TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

Maryland Nonprofit Spotlight: Empowered Women

International
by Kelly Beecher
This week, we take a look at another organization doing great work for the
greater Washington community. Empowered Women
International is a women-centered, women
led organization dedicated to helping immigrant,
refugee, low-income and otherwise at risk women pursue
their passions through entrepreneurial
development. EWI provides entrepreneurship
training, mentoring, market access and support
services for talented, women seeking a
better life for themselves and their
families. EWI is a driving force in the
community with offices in Rockville, MD,
Alexandria, VA and Herndon, VA.

Local business and community development

One third of the participants in EWI’s programs are residents of Montgomery

County. “We don’t want to have an organization that doesn’t serve community
needs,” says Chief Empowerment Officer Florence Navarro. The organization has
plans to expand further into Montgomery County and into DC. During a
discussion with area council members, Navarro stressed the need for
infrastructure within the immigrant population. On average, micro businesses are
known to employ 2 ½ people per business in part time or seasonal positions. The
increase of micro businesses in the area would ultimately lead to an increase in
jobs and local economic growth.

Women empowerment: solidarity and ambition

“If you don’t have an entrepreneurial mindset it is going to be difficult to thrive

in the work world,” said Navarro as she spoke on the business landscape of the
21st century. EWI works to foster a space where passionate business-minded
women can come together to organize, learn and sharpen their skills. Navarro
sees that these women have potential but may feel isolated because they are
immigrants and don’t understand the market or have difficulty overcoming
cultural barriers. That’s where EWI’s thriving network comes in. At EWI, there is
a strong emphasis on maintaining in-house resources along with a wider network
of businesses, professionals and community programs.

A holistic approach

Often the women who come into EWI’s training programs are dealing with some
degree of social challenges or even traumas as a result of their background. EWI
aims to create a safe space for these women to share their stories and gives
them access to healing. This is especially powerful for women who feel as
though it is not acceptable for them to focus on themselves. By addressing their
obstacles and unlocking their potential, they have a much better outcome. If
their needs are not met during training, EWI provides outside resources that will
address them.

For more information about EWI, visit their website or connect with them
through Facebook and Twitter.

Stay tuned for more spotlights on local nonprofit organizations. Want your
organization featured? Contact Kelly Beecher.