I joined the Board of Empowered Women Internaitional in January, 2010. I knew from my experience with Marga Fripp that I was embarking on a first class journey of volunteerism and service for this extraordinary organization. I have never met anyone like Marga - her brilliance, her perseverence, her ability to motivate and lead. Empowered Women International, under the steady hand of Marga, has accomplished, with very few resources, more than is accomplished by much larger and more well-funded non-profit. Her work ethic is to never give up and to never stop reaching for the gold ring; her ability to connect with people has enabled her to reach out and assist hundreds and hundreds of immigrant women artists in the greater DC area. Her reach also extends throughout the community to churches, other non-profits, schools and shelters. Marga and EWI don't see limitations - they see opportunities that sometimes require mastery of an obstacle course, a challenge that Marga overcomes over and over again.
I went to EWI hoping to learn how to market my art & services; I learned that and so much more, from defining my art business concept to being aware of the legal aspects of the art industry. Marga and her staff are strong and out-spoken, honest people always willing to help us members in any way. Their passion and innovative ideas made me discover the hidden potentials of my passion in the arts and I thank them greatly for that!
I've never felt more vital than working with this amazing organization. I've witnessed Empowered Women International's (EWI)incredibly effective programs-- transform immigrant and refugee women from shy,confused, overwhelmed newcomers to confident, skilled, empowered women artisans and business entrepreneurs who are eager to fully participate and contribute to American culture and business. I'm excited to spread the word. EWI makes it's money go farther than any other organization I've ever known. Ninety-Seven percent of every dollar goes to directly benefit EWI women beneficiaries! We need to grow the Board,friends and volunteers,raise more community awareness about how life changing our programs can be. EWI needs more sustaining donors. (Even if people gave $10-$25 each month)It would make such a huge difference for EWI to serve more refugee and immigrant women who are struggling in our area. I encourage people to volunteer with EWI--At the same time you help to transform a life--your life will be transformed as well. \
Empowewred Women International is an amazing not-for-profit that gives immigrant and refugee women training in porfessional developemntand entrepreneurial skills. A mostly volunteer staff, is headed up by a dynamic executive director who inspires others to volunteer to be become mentors to the program participants, to volunteer to do lead training sesssions, or to host house parties to raise scholarship funds for future particiapnts. It is a very rewarding organization to contribute to.
Empowered Women International provides a much-needed service to immigrant and refuge women in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. EWI's founder and President, Marga Fripp, began this very impactful non-profit in 2002 when she herself was an immigrant in very difficult conditions and with no English ability and few, if any financial resources. She did this out of empathy for other women in her same situation. Today, EWI's business and art marketing training programs graduate about 30 women a year, approximately 300 since its founding 8 years ago. My dedication to EWI springs from my total commitment to Ms. Fripp, whose dedication and perseverance in spite of all odds have allowed her to establish EWI as a leading, if small, supporter of down and out immigrant women. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets, in particular to the immigrant women themselves. They come to her when they have nothing and they graduate from her programs with business skills and means of generating income and contributing positively to the community. EWI is an amazing organization, with which I intend to maintain a relationship for years to come.
I provide professional development services on a pro bono basis because I love the mission of EWI and what EWI stands for - empowering women to reach their highest capabilities while celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Washington, DC, metro area. It is amazing how much EWI has been able to accomplish with limited funding; but EWI cannot indefinitely sustain their services and maintain their talented staff without additional and increased funding sources. I believe strongly that EWI has amazing programs and a sound empowerment model, and I want to help EWI succeed in getting the funding needed to maintain and expand their services.
Marga has been incredibly innovative in her training program and counseling for some of the most disadvantaged in this area. Truly an inspiration to us all! EWI has brought together a wide range of citizens who would never have met any other way in order to pool their skills to help our underserved immigrant population.
EWI delivers exceptionally high quality programs and provides a holistic suite of much needed services to immigrant and refugee women in the greater DC area, using the arts as a means of civic participation and professional development. Their programs are well-planned and well-executed, and generate a significant impact on the community despite EWI's relatively small size. I attribute this X-factor to the talent, energy and commitment of EWI staff and volunteers.
My first involvement was in 2005 when a friend offered to perform in concert as a fund-raiser for EWI, performing his own piano compositions. At that time I helped with tickets, sold CDs of my friend's music to benefit EWI, and helped with food and drinks at the post-performance reception. Since then I have continued to help with receptions at EWI events, or have attended events to support the many women whose artistic endeavors (painting, jewelry, scarves, and other artwork) EWI sponsors. In talking to these women, I have learned that many would have no outlet for their work were it not for EWI, and the EWI provides them with emotional support in this new country.