A statement by ReWA’s Board Chair, Shevanthi Daniel-Rabkin
Dear ReWA Community,
We are proud to announce that Kathleen Cloutier will join Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) as our new Executive Director later this summer. Kathleen (Kathy) is a versatile leader and executive with more than 45 years of experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors and a long-time champion of immigrant and refugee recognition and support.
For the past 12 years, Kathy has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, the largest dedicated refugee and immigrant services organization in that state, where she led the organization through a period of transformational growth and impact. Under her leadership, Dorcas International more than doubled its revenue, significantly expanded key programs in immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, education, and workforce development, and built sustainable systems to meet the evolving needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Kathy has also served as Executive Director of the Albany Community Action Partnership in Albany, NY for eight years, during which she spearheaded capital expansion for early learning facilities, an area of growth for ReWA as well.
Kathy brings a leadership style that is both strategic and compassionate, shaped by personal experience and a deep commitment to equity, social justice, and authentic community partnerships—values that align closely with ReWA’s mission.
Her track record includes leading cross-cultural initiatives and advocacy campaigns that center the strengths of refugee and immigrant communities. She is a steadfast advocate for equity and opportunity and has worked consistently to amplify community voices while addressing systemic barriers.
Kathy holds an MBA from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management, a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School and is currently completing Stanford’s Strategic Leadership Program. Her commitment to lifelong learning reflects her belief that strong leadership requires adaptability, integrity, and vision.
“I’m honored to build on ReWA’s 40-year legacy and guide us through shifting federal policies and tighter budgets—so we can continue expanding opportunities for immigrant and refugee families,” said Kathy.
As Kathy steps into this role, she brings the energy, insight, and experience to lead ReWA into its next chapter—building on the powerful legacy of current Executive Director, Mahnaz Eshetu, who will retire at the end of August after more than a decade of extraordinary service.
“We are deeply grateful to Mahnaz for her visionary leadership and tireless dedication. Her legacy will continue to shape ReWA’s future, even as we begin this exciting new chapter,” said ReWA Board Member and Executive Search Committee Co-Chair Cynthia Chirot. “She will be missed.”
“On behalf of our board and staff, we are thrilled to welcome Kathy into the ReWA family. Her commitment to our mission and community is clear. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years to empower immigrants, refugees, and their families—and I look forward to seeing how Kathy will carry this work forward and guide ReWA into the future.” – Mahnaz Eshetu
Please join us in welcoming Kathy Cloutier to ReWA!
With gratitude,
Shevanthi Daniel-Rabkin, ReWA Board Chair