new Project, that taught refugee women how to sew and then employed them. I have been involved in Re:new for the last 10 years and teach a weekly sewing class to refugee women. I kept my for-profit business that I had started, Good Return, and give a percentage of my earnings to Re:new each year. When I’m not sewing, I enjoy spending time with my family, 4 kids ages 16-23 and husband David, walking my dog Pickles, and entertaining.

Take a minute to check out Re:new - our artisans make beautiful items!