ABOUT US
OUR MISSION AND HISTORY
Our Mission is to empower, uplift, protect and educate immigrants/refugee women in Minnesota so that they can achieve and thrive economically and Socially to build more resilient and healthy futures for themselves and for their children.
Somali American Women Action Center(SAWAC) creates a one-of-a-kind community for young, refugee women to learn, grow, and become leaders in their own right. SAWAC is built on the principle that every young woman deserves opportunity and become a solution and a bridge to the barriers faced by these women.
Minnesota is the home of many Immigrants and refuge women who experience education and employment disparities, which force them to live below the poverty line. Multiple barriers prevent them from furthering their education and securing living wage employments. Currently, low skill and low paying jobs are available. Using a Participatory and unique approaches, the member of the under-served women created SAWAC’S programmings based on their needs.
We created a space where women develop their social enterprise skills which is a step in the journey toward independence and a new life after war and conflict.
We are driving an equal access to economic opportunities, social empowerment and leadership skills for women to create a stronger communities where barriers are eliminated and all girls and women are respected and uplifted to thrive.
Our Women Participants express themselves creatively while learning tangible skills that lead to self-sufficiency. Our trauma-informed approach allows them to achieve economic and social independence. Our Women participants continue their healing within SAWAC’S supportive environment while learning business skills. 70% of the women who have been a part our programs are economically independent. Somali American Women Action Center’s programs have grown alongside the young women we serve, ensuring that our organization is for and by them.
Our award-winning holistic model provides short and long-term support through opportunities for refugee women to access their human rights, experience economic success and skill development, and become leaders in their own communities.
Meet our teaching team
Leslie Mallery
Instructor & Outreach Coordinator
Leslie was born and raised in Lakeville Minnesota. Even if you’ve never met Leslie, you’ve met her work and Tote bags she made with the women we serve over the holiday season in Minnesota. She teaches the women how they can earn a living with the skills simple skills. She is a wonderful person.
Nancy Miller
Instructor/Trainer
Nancy is a life-long resident of Twin cities and Faribault area who is a self taught sewist and she is proud to be able to give back to the immigrant and refugee women so that they can break the barriers that prevents them to provide a living for their families through a holistic service delivery.
Susannah Duly
Instructor/Trainer
Susannah was raised with a tradition of volunteerism and about 8 months ago she joined our “SEWING4LIVING” Project where she is helping immigrants and once a refugee women Learn the Sewing and Cutting Skills. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a BS in Geology.
Our Partners
Testimonials
