Artisans

 

 

Renew Artisans are refugee women who have who have survived war, persecution, or political conflict and have resettled in the United States. Renew provides free training and flexible employment to refugee women from different countries.

Since our founding in 2009, Renew has served over 150 refugee women from all over the world.  

 

 

Home Country: Uzbekistan

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Farida grew up in Uzbekistan enjoying a career as a school teacher. When ethnic and religious persecution swept through her family's close-knit community they fled to Russia and later to the U.S. in 2005. Immigration problems and no jobs made it a very difficult transition.Farida says, "I am so happy here. Renew is my second home! When I am at home, I miss my sewing machine. I like my English teacher. I am understanding more!" Farida loves to spend time with her six grandchildren, be outside, walk and cook. She brings fun and laughter to the studio with her quick wit, and sweet spirit.

 

 

Home Country: Afghanistan

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Habiba, originally from Afghanistan, came to the U.S. to escape severe restrictions on women, including the inability to work, attend school, or go outside alone. The birth of her daughter motivated her to seek a place where they would both be able to live and work freely. She often describes Renew as “my love,” where her talent and passion for sewing have flourished. The artisans and volunteers there have become her second family, offering creative collaboration and support as she navigates her new life in the U.S.

 

 

 

Home Country: Burma (Myanmar)

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Khuang and her husband left Myanmar in 2010 for Malaysia. Khuang was being forced to carry heavy equipment for soldiers and turn over any money they made. They applied for refugee status but her two children were not accepted. They made the difficult decision to come to America in 2015 while her children went back to Myanmar. Her goal is to work here and save money to bring her children and her grandson to America. She prays for their safety everyday. Khuang says, "I am very glad to be here. I like to learn English. When I know English and how to sew everything then I can teach others. It is my dream to help other women at Renew."

 

 

Home Country: Iraq

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Arzo is from the country of Iraq. Armed violence made her fearful to go out after 7pm. Arzo and her husband came to America in 2016. She likes the freedom of living in America, especially being able to go out at night. Arzo had a sewing machine that she had to leave behind when she fled Iraq. She loves coming to Renew to sew and enjoys friendships with the other women. Arzo is working hard at 2 jobs to be able to send money to her struggling extended family that remain in Iraq. Arzo's dream is to own a business in the future.

 

 

Home Country: Burma (Myanmar)

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Za is from the country of Burma. She has been in the United States for about 10 years. Za says her her favorite thing about Renew is the hope and safety she feels. Za shared. "Renew is not only making bags, but also creating a new life for refugee women and family with kindness, patience, and love from their unsecure country."

 

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