"Welcoming Week presents an opportunity to celebrate the values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues, and to make our communities more welcoming to all those who call Salt Lake City home.” 

September 5th, 2023

Housing Workshops

WoW hosted an enlightening and empowering workshop series dedicated to equipping our clients with essential knowledge about housing issues in Utah. We understand that building a secure and stable life starts with having a safe and comfortable place to call home. Through this series, we aimed to empower refugee women with the tools and information they needed to navigate housing challenges and advocate for their rights effectively.

We covered a variety of topics including the intricacies of Section 8 housing and public housing programs. Experts from a local partner organization, Housing Connect, guided clients through the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits of these programs. They also gave insights into how these initiatives can provide vital support, making housing more accessible and affordable for refugee women and their families

We believe that stable housing lays the foundation for a thriving life. For refugee women, who have already faced displacement and upheaval, secure housing is vital for rebuilding their lives and establishing a sense of belonging in a new country. Adequate housing enhances mental and physical well-being, provides children with a stable environment for education and growth, and allows individuals to focus on their personal and professional development. By educating refugee women about housing rights and issues, we aim to break down barriers, alleviate fears, and provide the knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of housing with confidence. This workshop series is a testament to our commitment to empowering refugee women to secure their housing rights and create a better future for themselves and their families.

If you are interested in joining us in our continual journey of education, advocacy, and empowerment for our clients please contact our Education Specialist (ghinwa@womenofworld.org).

Girls in STEM Workshop Series

In August, WoW continued with Girl in Stem classes at our office! We partnered with Thanksgiving Point to host and these workshops help girls in grades 3-7 develop a love for science in a female-empowering environment. This month the students focused on entomology and scientific illustration. Women of the World is excited to provide a space where the children of our clients can learn and thrive. We believe inspiring young girls in STEM is crucial for gender equality, diversity in male-dominated fields, and a more innovative future. Encouraging girls in STEM careers creates a balanced workforce, drives economic growth, and empowers them for a successful tomorrow.

Thank you again to the staff from Thanksgiving Point who came to teach each week and helped to foster such exciting opportunities! 

Barbie Premier

Our Executive Director, Samira Harnish, had the privilege of attending a private premiere of the new Barbie movie, where she enjoyed the film, but she also was able to advocate for women's empowerment in the workforce. She engaged in a meaningful conversation with attorneys from Michael Best, a prominent law firm, about the significance of empowering women in professional spheres. She highlighted the pivotal role that WoW plays in making this empowerment a reality through our transformative programs, especially our Economic Empowerment Program.

WoW's programs are designed to break down barriers and support women as they strive to excel in their careers and achieve their goals. By fostering an environment of learning, growth, and mentorship, we aim to equip women with the tools and confidence they need to thrive in the workforce.

We are proud to see WoW's mission recognized and celebrated on platforms like the Barbie movie premiere and in conversations with influential partners. These experiences underscore the importance of our collective efforts to empower women and create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Building Bridges

WoW participated in a "Building Bridges" conference, uniting numerous nonprofit leaders from across the state. The event fostered an atmosphere of connection and networking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over competition. The conference, hosted by Kristin Andrus, conveyed a powerful message: By working together and extending support, we can collectively create a more impactful and harmonious nonprofit landscape.

Breakfast with Baroness Emma Nicholson

WoW was invited to attend a breakfast hosted by the World Trade Center with the Baroness Emma Nicholson this month. During the session, Nicholson emphasized the significance of women in politics and shared her personal trajectory within the UK political system. She also discussed her role in establishing the international AMAR foundation that works with displaced people around the world. We were grateful to attend and learn from this incredible woman and the other attendees!

Uncharitable Film Premiere

WoW attended a premiere and panel discussion of Uncharitable at UVU. The film was inspired after the shutdown of three successful U.S. charities by conservative watchdogs, influential figures in philanthropy recognized the need for change. Led by Dan Pallotta, this documentary directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal exposes philanthropy's flaws and presents a radical approach to giving. "Uncharitable" urges charities to break free from constraints, inspiring viewers to reconsider their views on giving and invest in positive change in an interconnected world.

Employee Appreciation

This month's Employee Appreciation award went to Roxie Harshbarger, our Employer Partnership Manager and Case Manager. Roxie was recognized for her hard work building our Economic Empowerment Program in building a robust job-seeking program and adding various employers to our network. She has always been a fierce advocate for our ladies and her dedication to WoW’s mission inspires us. Roxie is an integral part of our team and we are so grateful for all she does for her clients and WoW!

We also said goodbye to our Office Administrator, Katie, this month. Katie was the face of WoW by working the front desk and managing the scheduling every day. We will miss her hard work, kindness, and the creativity she brought to her position and to our office.

Welcoming Week

On September 12th at the WoW office, we are holding an open house in part of Salt Lake County's Welcome Week. There are a variety of different activities happening around the city to encourage the spirit of Welcoming and connecting community members with new Americans. By participating in Welcoming Week, WoW helps strengthen community bonds, encourages collaboration, and promotes a more united, resilient society. It also serves as a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about refugee challenges and advocating for their integration process. Our Executive Director, Samira Harnish, was able to promote our Welcome Week event this month. Please refer to the two interviews below to learn more and we hope to see you all there!

WoW Scholarship

Women of the World continues to expand its work and is hiring again for a variety of positions. Please visit our website at womenofworld.org/ and click on “Careers” for a full description of our open positions:

• Sept 1- Volunteer Orientation @ WoW

• Sep 12 – Open house Welcoming Week from 3-7pm @ WoW

• Sept 13th-14th -- Eat Drink SLC @ Tracey Avairy

• Sept 15 –Housing workshop about Evictions 

• Sept 22– Housing workshop about loans and vouchers 

• Dec 9 – Celebration of Success event at the Columbus Center 

• March 6, 2024 – FASHION SHOW at Zions Technology Center 

Sincerely,