“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” - Nora Ephron |
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MESSAGE FROM SAMIRA HARNISH Founder & Executive Director March was an incredibly meaningful and active month for us at Women of the World. We marked International Women's Day and hosted our 14th annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. This year's event was a tremendous success, thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers, board, and staff who spent months planning, the support of our fantastic sponsors, and the generosity of everyone who participated in the auction. We reached our goals because of you, and I cannot thank you enough for your support. I am thrilled to see this event grow each year. Please enjoy this newsletter to see some of the other highlights from March. |
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14th Annual Fashion Show & Cultural Gala |
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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our incredible sponsors for their generous support of our recent 14th Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. Thanks to your contributions, the event was a tremendous success, filled with beauty, culture, and empowerment. Your belief in our mission and dedication to our cause have made a significant impact on the lives of forcibly displaced women in our community. Your support enables us to provide essential programs and services that empower these women to rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a difference. We are truly grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to create positive change in the lives of those we serve. |
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If you missed our fabulous event, you can still make a difference and support WoW's mission by donating in the link below. |
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- Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers! - |
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As Volunteer Appreciation Week approaches (April 21-27), we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing volunteers who generously give their time and talents to support Women of the World throughout the year. Your dedication and passion are the driving force behind our success, and we are deeply grateful for your invaluable contributions. We would like to extend a special thank you to the groups and individuals from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley who volunteered at our recent Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. Your enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment to our cause made the event truly memorable, and we couldn't have done it without you. From helping with event logistics to providing support to the models and participants, your efforts have made a significant impact on our organization and the women we serve. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making a difference in our community. The first steps to start volunteering with WoW is to attend one of our monthly orientations. Click the button below to sign up for an upcoming orientation on our website. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week and beyond, let's continue to uplift and empower each other through acts of kindness and service. Together, we can create positive change and build a brighter future for all. |
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We're excited to announce the graduation from our sewing classes! This class for forcibly displaced women lead to employment opportunities, economic empowerment, and community building. The attendees learn new skills, express their creativity, and build lasting connections, all while mastering various sewing techniques and completing beautiful projects, such as the dresses in the picture above. Your support has made this possible, and we're grateful for your contribution to their success. Thank you for helping us empower these women to thrive in their new communities! |
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March was Women's History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women throughout history and in our present day. At Women of the World, we're proud to honor the remarkable women who have paved the way for progress and equality, while also empowering and uplifting forcibly displaced women in our community. As we reflect on the legacy of women's history, we are inspired by the countless trailblazers who have shattered barriers, challenged norms, and fought for justice and equality. From activists and leaders to artists and innovators, their courage and determination continue to inspire us to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. This Women's History Month, we also celebrated the strength, resilience, and achievements of the forcibly displaced women we serve. Despite facing immense challenges, these women demonstrate remarkable courage and perseverance as they rebuild their lives and pursue their dreams. Through education, empowerment, and community support, we are proud to stand alongside them on their journey towards self-sufficiency and success. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's honor the past, empower the present, and inspire the future. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. |
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BYU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK PRESENTATION |
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Samira had the privilege of presenting to MSW BYU students of Community Organization and Leadership. Samira shared her invaluable experience in developing and leading WoW, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of empowering forcibly displaced women in our community. During the presentation, Samira engaged with the students, discussing the strategies and approaches she has employed to create positive change and foster community empowerment. Her firsthand accounts and practical wisdom provided students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of community organization and leadership, inspiring them to become changemakers in their own right. Following the presentation, the students had the opportunity to ask Samira questions, further enriching their learning experience and fostering meaningful dialogue around issues of social justice and empowerment. |
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MEETING WITH GOVERNOR OF KYIV REGION |
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Samira was invited to an exclusive dinner with Ruslan Kravchenko, Governor of Kyiv Region in Ukraine. This unique opportunity allowed Samira to engage in meaningful dialogue with Governor Kravchenko, discussing pressing issues impacting global democracy and human rights. Samira's participation in this dinner underscores Women of the World's commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and equality on a global scale. By fostering dialogue and collaboration with leaders like Governor Kravchenko, we continue to amplify the voices of forcibly displaced women and advocate for their rights and empowerment. |
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We are excited to share that Executive Director and Founder Samira had the honor of attending and speaking at a Q&A event with Representative Ilhan Omar. As a distinguished American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Minnesota's 5th congressional district since 2019, Representative Omar has been a tireless advocate for social justice, equality, and immigrant rights. During the event, Samira shared her insights and experiences, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by forcibly displaced women in our community. She engaged in thoughtful discussions with Representative Omar and other participants, addressing critical issues such as women's empowerment, refugee resettlement, and inclusive policymaking. |
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META DATA CENTER COMMUNITY ACTION GRANTS |
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We had the honor of being among the recipients of the 2024 Meta Data Center Community Action Grant. Gathered at the Eagle Mountain Data Center, we joined fellow grant recipients, community partners, Meta team members, and local leaders in a celebration of collective impact! This grant, generously awarded by Meta through the Data Center Community Action Grants program, recognizes the vital role of technology in fostering community benefit, connectivity, and STEM education. WoW will use this support to continue to empowering forcibly displaced women through career training, economic empowerment, digital literacy, community building, and education. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Meta for their unwavering support and commitment to empowering communities. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. |
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Our founder and Executive Director, Samira Harnish, recently participated in the BYU Social Innovators Conference organized by the Ballard Social Impact Center at BYU. As a distinguished panelist, Samira had the opportunity to share insights and expertise on Women of the World's mission and impact. During the conference, Samira engaged in a dynamic discussion, answering thought-provoking questions that shed light on the critical work we do at Women of the World. Samira's participation in the conference exemplifies Women of the World's commitment to driving positive change and fostering dialogue on issues impacting displaced women. We are incredibly proud of Samira's advocacy and leadership in empowering refugee communities. Together, we continue to strive for a more inclusive and supportive world for all. |
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We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the RISE Culinary Institute, an initiative aimed at providing professional culinary training to immigrant and refugee women. Led by local award-winning chefs, this innovative program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the culinary industry. The first cohort of the RISE Culinary Institute is set to begin on April 2nd, marking the start of an exciting journey for aspiring chefs like our client, Fatima Rahman. The program kicks off with one week of orientation, followed by 12 weeks of intensive cooking courses, where participants will learn culinary techniques, kitchen safety, and menu development, among other essential skills. One of the unique features of the RISE Culinary Institute is the opportunity for participants to complete a paid internship in a local restaurant, providing real-world experience and valuable networking opportunities. We are incredibly proud of Fatima Rahman and all the participants who will be part of this inaugural cohort. Their dedication and commitment to pursuing their passion for culinary arts are truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see their success unfold. Congratulations to everyone involved in the launch of the RISE Culinary Institute! Together, we are empowering immigrant and refugee women to rise and thrive in the culinary industry. |
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