Maggio + Kattar Founder’s Day Benefit a Success!

A huge thank you to Alix Mattingly, James Alexander and John Nahajzer of Maggio + Kattar for hosting a benefit to celebrate Empowered Women International and showcase our women micro-entrepreneurs.

James Alexander & John Nahajzer

The event marks a milestone in our pursuit of building a community of givers and our mission to turn immigrant, refugee and low-income women into self-sustaining and thriving entrepreneurs.

Marga & Steve Pattison of Maggio + Kattar

As firm believers in EWI’s mission and women’s potential to be the next business leaders, Maggio + Kattar , a prominent immigration law firm in Washington, DC, stood by our side promoting our work and supporting our women as they shared their  success stories.

Our entrepreneur graduates Velma, Aida, Mariam, Paulette, Nadia and Tacha were there to showcase their art and businesses, while Tacha and her band performed for all in the audience.

Tacha, Mariam, Velama and Marga

The whole event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our donors, board members and volunteers. We are here because of your relentless support and contribution. We received many positive comments and also heard that many of you had ideas of communities, foundations and businesses we can partner with, and we welcome your referrals and introductions.

Last but not least a huge shout out to Pepco Edison Gallery for offering the beautiful gallery space and for tirelessly supporting us to host one of our many events.

ETS graduates, volunteers and staff

We thank everyone who made it possible!

Marga Fripp takes EWI to the Woman’s National Democratic Club

Want know more about EWI and the extraordinary league of women changing the world? Come join Marga Fripp at the Woman’s National Democratic Club on May 9, 2013 as she introduces EWI to a growing and vibrant audience.

The WNDC is located in The Whittemore House in the greater Washington, DC area and engages men & women in public policy paving the way for future democratic leaders. The club hosts outstanding speakers who have dedicated their lives for public service from first ladies, to ambassadors, to renowned authors.

EWI is honored to be included in the up and coming speaking engagements featuring journalists, authors and among them our own, Marga Fripp.

She will be presenting about Empowering Women and Creating Social Change Through Entrepreneurship from 12pm to 2pm with brief recess for Q & A. There will be open bar and lunch and participation prices vary from $20 for members, to $30 for non-members (includes lunch), to $10 for lecture only. Learn more and buy tickets here.

Currently Accepting ETS Applications!

Do you know an immigrant woman ready to make a living doing what she is passionate about? We can help!

We work with talented and high-potential immigrant, refugee and low-income women and help them monetize their creative or cultural assets, artistic abilities, knowledge and skills.

Perhaps you know someone who loves to bake, cook, make art, design clothes or teach your skills to others? Whatever her passion might be we can help turn it into business.

We are currently accepting applications and conducting intake interviews. The application is free and available online through the link below.

Tuition scholarships are offered based on need and merit to qualified women applying for our program. Learn more and apply now

Bits + Pieces

1. Perri, EWI’s Outreach Coordinator, and Mariana, EWI’s graphic design volunteer, attended Language ETC’s Community Services Fair in DC on Tuesday

2. On Thursday, Perri and Mary, EWI’s Program Manager, had a great social media planning meeting at Cosi in Virginia Square!

3. This week EWI graduate and volunteer, Velma Crawford, was interviewed on Mining the Heart radio show on XM radio.

4. EWI graduates Aida and Lizzie came to our office (just in time for some surprise VDay chocolate covered strawberries!) in preparation for the Micro-Business Lending Conference in Richmond on February 25th and 26th. The two fantastic food entrepreneurs will be part of the “Meet the Micros” segment of the conference. Marga will introduce the women entrepreuners and discuss the role that technical assistance plays in the development of micro enterprises. She will moderate a discussion with the women about their work, needs, and their business goals for the future.

5. Development Associate, Alexandra, met Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor while out and about in DC! So exciting!

6. We celebrated Valentine’s Day with lots of roses, chocolates, heart shaped brownies, and a lovely Lebanese lunch! We hope you all had a great day celebrating loved ones, too!

Happy weekend, everyone! Don’t forget to check back on Monday for a Mondays With Marga post and a new Coach’s Corner!

EWI at Ten Thousand Villages Event, Saturday September 22

Join us

for an evening celebrating women artisans in Alexandria and around the world.

A percentage of sales will benefit Empowered Women International.

Recent EWI grads will be present to share their stories.

Come shop, learn, and mingle with a purpose…

Saturday, September 22

7-10 pm

Ten Thousand Villages

915 King St

Alexandria, VA 22314

RSVP REQUESTED

Please RSVP to a Ten Thousand Villages staff or volunteer, call 703-684-1435.

Or email outreach.alexandria@tenthousandvillages.com

See you there!

EWI welcomes Jeremy!

Jeremy Brandt-Vorel, Social Media and Community Outreach Intern

As our organization grows, so too does our staff.  That’s why all this week we will be highlighting a new member of our team.  Today, we would like to welcome our new Intern of Social Media and Community Outreach, Jeremy Brandt-Vorel.

Jeremy is serving as the Social Media and Outreach intern for Fall 2012.  Jeremy is a recent graduate from Christopher Newport University with a B.A. in Communications, as well as minors in Studio Art and Spanish.  Having close family ties overseas, and frequent opportunities to travel abroad; an organization that serves an international cliental is of particular interest to Jeremy.  He hopes to be able to more fully appreciate the tribulations of his own immigrant relatives, as he helps refugees and immigrants in his local community.  With academic concentrations in Communications and Art, Jeremy hopes to be an integral part of the EWI team. Outside of the office, Jeremy enjoys boardsports, fishing, and film.

As the Social Media and Outreach Intern, Jeremy will work hand in hand with the EWI team to better promote the organization through online media.  Jeremy hopes to help create a greater online presence, so that more people in the community can benefit from the work of EWI.

EWI welcomes Charlia!

Charlia Acree, Entrepreneur Training for Success Intern (Rockville)

As our organization grows, so too does our staff.  That’s why all this week we will be highlighting a new member of our team.  Today, we would like to welcome our new Intern of Entrepreneur Training for Success, Charlia Acree.

Charlia Acree is the Entrepreneur Training for Success Intern (Rockville) for Fall 2012. She is a recent graduate from University of Maryland College Park. She majored in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. During her undergraduate career, she co-founded two student organizations, the Black Communication Society and the Black Psychology Association, both aiming to assist underrepresented students connect to their respective departments and provide them with resources and tools for academic and professional development. Charlia has worked for Estee Lauder and PANDORA Jewelry, both of which contributed to her helping women look and feel beautiful. She is passionate about supporting women and encouraging their goals and dreams. Charlia brings her Public Relations training and experience with marketing, branding, strategic planning and sales to Empowered Women International.

As the ETS Intern for the Rockville class, Charlia will work closely with the trainer to coordinate classes, activities, and assignments. She will build and maintain strong relationships with the students and mentors and ensure that the semester runs smoothly for everyone.

EWI welcomes Melinda!

Melinda Allen, Non-Profit Development Intern

As our organization grows, so too does our staff.  That’s why all this week we will be highlighting a new member of our team.  Today, we would like to welcome our new Intern of Non-Profit Development, Melinda Allen.

Melinda Allen is a graduate from University of Mary Washington where she received a BA in Art History with a focus in the contemporary arts.  While attending UMW she was involved in many campus activities, including Student Leadership Program, Orientation Leader, and Art History Major Representative.  She also has first-hand experience with a variety of artists as she has both interned and worked at galleries, including C24 Gallery located in the artistic hub of Chelsea in New York City.  Melinda is excited to learn more about the non-profit sector for the arts as well as the opportunity to aid impoverished women.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.

As the Non-profit Development Intern, Melinda will assist with research, fundraising, and proposal writing while working alongside the EWI team to help build the organization.  Melinda is particularly excited to be a part of the 10th Year Anniversary of EWI that marks not only how EWI has come in just a decade, but recognizes all of the graduates of EWI.

 

EWI welcomes Mina!

Mina Alemzadeh, Entrepreneur Training for Success Intern 

As our organization grows, so too does our staff.  That’s why all this week we will be highlighting a new member of our team.  Today we would like to welcome our new intern of Entrepreneur Training for Success, Mina Alemzadeh.

Mina Alemzadeh is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia, with a major in Foreign Affairs and minor in Studies of Women and Gender. While at UVA, she was active with Take Back the Night, a weeklong campaign that raises awareness about sexual assault and dating violence. Before EWI, Mina served as a casework intern for International Rescue Committee (IRC) and is thrilled to broaden her experience with business entrepreneurship in a multicultural setting. Her other interests include traveling, music and the outdoors.

As Entrepreneur Training for Success intern, Mina will be working with clients each week in the EWI course, which will enable them with the skills and tools needed to manifest their business vision. She will also be in the office each week, assisting with outreach and communication between clients and the staff.

EWI welcomes Mary!

Mary Louise Marino joins EWI as Program Manager 

As our organization grows, so too does our staff.  That’s why all this week we will be highlighting a new member of our team.

First and foremost, the EWI team would like to welcome Mary Louise Marino as the our new Program Manager.  Read more below to find out about this wonderfully empowered woman…

Mary is passionate about art and making a positive difference in the world. As an advocate for women artists and creatives, she cares deeply about contributing to their success. For Mary, joining EWI as Program Manager is a dream job come true.

Mary brings a diverse range of professional, academic, overseas, and artistic experience to her position. She has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the School of International Training where she studied international non-profit management. Peace Corps led to her to Romania where she completed her master’s thesis and was a volunteer in non-profit capacity building. Prior to joining EWI’s team, she was Marketing Coordinator for Font Bureau, a digital type design studio based in Boston.

Mary studied graphic design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and experimental lettering design at the Basel School of Design in Switzerland. While living in Japan for two years she studied Japanese calligraphy. Her major artistic work is an investigation of the line and its expression and are works on paper in gouache, graphite, charcoal, and ink, and recently printmaking. She writes about her creative process and inspirations on her blog, Indigo Lion Designs. A portfolio of her work can be found on her website here.