Artisans

  • 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.

    Habiba

    Production Manager

    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.

  • 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."

    Farida

    Large Bag Maker

    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 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."

  • 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. 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.

    Arzo

    Pattern Cutter

    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. 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.

  • Khuang and her husband left Myanmar in 2010. She was being forced to carry heavy equipment for soldiers and turn over any money she made. She applied for refugee status but her two children were not accepted. She made the difficult decision to come to America in 2015 while her children went back to Myanmar. Her goal is to save money to bring her children and her grandson to America. Khuang says, "I am very glad to be here. I like to learn English. It is my dream to help other women at Renew."

    Khuang

    Small Bag Maker

    Khuang and her husband left Myanmar in 2010. She was forced to carry heavy equipment for soldiers and turn over any money she made. She applied for refugee status but her two children were not accepted. She made the difficult decision to come to America in 2015 while her children went back to Myanmar. Her goal is to save money to bring her children and her grandson to America. Khuang says, "I am very glad to be here. I like to learn English. It is my dream to help other women at Renew."

  • Elly is originally from Myanmar and belongs to the Chin ethnic group, a Christian minority that has long faced religious persecution and ethnic discrimination. In search of safety and freedom, she fled Myanmar, leaving behind growing instability, military oppression, and threats to her family's well-being. After resettling in the United States, Elly joined Renew in early 2025 as a part-time artisan. While continuing to care for her three children, she brings quiet resilience and creativity to her work.

    Elly

    Multi-Style Bag Maker

    Elly is originally from Myanmar and belongs to the Chin ethnic group, a Christian minority that has long faced religious persecution and ethnic discrimination. In search of safety and freedom, she fled Myanmar, leaving behind growing instability, military oppression, and threats to her family's well-being. After resettling in the United States, Elly joined Renew in early 2025 as a part-time Artisan. While continuing to care for her three children, she brings quiet resilience and creativity to her work.

  • After fleeing violence and political unrest in Myanmar, Thapwee spent nine years in a refugee camp in Thailand, waiting for a safe place to rebuild her life. She, her husband, and 4 children were finally resettled in the United States. Now, she joins Renew’s apprenticeship program to further her sewing skills and improve her English on her path toward becoming an artisan. Thapwee loves her Renew family and is using her hands to inspire hope.

    Thapwee

    Small Leather Goods Maker

    After fleeing violence and political unrest in Myanmar, Thapwee spent nine years in a refugee camp in Thailand, waiting for a safe place to rebuild her life. She, her husband, and 4 children were finally resettled in the United States. Now, she joins Renew’s apprenticeship program to further her sewing skills and improve her English on her path toward becoming an Artisan. Thapwee loves her Renew family and is using her hands to inspire hope.

  • Maryam left Afghanistan in 2024 with her husband and two young children after her husband’s work with USAID put their family at risk. Seeking safety and a future free from fear, they resettled in the U.S. Maryam joined Renew as an apprentice in 2025 and is training to improve her English skills and become a pattern cutter. With quiet determination and a deep love for her family, she is building a new life rooted in stability, creativity, and hope—especially for her children's future.

    Maryam

    Pattern Cutter

    Maryam left Afghanistan in 2024 with her husband and two young children after her husband’s work with USAID put their family at risk. Seeking safety and a future free from fear, they resettled in the U.S. Maryam joined Renew as an apprentice in 2025 and is training to improve her English skills and become a pattern cutter. With quiet determination and a deep love for her family, she is building a new life rooted in stability, creativity, and hope—especially for her children's future.

Staff

  • I started with Renew in the fall of 2022 as a sales associate. Before that, I worked as an accountant at a sewing center in Arlington Heights while attending college. What makes Renew so special to me is the local impact—it supports women in my own town and neighborhood. That’s something truly unique and meaningful, and it brings me so much joy to be part of something so beautiful.

    Emily Kregel

    Operations

    I started with Renew in the fall of 2022 as a sales associate. Before that, I worked as an accountant at a sewing center in Arlington Heights while attending college. What makes Renew so special to me is the local impact—it supports women in my own town and neighborhood. That’s something truly unique and meaningful, and it brings me so much joy to be part of something so beautiful.

  • I’ve been with Renew for three years, bringing a background in both church ministry and graphic design. I was initially drawn to Renew because I wanted to help communicate the beautiful stories of the women we serve — stories full of strength, dignity, and hope. The best part of working at Renew has been the vibrant sense of community and the joy of watching each woman grow and flourish over time.

    Paige Afram

    Marketing

    I’ve been with Renew for three years, bringing a background in both church ministry and graphic design. I was initially drawn to Renew because I wanted to help communicate the beautiful stories of the women we serve — stories full of strength, dignity, and hope. The best part of working at Renew has been the vibrant sense of community and the joy of watching each woman grow and flourish over time.

  • I’ve been with Renew for just over a year, focusing on partnerships, donor engagement, and fundraising. With a background in events, podcasting, nonprofit development, and consulting, I’m passionate about helping organizations grow their impact. What drew me to Renew was the heart behind the mission—creating a space of dignity and belonging for refugee women. It’s a joy to witness the transformation that happens when women feel safe, supported, and empowered to create.

    Ashlyn Ochoa

    Donor & Partner Development

    I’ve been with Renew for just over a year, focusing on partnerships, donor engagement, and fundraising. With a background in events, podcasting, nonprofit development, and consulting, I’m passionate about helping organizations grow their impact.

    What drew me to Renew was the heart behind the mission—creating a space of dignity and belonging for refugee women. It’s a joy to witness the transformation that happens when women feel safe, supported, and empowered to create.

  • I’ve been with Renew for 2 years and bring a background in modeling and fashion design. I currently own a custom bridal and evening wear business called River & Rose Design. I was drawn to Renew for how it empowers women and creates a space for independence. My favorite part of working here is the collaboration—each artisan brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich far more than just the products we create.

    Jessica Klaas

    Design

    I’ve been with Renew for 2 years and bring a background in modeling and fashion design. I currently own a custom bridal and evening wear business called River & Rose Design.

    I was drawn to Renew for how it empowers women and creates a space for independence. My favorite part of working here is the collaboration—each Artisan brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich far more than just the products we create.

  • I’ve been part of Renew for 12 years. I originally found it while searching for volunteer opportunities online—and I instantly fell in love. I’ve never looked back! My favorite part of working at Renew is being surrounded by incredible women from so many cultures, who I’m now blessed to call my sisters.

    Kelly VanDyke

    Production

    I’ve been part of Renew for 12 years. I originally found it while searching for volunteer opportunities online—and I instantly fell in love. I’ve never looked back!

    My favorite part of working at Renew is being surrounded by incredible women from so many cultures, who I’m now blessed to call my sisters.

Board Members

  • Sandra, originally from Argentina, is an active member of Wheaton Bible Church and has been serving with Renew since 2021. She has a heart for women’s ministry, a love for global cultures, and a deep desire to help others grow in their God-given potential. Sandra and her husband, Keith, live in Glen Ellyn and have three adult children.

    Sandra Hadley

    Artisan Care & Programs

    Sandra, originally from Argentina, is an active member of Wheaton Bible Church and has been serving with Renew since 2021. She has a heart for women’s ministry, a love for global cultures, and a deep desire to help others grow in their God-given potential. Sandra and her husband, Keith, live in Glen Ellyn and have three adult children.

  • Amy grew up in the Midwest and has lived in different areas of the country with her husband James. They've called Glen Ellyn home for the last 8 years with their 2 daughters, son, and 2 Portuguese Water Dogs. Amy has a business degree with experience in retail, has served on many PTA Boards and Committees, and has volunteered with various organizations.

    Amy Tanner

    Studio & Retail Operations

    Amy grew up in the Midwest and has lived in different areas of the country with her husband James. They've called Glen Ellyn home for the last 8 years with their 2 daughters, son, and 2 Portuguese Water Dogs. Amy has a business degree with experience in retail, has served on many PTA Boards and Committees, and has volunteered with various organizations. She attends Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn.

  • Lauren is a Wheatonite and has volunteered her time over the years leading and teaching women at local churches. Professionally, she works in Human Resources for a legal services firm managing people operations. When she's not at work, she is involved at Renew or spends her free time cooking, reading and spending time with her two grown daughters and husband, a teacher and soccer coach.

    Lauren Whaley

    Chair of the Board

    Lauren is a Wheatonite and has volunteered her time over the years leading and teaching women at local churches. Professionally, she works in Human Resources for a legal services firm managing people operations. When she's not at work, she is involved at Renew or spends her free time cooking, reading and spending time with her two grown daughters and husband, a teacher and soccer coach.

  • Cheryce serves as a Ministry Director for Children at College Church in Wheaton. She and her husband Mark have three grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and a baby grandson. Her love of international travel, friendships with women from other countries, and study of God’s heart for the sojourner spurs on her passion for the ministry of Renew.

    Cheryce Berg

    Board Member

    Cheryce serves as a Ministry Director for Children at College Church in Wheaton. She and her husband Mark have three grown sons, one daughter-in-law, and a baby grandson. Her love of international travel, friendships with women from other countries, and study of God’s heart for the sojourner spurs on her passion for the ministry of Renew.

  • Diane has a heart for justice and deep compassion for refugees. She is an attorney and works for a legal ministry. She has been a fan of Renew since its early days and has served on the Board since 2021. Diane and her husband, Bryan, live just a few blocks from Renew in their 100-year-old home and have two adult children. They attend Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn.

    Diane Padilla

    Board Member

    Diane has a heart for justice and deep compassion for refugees. She is an attorney and works for a legal ministry. She has been a fan of Renew since its early days and has served on the Board since 2021. Diane and her husband, Bryan, live just a few blocks from Renew in their 100-year-old home and have two adult children. They attend Parkview Community Church in Glen Ellyn.

  • Sarah serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Resource Global, a nonprofit providing leadership development for young Christian professionals around the world. She oversees strategy, programming, and operations in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. Sarah and her husband have two teenage sons and belong to St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Geneva.

    Sarah Miglio

    Board Member

    Sarah serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Resource Global, a nonprofit providing leadership development for young Christian professionals around the world. She oversees strategy, programming, and operations in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. Sarah and her husband have two teenage sons and belong to St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Geneva.