We are thrilled and honored to have been one of the recipients of Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary grants!
On April 4th, 2025, we had the incredible opportunity to join amazing leaders and other organizations from across the Puget Sound at the iconic Seattle Space Needle to celebrate this milestone for Microsoft. The event continued as they raised the special “Microsoft at 50” flag and celebrated the community that makes the Pacific Northwest such a great place to live, work, and play.
Thank you, Microsoft, for your support of ReWA and here’s to the next 50 years of progress, collaboration, and shared success!
Photos courtesy of Chief Development Officer of ReWA
Read more about this special moment in this article from KIRO 7 News: Microsoft Celebrates 50th Anniversary
In a powerful recognition of the contributions of women in our communities, Refugee Women’s Alliance’s (ReWA) Executive Director, Mahnaz Eshetu, proudly accepted a proclamation from the City of SeaTac on behalf of ReWA during the City Council meeting in March—Women’s History Month.
This proclamation, issued by Mayor Mohamed Egal, is a testament to the impact of women throughout history and their work in shaping our communities.
The proclamation states: “I, Mohamed Egal, Mayor of the City of SeaTac, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim March 2025 as Women’s History Month and encourage the people of our city to join together in making this a period of rededication to the principles of justice and equality for all and urge all community members to celebrate the history and contributions of women to the SeaTac community.”
ReWA Executive Director, Mahnaz Eshetu and Mayor of City of SeaTac, Mohamed Egal
For over 40 years, ReWA has been at the forefront of serving newcomers and their families, offering essential services ranging from education and job training to gender-based violence survivor supportand leadership development.
Receiving this proclamation during Women’s History Month highlights the vital role that ReWA and its partners play in fostering a more supportive community.
It serves as a call to action for all community members to honor and uplift the contributions of women—particularly those who have historically been marginalized.
As we celebrate this recognition, ReWA remains committed to its mission, encouraging everyone to use this as an opportunity to reflect, support, and champion the women in their communities.
City of SeaTac Proclamation – Women’s History Month
During a special moment in their game, the Kraken recognized Susan Lee, Senior Director of Education at Refugee Woman’s Alliance (ReWA) as the Kraken “Hero of the Deep.”
This honor highlights Susan’s unwavering commitment to education and community service, while showcasing ReWA’s impactful work as an organization. The Kraken agreed to contribute a generous $32,000 pledge of support in Susan’s honor to ReWA. The pledge will help strengthen educational initiatives, expand resources, and create an even greater opportunity for those who need it most.
During a special moment in their game, the Kraken recognized Susan Lee, Senior Director of Education at ReWA, as the Kraken “Hero of the Deep.” This honor highlights Susan’s unwavering commitment to education and community service, while showcasing ReWA’s impactful work as an organization. The Kraken agreed to contribute a generous $32,000 pledge of support in Susan’s honor to ReWA. The pledge will help strengthen educational initiatives, expand resources, and create an even greater opportunity for those who need it most.
Susan also has a personal journey with ReWA. Over a decade ago, she first encountered the organization when her daughter was enrolled in one of the programs, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of such services.
As the Senior Director of Education, she continues to shape the future of early learning and youth programs, ensuring that families from all backgrounds receive the support they need to thrive.
During Women’s History Month, ReWA extends their heartfelt congratulations to Susan Lee for this well-earned recognition. Her story is a testament to the power of empowering families and strengthening communities.
Are you a visionary leader passionate about uplifting the community? Do you have the drive to lead a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering families and strengthening communities? If so, REWA invites you to apply for the Executive Director position.
Why ReWA?
For over 40 years, REWA has been at the forefront of providing essential services, support, and opportunities to newcomers and their families in the Seattle and King County area. From early childhood education to housing programs, REWA has supported thousands of people by providing access to resources that foster self-sufficiency and stability.
The new Executive Director will inherit a strong and stable organization, highly respected in the community, following an Executive Director who is retiring after 11 years at the helm. As the new Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to build upon this legacy, guiding a dedicated team and shaping the future of REWA’s impact within the community.
ReWA is a well-known, responsive, and impactful organization and has the potential to continue to grow and serve even more people. The opportunity to lead the organization comes at a critical time and we’re seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and relatable leader with passion for our mission. This role is not just about leadership; it’s about being a catalyst for change, and a voice for those who need it most!
How to Apply
ReWA has retained Glick Davis & Associates, LLC to facilitate this search on our behalf. To apply, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to: ReWA@glickdavis.com. Resume(s) received without a cover letter will not be considered.
Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) announced today that Executive Director Mahnaz Eshetu will be retiring later this year, following more than 11 years of dedicated leadership and seven years of prior service as a ReWA Board member. The search for ReWA’s next Executive Director will commence later this month, with the goal of selecting a new leader in June 2025 to allow for a smooth transition before Mahnaz’s planned departure in early September.
Since stepping into the role of Executive Director, Mahnaz has been instrumental in expanding ReWA’s programs, increasing organizational sustainability, and strengthening services that empower immigrant and refugee communities in King County and the Puget Sound region. Under her leadership, ReWA has enhanced its ability to provide critical resources, from early learning and employment training to legal assistance and gender-based violence survivor support.
“It has been the honor of my life to lead ReWA these past 11 years,” said Mahnaz. “Together, we have strengthened our programs, expanded our impact, and built a team that is deeply committed to our mission. I am incredibly grateful for our staff, partners, and supporters who have worked alongside me to serve our communities. While I am stepping down from my role, I look forward to continuing to support ReWA as a dedicated community stakeholder and advocate.”
The ReWA Board of Directors has engaged the executive search firm Glick Davis & Associates to lead the hiring process, selecting a firm with deep expertise in nonprofit leadership and experience in culturally significant placements across King County. The firm was chosen following a rigorous proposal and evaluation process to ensure the best fit for ReWA’s next chapter.
“We are deeply grateful for Mahnaz’s vision and leadership,” said Shevanthi Daniel-Rabkin, Chair of ReWA’s Board of Directors. “Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Our next Executive Director will build upon the strong foundation Mahnaz has helped create.”
The planning of ReWA’s leadership transition over the past two years has been thoughtful and strategic. The organization remains committed to its mission of serving refugee and immigrant communities and looks forward to welcoming its next leader in the coming months.
The position will be advertised on multiple channels, including on ReWA’s website.
A public announcement regarding the new Executive Director will be made following the completion of the search process.
All inquiries should be directed to:
Kirk W. Laughlin, CFRE Chief Development Officer Refugee Women’s Alliance kirk@rewa.org 206-721-0243, Ext. 269
When Abdul (name changed) came to the U.S. early in 2022, he started working in the first job he could find: delivery driver. It was a far cry from his professional career in Afghanistan where he was an environmental and construction engineer for many years.
Professional engineers can break into the local job market through professional re-training to be construction schedulers.
ReWA director of Family Support programs, Gizachew Manahle said the Day 1 housing program supports immigrant and refugees who are un- or under-employed and on the verge of homelessness.
“For many immigrants who have higher education and worked professionally, moving to the U.S. often means ‘starting over’. They end up in a survival job which puts them at high risk of losing housing. Also, when a person’s education and training aren’t put to use, it can be very demoralizing. And, their new community isn’t benefiting from their skills either.”
In his new job Abdul worked long hours every day, rarely saw his six children. Even with food stamps, he could barely earn enough to cover rent. He came to ReWA for help. ReWA’s Day 1 program provides case management support and short-term rent and tuition assistance to help them achieve economic and housing stability.
A teacher’s assistant is the first step in becoming an accredited teacher.
Abdul met with his career coach and made a career plan. He learned that with his engineering expertise, he could finish a six-month certification course and start work as a construction scheduler—a well-paid professional position that would return him to the career he had dedicated much of his life to.
But the training was full time. With tuition and rental assistance from ReWA’s day 1 program Abdul was able to focus on his studies, and invest in his future for his family.
When Abdul finished his certification, his career coach helped he update his resume, create a LinkedIn profile, and attend some job networking events. Within a month of finishing his certification Abdul was hired as a construction scheduler and earning a salary that would support his family.
Because the program uses a whole-family approach, his Day 1 case manager helped Abdul identify meant to pay utility bills while also enrolling in his wife in English classes and assisting her with a survival job search.
Manahle said the Day 1 program has helped over 161 families to remove major barriers to housing stability. He said this is done by addressing issues in housing, employment and social emotional wellbeing. Day1 participants end up in jobs ranging from logistics coordinator, truck driver, preschool teacher, medical assistant, quality assurance associate, research coordinator, constructions scheduler, drafter, phlebotomist, IT assistant and a car mechanic.
Many local colleges offer short-term training programs, such as phlebotomists, to jump start a career in health care.
Yana Dareva-Morrison, ReWA Career Coach and Business Developer, who works closely with Day 1 participants, said, “When people come to us, we aim to create a trusting relationship so they can get guidance and clarity about their career path. This helps them navigate the U.S. job market—from the initial job search, to the interview, and finally the salary negotiation stage—we help them step confidently into that process.”
If you want to learn more email Day 1 case manager, Mohammed Beena at mohammad@rewa.org.
