Empowered Women International

A Guide of Loca l Women Entrepreneurs in Arts, Food, and the Crea t ive Economy

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Art Venues..........................................................................................................................1

Cleaning Services..........................................................................................................1

Consulting Businesses ...............................................................................................1

Cosmetology and Beauty.........................................................................................2

Educational Services ..................................................................................................3

Fashion Apparel and Accessories ........................................................................4

Fine Art................................................................................................................................6

Food and Catering ................................................................................................... 10

Glass Art.......................................................................................................................... 11

health and wellness ................................................................................................ 12

Import / Export Businesses and Marketplace........................................... 12

Interior Decorating................................................................................................ 13

Jewelry design.............................................................................................................. 13

Multimedia (Film, Graphic, web design) ....................................................... 14

Music & performance............................................................................................... 15

Nonprofit / Community Development......................................................... 16

Photography. ................................................................................................................ 17

Textile and Mixed media ........................................................................................ 17

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Table of Contents

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

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Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

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fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

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Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

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Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

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Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

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fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

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Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

Isabel Castaneda 2008 GraduatePainter & Printmaker

While enrolled in the ETS program, Isabel created a portfolio and developed a marketing plan. After graduating, Isabel was paid to work as an artist for local newspapers and to paint murals in Washington D.C. Her artwork was also featured at exhibits.

Jennifer Smith 2012 GraduateOil painting

Jennifer is an oil painter who sometimes works with encaustics, charcoal, pen and ink. She wants to sell her artwork and retain the rights to use the images on pieces of fabric, kitchen ware, wallpaper accesso-ries and furniture design. Her dream is to open an Art studio or Artists’ Co-op where local artists gather to share successes and failures and support each other.

Jenny McKenzie (Jenny Ohs)2006 GraduateArt by Ohs: Painting Website: freewebs.com/artbyohs/

Jenny started painting and drawing as a child. When she began losing her sight, ability to hear and use of her hands, Jenny discovered her own way of holding a pen, pencil or paintbrush to create works of art inspired by nature. She continues to exhibit award-winning art.

Jessamyn Hoshikawa2005 GraduatePainting, Drawings, Textiles, & Photography

As a young girl, Jessamyn worked with various mediums and later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University. Her paintings are often inspired by dreams and daydreams, with images of nature, animal, and human interactions. An art teacher, Jessamyn believes children have much to teach to adults.

Joyce Wagner2006 GraduateReinvented Elegance: Jewelry & Mosaics

Joyce creates simple, elegant magnets, mosaics and wire-wrapped jewelry with pressed flowers. Her work is inspired by nature’s beauty. She exhibits her work at craft markets and boutiques in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

Jung Eun Kim2009 GraduatePainting & Printmaking

Jung’s work reflects her Asian beliefs in the concept of Yin and Yang. Her works have appeared in well-known international galleries such as Kwan Hoon Gallery, Seoul, Korea (2003); Hong-Ik Univer-sity Art Museum, Seoul, Korea (2004); Gasan Gallery, Seol, Korea (2005) and Lalit Kala Akademy, New Delhi, India (2008).

Lezlie Petronello2011 GraduatePet Portraits

Involved in theatre from a young age, Lezlie learned to paint large sets, create murals, design costumes and apply stage make-up. Born in Simi Valley, California, Lezlie later painted homes on slate. Lezlie’s talents have evolved and expanded over the years to include the use of oils, acrylics, watercolors and textiles.

Maha Hassan2009 GraduatePainting

A schoolteacher in her native country of Iraq, Maha’s paintings reflect her love of flowers. She and both of her daughters are graduates of the ETS program.

Maria Jose Ugalde Alcazar2007 GraduatePrinting, Poetry

Maria’s paintings hang in private collections in Guyana, Bolivia, Colombia and the U.S. Her poetry has been published in local magazines in George-town, Guyana and La Paz, Bolivia. An activist and musician, Maria participates in cultural and socio-

Art Venues

Denisse Rodriguez2012 GraduateArt Gallery, Studio, Lounge

Denisse enrolled in the ETS program to create a milieu where music and art lovers can come together to talk about their work and showcase their craft. Inspired by the ambiance of BusBoys and Poets, Denisse designed a lounge/art gallery studio.

Julia Logan2009 GraduateJul’s Jewels – Art Gallery; Graphic Designer

When she applied to the ETS program, Julia had several goals: To make and sell her own note cards and paintings and to start up her own art gallery. A mother of five, Julia created a profitable company which allowed her to make a living as an artist.

Marlene Belgrove2008 GraduateArt Tribute Enterprises

Cleaning Services

Kudzai Gombakomba2011 GraduateKGSpotlessFacebook: KG-Spotless

A refugee from Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 2009 to live with her son, Kudzai is a graduate of George Washington University. Back home, Kudzai received a master’s degree in hospitality service and worked in management. Equipped with skills she learned through EWI, she created a company that offers services such as residential and commercial cleaning, deep cleaning treatments, and move-out and move-in cleaning.

Jane Mwinuka2013 GraduateHighlander Services, LLC - Cleaning Services

Originally from Tanzania, Jane Mwinuka’s love of cleaning started as a child. As she grew older this love grew into an interest in providing cleaning services. Once in the United States, she founded Highlander Services, LLC, an organization specializ-ing in residential and commercial properties.

Consulting Businesses

Addie Gail2012 GraduateThe Gail Consulting GroupWebsite: thegailconsultinggroup.com

Addie created Gail Consulting Group to provide management consulting services to governments, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. Skilled in marketing, Addie is networking with other professionals in her field and meeting potential clients. Addie is also a trainer-in-training and mentor to current ETS students

Kelley Smith2012 GraduateStyle Smiths

Kelley has always had an eye for fashion. Experi-enced as a stylist for photo shoots, Kelley struggled to make a living practicing her craft. At EWI, Kelley strengthened her business skills. “Style Smiths provides style consulting services to image-aware, goal- oriented and successful professionals in the D.C. area,” said Kelley.

Paula Jean Margus2010 GraduateMarketing

Paula started volunteering with EWI while unem-ployed from the IT field. She started writing wom-en’s artist profiles, helping them with marketing and photographing their work. Soon she reconnected with her first professional love: writing creative nonfiction to promote people’s talents and advocate for their success.

expressions of people and their cultures. She exhibit-ed her work in the U.S. and abroad and is a member of several professional affiliations, including Oil Painters of America, Torpedo Factory Art Center and National Association of Artists, Kazakhstan.

Fatana Baktash2007 GraduatePaintingWebsite: about-afghanistan.com/fatana-arifi.html

Fatana is a well-known artist in the U.S. and in Afghanistan. She was listed under Who’s Who of American Women 2004-2005 and exhibited her works at the National Association of Women Artists, National Geographic, NBC4 Gallery, Torpedo Factory and the Embassy of Afghanistan in Wash-ington D.C.

Gloria Valdes Tarasca2011 GraduatePaintingWebsite: gloriavaldes.com

A self-taught artist, Gloria began building her own fantasy world from the colors and shapes inspired by the Tarascans, her ancestral people who inhabited the Michoacán in western Mexico, where she was born.

Holly Gierl2006 GraduatePainting & Jewelry Design

Irina Avilova2009 GraduatePaintingWebsite: irinaavilova.com

Irina’s art represents her multi-cultural background. Having left Russia on her own at a young age, Irina taught herself to paint. Her artwork was featured in regional, national and international exhibits, includ-ing two personal shows.

Fine Art

Alex Nutbohm2006 GraduateOil & Acrylic Paintings

Painting allowed Alex to take a break from daily activities. Inspired by nature, her recurrent motifs are flowers, fruits and landscapes as well as abstract compositions.

Arline Ostolaza2007 GraduatePainting

Arline discovered her passion for the arts as an art student at Purchase College SUNY. She converts Japanese sumie drawings, calligraphy, and various other drawing techniques into marketable, inspiring products.

Barbara Bach2005 GraduatePainting & Drawing

Carmen Dupuy 2008 GraduatePainter & Author

Prior to enrolling in the ETS program in 2008, Carmen was diagnosed with lupus. But she was driven to overcome the adversities and with the help of EWI, completely revamped her art business and pursued her passion for poetry and painting.

Cheryl Lavoie 2007 GraduatePainting & Pencil, Pen, and Charcoal Drawings

Elena Nolan2010 GraduateOil PainterWebsite: zhibit.org/elenanolan

Elena developed a love for the arts and painting as a young girl in Siberia and later studied fine art in Russia and Kazakstan. She uses oil paints as her medium to create landscapes, portraits, still life and

Angela Sargent2013 GraduateA.I.A. Inspired DesignsFacebook: AIAInspiredDesigns Etsy: AIAInspiredDesigns

Angela Sargent sells hand-knit scarves, hats, cell phone holders as well as greeting cards, inspiration-al plaques, and books. She started her business in 2007 after being laid off from a job. As a single mother, the inspiration for Angela's business idea came from her two sons. A.I.A. stands for Angela, Isaiah, and Aaron. They motivate her to makethe world better and to encourage others to do the same.

Julie Hyo Park2013 GraduateJ-Made Designs Boutique

Julie Park, owner of J-Made Designs Boutique: a knitting and crochet company, is a friendly and highly motivated emerging entrepreneur. Julie makes a wide variety of items for women, children, and babies. Her unique clothing makes the perfect gift for family and friends, but she knows that there is more she can do with her talent.

Tenisha Campbell2013 GraduateT Simone DesignsWebsite: tsimonedesigns.com

Tenisha’s artistic vision blossomed through a wellspring of difficult circumstances. In the midst of obstacles life threw her way she pursued her true passion for fashion and design in order to seek peace and continue the healing process. Her entrepreneurial journey began in Charlotte, NC and developed in great fervor in DC with the foundation of T-Simone Designs.

Sarah Aldalawi2009 GraduateTextile Design

When she arrived to the U.S. from Iraq, Sarah, a textile design artist, struggled to find steady work. Soon after she learned that a market existed for creatively designed textiles. Sarah enrolled in the ETS program to develop skills to start her own small business.

Tiffany Carter2011 GraduateVesica Splender & Thinking in CupsWebsite: vesicassplendor.comEtsy: vesicassplendor.com/apps/etsystore/

Tiffany entered the ETS program to pursue her dream of opening a small business and becoming self-sufficient. Whimsical, spontaneous and spirit-ed, Tiffany designs themes for her hair and jewelry collections.

Valentina Dimilo2008 GraduateBatik DesignerFacebook: art batik by Valentina Dimilo

Russian-born Valentina specializes in art batik, a form of textile design that involves painting directly onto silk. After graduating from ETS in 2008, she found her target market in the Washington D.C. area, distinguishing herself as the first artist to sell her wares at the newly-opened King Street Art Works gallery in Alexandria.

Velma Crawford2011 GraduateVeez Ties That Bind Facebook: VeezTiesThatBind

Velma is an artist, designer, and storyteller—well known for making unique aprons. Velma’s apron designs are inspired by the love she felt for her grandmother, who taught her the art of quilting, and the memory of good times shared with her grandmother’s seven daughters.

Mariam Mohamed2012 GraduateBahari Deco CraftsWebsite: baharicreations.com

Originally from Tanzania, Mariam immigrated to the U.S. in the early 2000s with a dream to own her own business. Experienced in working with textiles and sewing, Mariam created unique handbags from Kanga cloth, a traditional fabric found along the East Africa cost.

Rabia Naeem Pervez2005 GraduateHand-painted Silk ScarvesWebsite: silknpaint.com

The silk work created by Rabia is as colorful as a rainbow and reveal her talent for blending fabrics and silk paint. Her designs celebrate the changing seasons and wide range of human emotion. Rabia’s love of art began in her home country of Pakistan where she made and sold clothing.

Rashunda Bailey2012 GraduateShoe Designs

Rashunda knows that shoes can make an outfit—and that an outfit can boost a person’s self-esteem. She wants to create an orthopedic shoe that will guaran-tee comfort and style and has turned to EWI for support in her venture. Her marketing strategy will be to target women of all ages, especially profession-al women.

Renee Huggins-Sinclair2011 GraduatBeloved Handbags

Each of Renee’s handbags is unique. Her business is composed of three lines – cloth shoulder sling bags, baby diaper bags and pleated day bags. Renee plans to expand her collection to include fancy evening clutches.

Fashion Apparel and Accessories

Amy Odean2010 GraduateWomen’s Apparel Designer

Amy is a painter who makes pottery, quilts and dresses. Amy is also a hat designer, photographer and textile artist. Her style reflects the various cultures that have played an integral part of her life since childhood.

Carla Weeks2011 GraduatePiccadilly WeeksWebsite: piccadillyweeks.com

Born in the UK, Carla creates a line of clutches and accessories made from vintage and repurposed materials. Each piece carries its own story. Carla scours thrift stores, estate sales and antique shops to find high quality materials with unique characteristics.

Claire Morin2011 GraduateTusha International

Claire transforms indigenous fabrics into styles everyone can wear. She started designing as a hobby, but her garments were so unique that friends in the U.S. offered to buy them. Tusha International supports micro-businesses by buying and selling jewelry and natural eco-friendly products like shea butter, cocoa butter and natural soap.

Diane Baird N’Diaye2005 GraduateTextiles & Jewelry

Diana is a cultural specialist and curator at the Center for Folklife Programs & Cultural Heritage, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her research interests and specialties lie in the areas of participa-tory cultural research methods, ethno aesthetics, material culture, cultural representation, cultural policy, African and African Diaspora folk life and ethnicity.

Educational Services

Caryn Reitkopp2012 GraduateHumane Education Paws for Peace

A childhood educator and animal lover, Caryn started a business to teach young children to treat animals kindly. Paws for Peace uses puppets to impart the importance of being compassionate towards animalsto children in daycare centers and preschools.

Jennifer Halsey2012 GraduateEdible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) a division of CULTOURS, LLC

Jennifer has experience as a tour guide and a broad knowledge of history, which has translated into the vision for her tour guide company. Edible Adventures Tours (E.A.T.) partners with local elementary schools to provide carefully planned trips to local historical sites for students (and a free lunchbox!).

Kamila Barbour2012 GraduateEducation/Publishing Barbour Publishing House

Most of the stories Kamila hears about Muslim Americans are told by people outside her culture. It’s time she tells the story about her own people. An educator by trade, Kamila developed a curriculum about Muslim art and culture to offer a new perspec-tive on the history of Muslim Americans.

Paulette Mpouma2011 GraduateAfrica Memory GameWebsite: theafricamemorygame.com

Paulette, a refuge from Cameroon, developed a board game to educate her children about Africa—but she soon realized the game would have wider appeal. The Africa Memory Game she created is fun, interac-tive and challenges its players on African trivia.

company that specializes in bath products, make-up and hair pieces.

Brigitta Kral2010 GraduateBriggy’s Bath & BeautyEtsy: BriggysBathAndBody

After being laid off from her job as a senior commu-nications associate, Brigitta Kral wanted to focus time towards transitioning BrigaBauble, her jewelry line, from a hobby into a profitable business. She also wanted to expand her craft by creating Briggy’s Bath and Body, making handcrafted, natural bath and body goodies.

Ebony Howard2012 GraduateNails4MalesWebsite: nails4males.com

Ebony is a licensed nail technician with over 10 years of experience. Nails4Males offers premier services that include manicures, pedicures, facials, and stress-reliever packages to men who wish to be pampered and groomed in a male-friendly environ-ment.

Nichole Swinson2012 GraduateHair & BeautySugarland Beauty Supply Boutique

Nichole understands what life is like for women struggling with hair loss caused by a medical condi-tion—and that’s why the beauty stylist and wig artisan plans to design customized wigs and develop natural hair care products. She hopes to open up a store to sell these products and provide a haven for women to support each other during difficult times.

Solo’o Idalina Sylva2011 GraduateNaturElle: Hair Braiding/Natural HaircareWebsite: BlackStylists.com/NaturElle_Braiding

Born in Gabon, Africa and raised in France, Solo’o is a natural hairstylist, braider and educator in the Washington D.C. area. After a decade of braiding the hair of relatives, coworkers, and friends, the mother of two boys and three girls opened up her own shop while attending cosmetology school.

life’s endeavors. Through EWI she says she has benefitted from quality classes and the aid of mentors and teachers throughout the process which will have a lasting impact on her new career.

Carolina Guevara2013 GraduateEco-Habitat

Originally from Nicaragua, Carolina saw a need for eco-friendly housing development. After growing up around precarious housin conditions in Nicaragua she was inspired to create ECO-HABITAT, whose mission is to provide affordable and environmentally friendly housing design alternatives. She says after her experience with EWI she now knows how to better manage her time, establish a strong working relationship with potential customers, and is excited about her new business plan to develop and improve people’s homes.

Cleopatra Magwaro2013 GraduateWriting and Publishing ConsultancyWeb: aseasonsassemblage.com Facebook: A Seasons Assemblage by Cleopatra Magwaro

Originally from Zimbabwe, Cleopatra Magwaro began writing an anthology of short stories while she was in law school in Australia which was later published in book, “A Season’s Assemblage.” Cleo’swriting expertise also includes freelance projects on global justice, international business law, global human rights issues and biographies. Cleo believes she has reclaimed her voice as a writer after coming to EWI and that she is now in a better position to take her anthology to the next level.

Cosmetology and Beauty

Breann Whitcomb2011 GraduateMimulus & Thinking in CupsWebsite: thinkingincups.com

Stressed out financially, Breann capitalized on her creativity and keen eye for color to start her own business. Along with fellow ETS graduate, Tiffany Carter, Breann co-founded Thinking in Cups, a

Valerie Fair2012 GraduateMother Earth EnterprisesWebsite: motherearthent.com

Valerie started her own company to clean up the environment, reversing damage caused by pollution and unsustainable energy practices. Through Mother Earth Enterprises, Valerie educates the local community on strategies for saving energy and reducing waste. Mother Earth Enterprises is comprised of three divisions: FAIR Solutions, Go Green Greeting Cards and Mother Earth’s Next Generation Blossoms.

Floralba Camargo2013 GraduateSun�ower Home Organizer

Over the past ten years, while in Colombia and later in the US, Floralba had a deep-rooted connection with home organization. She organized the homes of her friends and family and has now grown this into abusiness. She believes that an organized home life, which can often be an overlooked task, makes the world of a difference in an individual’s life.

Morella Ewell2013 GraduateEwell Interpretation Services

A native of Colombia, Morella came to the United States in 1995. Her business offers translating services, dealing with everything from legal docu-ments to small business to government-related services. She believes it is beneficial that she is an immigrant, as many of her clients come from differ-ent countries and trust her because she can relate totheir circumstances. Morella says that EWI helped her put the pieces of her business together. She is grateful to have had mentors, trainers and business coaches in the process to offer guidance and support.

Odirsa Argueta2013 GraduateJRC Irrigation and Lighting Company

Odrisa’s business installs irrigation systems and provides landscaping services. She enjoys making customers happy as they find their yards transformed into beautiful new landscapes. She is a proud mother and finds her children a strong motivation for her

political initiatives that empower individuals and communities to unify and promote a healing world.

Mariana Fernandez2007 GraduatePainting & Set Design Website: marianafernandez.com

Driven from a young age by curiosity for the performing and fine arts, Argentina-born Mariana studied set and scenic design and worked making costumes and masks for television stations in her home country. She is now a scenic artist for Folger Theater, Studio Theater, Miniature Theatre of Chester, The Shakespeare Theater and Signature Theater.

Marina Reiter2007 GraduatePainting Website: marinareiter.com

According to Marina, “The shapes I paint may evoke human forms, atomic particles and even the very make-up of our social fabric, the very essences of who we are.” She has exhibited internationally, nationally, and locally. She also held a solo show at the Museum of Young Art in Vienna, Austria, and received an invitation to participate at the Museum of the Americas in Doral, Florida.

May Al-Souz2009 GraduatePainting, Graphic DesignWebsite: zhibit.org/mayalsouz

May began her artistic career in Baghdad, where she grew up and studied painting. She is now an artist and illustrator, expressing the culture, traditions and ways of life in Iraq. May also enjoys painting fabrics, fashion designing and making her own greeting cards.

Mekbib Gebertsadik2006 GraduatePainting Website: artslant.com/global/artists/-show/27597-mekbib-gebertsadik

Mekbib studied painting and illustration in Ethiopia, receiving a BFA with honors, and later pursued his MFA at Howard University in the U.S. His work

concentrates on African motifs and traditions, both in color palette and technique. His paintings appeared in exhibitions in Ethiopia and other countries includ-ing the U.S.

Meseret Desta2006 GraduatePainting

Meseret’s portraits belong to a genre she calls “figu-rative painting.” She is fascinated by facial expres-sions and strives to capture emotions in her work. Her subjects interact with nature. Meseret explores the themes of hope, mothers, strength, responsibility and inner beauty.

Nadia Janjua2011 GraduateOil Paintings, Architecture, Handmade CraftsWebsite: njartitecture.comEtsy: shopnjartitectureFacebook: NJArtitecture

Through paintings and architecture, Nadia explores her own life journey and invites viewers to do the same with their personal narratives. Her architectural design focuses on a multi-sensory experience of space.

Naomie Belayneh2009 GraduatePainting & Graphic Design

Naomie is an Ethiopian artist and painter whose work reflects her country’ natural beauty, the signifi-cance of women’s contribution to society, faith-based icons and cultural expressions and traditions. Her images of feminine beauty accentuate slender necks.

Pilar Ortiz2012 GraduatePainting: Chic Art ImpressionsWebsite: pilarortizfineart.com

An immigrant struggling to find her way in the U.S., Pilar creates artwork that depicts the richness of her Hispanic culture. One of her goals is to empower other Hispanic women to pursue their creativity through the Hispanic Art Foundation. Pilar found her business niche in making mobile device skin covers for a wide audience.

Saadia Yasmin2011 GraduateDream Cafe Podcast: globalrickshaw.mypodcast.com

When the war in her home country erupted, Afgahni-stan-born Saadia was bombarded with images of Pushtuns as victims of war and decided to use her art to capture the sorrows. Saadia has exhibited her artwork with Muslim Women in the Arts, Afghan Education for a Better Tomorrow and Bloombars. Saadia also enlightening listeners to the beauty of her native music and customs on Global Rickshaw Radio.

Sahar Ismael2009 GraduatePainting

Sahar studied architecture at University of Baghdad while pursuing her passion for art. Her works, which convey a sense of optimism about the future, have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries in Iraq and the U.S. She is also an Arabic instructor at the Comprehensive Language Center.

Sarah Jawaid2011 GraduatePainting & PhotographyWebsite: sarahjawaid.com

Sarah received degrees in public policy and urban planning from the University of Southern California. As an urban planner, Sarah often reflects on how spaces affect people and the environment. Her paintings manifest her inner spatial landscape and her photographs depict cityscapes, landscapes—mo-tifs that search for the calm amidst the chaos.

Sarina Harris 2006 GraduatePainting & Art Education

Growing up in Malaysia, Sarina always wanted to be an artist. She studied art in Malaysia and in the U.S., and taught art in Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Germany and other countries.

Shahnaz Elrawi2011 GraduatePainting: Babylon Spirit

A self-taught painter, Shahnaz combines traditional folklore and art to create vivid portraits of her beloved country, Iraq. She bridges the gap between her past and present through various mediums such as mirrors, coins, fabrics and flowers woven together.

Sheryl Gordon2007 GraduateGraphite, Pen & Ink Illustrations

Sheryl illustrates her artwork with graphite and pen & ink. She also works in color using pastels, colored pencils and acrylics. She describes her illustrations as “fantasy with a bent on realism” or “realism with a bent on fantasy.”

Sydnei Smithjordan2010 GraduatePainting & Textile Design Website: store.uspacegallery.com/sysm.html

Using body form and portraiture, Sydnei’s paintings explore religion, culture, sex, politics and how they relate to and define the individual. Her works have been collected by Sylvester Stallone, Whoopi Goldberg and Patti La Belle. She studied art at Santa Monica College and earned her master’s degree at the Rhode Island School of Design in Fine Art.

Tayseer Shibrain 2006 GraduatePainting

Tayseer, born in Sudan, enrolled in the ETS program to learn management skills, how to price her work and develop a marketing plan to promote her products.

Teresa Canales 2007 GraduatePainting

Teresa, born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. with a mission. She wanted to teach “women to be successful in their own dreams,” she said. Teresa uses pastels, oils, acrylics and watercolors to express her images of nature.

Tricia O’hara2006 GraduatePainting

Wynn Creasy2006 GraduatePainting & Textiles Website: wynncreasyfineart.blogspot.com

Wynn is an actress and singer in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area, as well as a fine artist and painter. She specializes in painting landscapes and abstracts of the Virginia countryside in oil, oil pastel, and acrylic.

Food and Catering

Aida Mady2012 GraduateCooking & Beyond

Born and raised in Egypt, Aida’s life has been enriched by international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Aida’s company, Cooking & Beyond, offers a new line of imported Egyptian cooking accessories. She plans to publish a cookbook that reflects the history and cultural influences of Egyptian cuisine.

Alicia Lopez2011 GraduateLatin American Cuisine

Alicia’s dream was to own a business cooking and selling Latin American cuisine. In a locale provided by Impact Silver Spring, an EWI partner organiza-tion, she plans to open a cafeteria to sell her home-made pupusas, tacos, tamales, tamarindo and other foods.

Doler Shah2012 GraduateFlavors of India

After years of being asked to teach Indian cooking, Doler decided to start her own company. Flavors of India will provide “Indian culinary classes which transport one’s taste buds and their senses to different parts of India,” Doler said.

Elda La Rue2012 GraduateD’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A mother of four who was born into a Mexican family, Elda lost count of how many cakes she baked and how many piñatas she hung for her children’s birthday parties. Elda became so famous for her cakes that she decided to start a small business selling her baked goods. She and her partner Lyzbeth Monard enrolled in EWI’s programs to learn about how to run a business.

Elizabeth Coker2012 GraduateMa Lizzies Cakes & Catering

Since she immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana twenty years ago, Elizabeth has been baking desserts from her home country. She launched Ma Lizzie’s Cakes and Catering, a company specializing in selling traditional Ghanian sweets as well as gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and egg-free cakes and pastries.

Irene Naguib2012 GraduateEgyptian Cuisine

An immigrant from Egypt who arrived to the U.S. in 2004, Irene relishes the cuisine of her native country. She enjoys baking bread, making sand-wiches and grilling kabobs—and revels in feeding others the food that sustained her back home. However, Irene is also worried about people living in poverty and aims to raise funds through her business to care for the poor in the U.S. and in Egypt.

Lyzbeth Monard2012 Graduate D’Ellizia CakesFacebook: D’Ellizia

A Peruvian native, Lyzbeth wanted to start a business selling cakes for reasonable prices. She and her partner, Elda LaRue, are self-taught bakers who met through their daughters, both in pre-school. Their company, “D’Ellizia” was founded after friends urged them to enter competitions and create a business.

Trinidad Coopman 2012 GraduateLa Serena CateringFacebook: LaSerenaCatering

Trinidad is a self-taught visual artist who also wants to start her own catering business baking and selling cakes, cupcakes and homemade chocolate. She also envisions owning a store and placing her art pieces on the wall for sale.

Winter Walker 2012 GraduateNuDelish

Winter is the creator and promoter of her original product NuDelish Date Butter. With her background in holistic nutrition, Winter created NuDelish Date Butter as a sweet and creamy nut-free organic spread that is allergy friendly and all natural. Winter devel-oped this nutritional and tasty spread in order to cater to alternative food needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, all while maintaining a product that is full in flavor and child friendly.

Yarmila Aragon 2010 GraduateNorthern Lights Bar

From her father’s birthplace in Panama to her adopted homeland in Sweden, Yarmila has lived in 10 countries and speaks four languages fluently. When her life was completely derailed by a spinal surgery, she found inspiration from her dream of starting her own elite Scandinavian restaurant, café, and art gallery. Yarmila also works as a freelance diplomat and translator for US State Department and the UN.

Nishat Siddiqui2013 GraduateNishat’s KitchenWeb: nishatskitchen.comFacebook: nishatskitchen

Born in Pakistan, and having lived in Italy and the US, Nishat spent years in sales and marketing but didn’t feel fulfilled until she was given the opportuni-ty to cook food for a fundraising event. The tradition-al recipes going back to her grandmother and mother-in-law drew compliments from guests motivating her to pursue her passion for cooking.

She founded her business Nishat’s Kitchen specializing in Pakistan and Indian food, which offers in-home cooking lessons and catering services for small parties and events.

Glass Art

Alison Sigethy2007 GraduateNature Inspired Glass ArtWebsite: alisonsigethy.com

Alison creates forms out of salvaged materials—pri-marily structural glass and found wood. When she was introduced to EWI, Alison was looking for a change in her life. She knew she was creative but never defined herself as an artist. Today, Alison makes a living selling her art. She exhibits through-out the Washington D.C., metropolitan area and has her studio in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Debbie Schran2007 GraduateBe Fused Hot Glass Website: befusedhotglass.com

Debbie’s glass designs consist of a collection of pendants, jewelry sets and functional pieces. Starting out as a painter and printmaker, Debbie found that fused glass lends itself to similar interplays with light, color, design and creativity. Debbie has exhib-ited her work at various local galleries, shops and art shows.

Mahasin Mohamed2006 GraduatePainted Glass

Health and Wellness

Irina Katz2012 GraduateYoga/Reiki Instruction

A certified yoga instructor and a reiki expert, Irina specializes in the practice of Kundalini yoga. She plans open a studio to offer private and group classes throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. She currently teaches at various locations.

Jane Smith2012 GraduateImage Coach: Still Sassy, LLCWebsite: stillsassy.com

Jane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, a disease she knew would change her world. But she remained optimistic and built a new life for herself. Eager to share her experiences to empower women, she started a business as an image coach for women who live with chronic illnesses or have had life-changing health circumstances.

Tammie Archie2012 GraduateHealing Arts & Education: WellFit Concepts

Tammie, founder of WellFit Concepts, wants her company to be profitable so she can support her family with its earnings. She also wants to teach the underprivileged to take care of their bodies by removing the obstacles that prevent them from preserving their health.

Gabriela Garza2013 GraduateOmani Holistic HealingWeb: omaniheals.com

Gabriela’s motivation and inspiration behind Omani Holistic Healing came from her transformative journey through Peru. She developed a business that would provide holistic services to help individuals release tension, find tranquility, improve their health through private sessions in Yoga and Reiki.

Import/Export Businesses and Marketplaces

Adela Poudratchi2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Adela dazzled admirers with the Middle Eastern artisan jewelry from Iran that she wore. But she was started by her fans’ surprise that the jewelry came from Iran, her native country. Adele wanted to promote Iran’s goods so she made a commitment to make Middle Eastern jewelry more accessible.

Azeb Y Tesfaye2012 GraduateLiyu TradingWebsite: liyutrading.comFacebook: LiyuTrading

Born in Ethiopia, Azeb is a dedicated mother who feels passionate about the art from her home coun-try. She wants to start an online business selling her own art in hopes of drawing U.S. customers interest-ed in learning more about Ethiopian culture.

Elleni T. Ashine2010 GraduateOnline Marketplace

Elleni, an Ethiopian artisan and entrepreneur, creates jewelry and writes short stories about social change. Having witnessed turmoil in her nation, she hopes to spur readers into action to strive for a better world and improve the lives of her Ethiopian sisters and all African women.

Grazyna Pinkowska2011 GraduatePol-Am Exports

Grazyna has over 10 years of experience as a business owner and company executive. Pol-Am Exports is the creation of her dream to bring outstanding Polish traditional artwork to American markets. The company specialized in beautiful and unique home décor products from Poland, many of which are handcrafted and hand painted, and include ornamental glass, window treatments and tableware.

Interior Decorating

Clementine Simmons2012 GraduateFruit of the Spirit Floral Designs

Clementine stumbled upon her talent in floral design when a friend asked her for help in making Christmas wreath and floral arrangements. She has since been creating works of art through flower arrangements.

Kamar Derder2011 GraduateInterior Designer and Seamstress

Back home in Morocco, Kamar was a talented interior designer, passionate about sewing. She can create anything from fabric—from window treat-ments and pillows to gift baskets. She helps clients design their home and launched a decorative soap line, Zahra Sabon.

Jewelry Design

Altinay Kuchukeeva2007 GraduateAltinay Designs Etsy: altinaydesigns.etsy.com Twitter: @Altinay

Altinay, which means “golden moon,” is a talented jeweler from Kyrgyzstan. She describes her design style as eclectic, and draws from ethnic and tribal jewelry from various regions of the world. Her jewelry is created with sterling silver wire, semi-pre-cious stones, pearl and shells.

Amoy Stephen2012 GraduateJewelry

Amoy makes a Caribbean-style brand of jewelry. She donates a portion of her earnings to organizations that help combat human trafficking and aim to eliminate exploitation. Amoy works closely with FAIR Girls to educate young girls about the dangers of human trafficking and advocate for their protec-tion.

Edith Graciela Sanabria2005 GraduateJewelry Designer, Painter & Poet Website: edithgracielasanabria.com

Born into a family of artists and jewelers in Bolivia, Edith is inspired by nature and pre-Columbian art. Her jewelry is crafted in fine gold, silver and gems and her paintings are widely exhibited. She is also a published poet whose books have been translated into multiple languages and sold internationally.

Evelyn Brooks 2007 GraduateEvelyn Brooks Designs Website: ebrooksdesigns.com

Evelyn was introduced to jewelry design growing up in Peru, working alongside her father in his jewelry business. In 2010 she earned an award by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 she was selected as “entrepreneur on the rise” by Council Magazine and included in the Washington Life “Power Issue” as the Best of Peru in Washington D.C. Evelyn teaches at-risk youth and women ex-offenders jewelry-making skills in hopes that they’ll feel more confident as they prepare to re-enter society.

Jodi Flood2008 GraduateThe Magpie’s Treasure Website: jodifloodjewelry.comEtsy: themagpiestreasure.etsy.comTwitter: @MagpiesTreasure

Jodi is a Virginia-based jewelry designer. Her hand-crafted pieces feature sterling silver, pearls, and glass beads. Each design portrays an eye-catching play of light and color. Jodi received her BA in Visual Arts from the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Juanita Moh 2006 GraduateJewelry Designer

Kata Witorsch2007 GraduateOne-of-a-Kind Handmade Jewelry Designs Website: katawitorsch.com

To design jewelry, Kata draws on everything from vintage fashion and modern architecture to classical music and nature. Kata creates wearable works of art that accentuate the wearer’s style, personality, and individuality. Kata earned her master's degree in fine art and music in Hungry, her home country.

Louis Sangare2008 GraduateNiaNi Designs Website: mynianidesigns.com

Louis’s jewelry line includes antique silverware made into decorative necklaces and bracelets and a series of necklaces gems, liquid sterling silver and Swarovs-ki crystal. His online gallery, NiaNi Designs, features a collection of ethic jewelry and authentic African art that has been promoted at art shows, galleries, and exhibits in major U.S. cities.

Rolyn Nakalanzi2009 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter Website: zhibit.org/nrolyn

After arriving in the U.S. from Uganda, Rolyn couldn’t find a job and struggled to survive.. She enrolled in the ETS program, and, with the help from fellow trainees and mentors, developed a jewelry line. Inspired by nature, she also devoted herself to painting.

Sabrina Haritos2012 GraduateOurania, LLCEtsy: etsy.com/shop/OuraniaInc

Sabrina is a self-taught jewelry maker and astrologi-cal enthusiast. She uses semi-precious gemstones and configures them into beautiful necklaces that match a person’s birth-chart based on their time and date of birth. Through her artwork she helps people gain insight into themselves.

Sonia Punjabi2006 GraduateJewelry Designer & Painter

Sonia’s Indian background and heritage contribute to the colors and designs of her jewelry and paintings.

Sarah Folts2013 GraduateOwner of Buttery BabeWeb:butterflybabes.wix.com/Facebook:FlightsOfFancyByGrimsmileEtsy:GrimsmilesShop

Sarah Folts is an entrepreneur, artist, and survivor. As a teenager she was diagnosed with DVT and underwent multiple surgeries. It was during this diffcult time that she developed a deep connection with nature. Today Sarah mounts and frames real butterflies, which she purchases from various buttery sanctuaries. She also creates unique jewelry out of their wings, which she then sells on her website Buttery Babe and also takes photographs of their natural existence in the wild.

Multimedia (film, graphic, web design)

Chithra Jeyaram2012 GraduateFilm/Documentaries Real TalkiesWebsite: realtalkies.wordpress.comFacebook: RealTalkiesTwitter: @realtalkies

Chithra is a film maker and founder of Real Talkies, a company which produces impactful films for a global community of citizens, activists, non-profits, organizations and socially conscious businesses. Her web-interactive and film idea “#1001 breast cancer nights” won the Benevolent Media Pitch Night and her short documentary film, MIJO has won numer-ous awards.

Kim B. Mallet2010 GraduateKim’s Cards & Graphic Designer

Kim’s work features dried flowers and leaves, Victorian-period images and famous quotes or sayings. She often creates greeting cards that juxtapose two messages.

Sharmila Karamchandani2006 GraduateGraphic Designer, Art Educator, Henna Artist, & Jewelry DesignerLinkedin: Sharmila Karamchandani

Born into a family of artists, Indian-born Sharmila started out drawing and painting and later studied graphics. She is now a design educator. In 2008, she was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award by the Virginia Career College Association. Sharmila volunteers for EWI as a trainer for the ETS program and as a graphic designer.

Sushmita Mazumdar2008 GraduateBook Artist, Story Teller, Graphic DesignerWebsite: handmadestorybooks.com

Sushmita began writing stories for her son about her childhood in India. She then created a business to publish storybooks about the lives on others. Her first solo show was held at the Popcorn Gallery at Glen Echo Park in 2012. She now teaches classes and workshops around the Washington D.C. area.

Dicey & Nneka Scroggins2013 GraduatesPinkie Hugs, LLCFacebook: pinkiehugs

Dicey and Nneka Scroggins are a mother daughter duo that co-founded Pinkie Hugs, a writing and film production firm specializing in social justice-fo-cused documentaries. They profile individuals, document movements and movements-in-the-mak-ing, and share meaningful stories in hopes that these stories will leave a positive impact on the world. Dicey and Nneka have both been challenged and have grown through this experience and have enjoyed the newly-formed relationships with classmates.

Theresa Whitfield2013 GraduateGlobal Media Network

Theresa has had a lot of experience working in the communications industry, ranging from print journalism to marketing at a broadband broadcast-ing company. Her lifelong dream is to own her own TVenterprise. She plans to launch Global Media Network, a television station that provides multi-cultural programming to an international audience. One of three children, Theresa is a self-motivated individual and was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her vision and mission for GMN is to provide a voice to the voiceless.

Music & Performance

Darlene Grace Allen2012 GraduatePoet/Spoken Word ArtistOracle Ink

Darlene always wanted to be a writer. Her poems inspire listeners to act more kindly toward others and encourages them to improve their lives. Her business, Oracle Ink, will promote poets to perform at special events, offering comfort to those grieving for loves and good wishes to those celebrating milestones.

Mame N’Diaye2005 GraduateMusic Composer and Illustrator Website: nyogea.wordpress.com

Mame composes, sings and produces her own music. The lyrics of her songs carry spiritual traditions from around the world.

Sefanit Mesfin-Champagne2009 GraduateSinger & Songwriter

Sefanit was born in Ethiopia and raised in India, Nambia, and the U.S. Through her music, which carries a blend of jazz and Ethiopian rhythms, Sefanit hopes to portray the rich heritage of her native land and the African continent.

Reneta Bennett2013 GraduatePressing Through Mentoring

Reneta is a purpose-driven person who has found great meaning and refuge in spoken word. Inspired by the death of her dear friend, Reneta founded her own spoken word organization for adolescents. It’splatform allows teenagers to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment while participating in community activism and building self-confidence.

Photography

Adelina Perez del Castillo Mena2010 GraduateCultural Photography

Adelina describes her art as everlasting and instinc-tual—she aims to capture the moment. She show-cased her work about indigenous women at the Mexican Culture Institute in Washington D.C.

LaDon James2012 GraduateLens and Love PhotographyFacebook: lensandlove

LaDon fell in love with photography the moment her aunt handed her a camera. LaDon strives to discover the genuine and spontaneous side of her models, allowing them to use natural poses. LaDon says she helps clients “see themselves for the first time, again.”

Nina Tisara2006 GraduateTisara Photography & Living Legends of Alexandria Website: tisaraphoto.com/legends

Nina began her photographic career as a part-time photo journalist and became known for her sensitive portrayal of Alexandria’s residents and its locales. Soon after, she started her own family-run business, Tisara Photography—a venture she said was possible because of EWI’s support. “I organized my many art endeavors into Nina Tisara Enterprises and formally incorporated Living Legends of Alexandria as a 501(c)(3),” she said.

Priscilla de Lima Ledesma2009 GraduateIndependent PhotographerWebsite: priscillalimaphoto.comTwitter: @studi0pricaBlog: coutureurbano.blogspot.com

Born and raised in Brazil, Priscilla participated in many photography exhibits in the Washington D.C. area and published her work in multiple social media networks. Priscilla holds a Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art & Design and works as a independent photographer.

Sam Bishop 2006 GraduateSam Bishop Photography

Sam is an entrepreneur with a wide range of inter-ests. He started up his own photograph company in 1998, and has since then co-founded two other small businesses, including an online database company for University of Maryland graduates. He said he keeps his creative juices flowing by shooting at weddings, formals and other events.

Textile and Mixed Media

Dinelles Sakyi2012 GraduateUnFORgettable Gifts

Dinelles wants to help couples plan their wedding—from arranging the bridal party and reception to the selection of flowers, corsages and boutonnieres. She is especially fond of making diaper cakes, and often makes them for bridal and baby showers. She believes that the presentation of a gift is what makes it really special.

Gwynne Mason2009 GraduateJessie’s FibrenomiconWebsite: jessiesfibrenomicon.comBlog: jessiesfibrenomicon.com/jessiesblog

Gwynne has taken her passion for art and the environment and turned it into a business specializ-ing in fine handmade paper, fiber art, and unique textiles. She uses plant fiber, recycled paper, and

fabric from old clothing to create her designs. She has exhibited at several galleries, art markets, and events and is a member of the Vienna Arts Society and Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.

Magnolia (Maggie) Erteschik2011 GraduateMs. Maggie’s Cot Covers

While working at a daycare, Magnolia noticed that the children’s cot covers didn’t fit properly, fell off easily and got dirty quickly. She started a business designing fitted cot covers that stay clean longer and meet the state law’s requirements for “appropriate covers.”

Sandra Owusu-Ansah 2011 GraduateVisual Up-cycled Green Art

From Scraps to Treasures (FST) Global EnterpriseSandra is an avid promoter of environmentally conscious products and recycling. Her business, FST Global Enterprise, creates artwork from up-cycled pieces to make abstract items and keep-sakes such as dolls. She is trained in various art forms to include metalwork, ceramics and fabric. Sandra likes creating utilitarian items using unconventional objects. She earned a certificate in Specialized Art from Montgomery College and currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Annette McNeil2013 GraduateSybil Dolls of Life

Annette’s unique and creative talent developed when she decided to assist a production studio in the creation of cartoon characters to enhance their sales. A visit to an arts & crafts store helped her find the perfect material to produce her one of a kind artistic creation. Her framed foam dolls brought her name and recognition among family and friends motivating her to found her business “Sybil Dolls of Life”.

Charmelle Clark2013 GraduateCreatively CharmingBlog: creativelycharming.comFacebook:CreativelyCharming

Creatively Charming is an art and craft business that has four components: handmade cards and scrap-books, crafting weekends, crafting workshops/train-ing and speaking engagements. After Charmelle began receiving several requests to make gifts for others, that’s where the idea of starting her own business began. EWI has provided her with thetraining needed to understand the entire dynamics of creating and developing a business. Charmelle is a two-time survivor of domestic abuse and says “craft-ing has become my source of peace and strength.”

Tacha Coleman Parr2010 GraduateJazz SingerWebsite: tachacolemanparr.com

When she was young, Tacha was told by her choral teacher that she didn’t have the voice for R&B and blues and that she was better suited for classical music. Tacha is now an accomplished jazz singer with her own band, which plays a repertoire of gospel, jazz, R&B and classical. The band has performed in the Washington D.C., metropolitan area.

Dessertine Harvey2013 GraduateDessertine Music Publishing

Dessertine Harvey’s company is a lyrics-writing business that pitches songs to various artists and has had success writing for R&B musicians and televi-sion. Dessertine says as a child, she would sit for hours and listen to songs, analyzing the lyrics and perspective of the songwriter. Her passion for writing is fueled by the constant love and support of her teachers, classmates, guests and mentors at EWI. Tina is overcoming the major obstacles her business faces to ensure that her passion for music becomes a long and lucrative career.

Nonprofit/Community Development

Blanca Vasquez 2006 GraduateCommunity Organizing

Blanca is a community organizer and mentor from Honduras, passionate about education and experi-enced in working with children. Blanca has worked as a youth program coordinator with Head Start, the Food and Drug Administration and public schools.

Carole Robertson-Fenn2012 Graduatei-Ed, Inc. LLCWebsite: i-edonline.orgFacebook: iEdonline.org

Carole began her experience with EWI looking to expand her current organization into a registered

non-profit. i-Ed provides international education, training, and exchange programs and technical assistance with an emphasis on internationalizing and digitizing education to build 21st Century workforce skills.

Catherine Gulzar2012 Graduate Jewelry, Nonprofit

A high school principal in Pakistan for over 12 years, Catherine cared deeply about the future of her students. So much so that she wanted to continue supporting them after she arrived to the U.S. She also wanted to support skilled women from Pakistan struggling to make a living in a country with rising unemployment.

Kwanele Ndlovu2010 GraduateSocial Entrepreneurship

In 1994, Kwanele moved to the U.S. from Zimbabwe to get an education. Both of her parents were teach-ers. Kwanele plans to create a non-profit organiza-tion to build schools and sponsor an education for girls in Zimbabwe.

Nicole Young 2011 GraduateNon-profit Organization

Nicole envisions creating a non-profit organization that sends underprivileged children from the U.S. to other countries so they can experience in real life what they have learned in the classroom.

Victoria Hall 2011 GraduateWomen’s Sewing Circle

Originally from El Salvador, Victoria came to EWI through Impact Silver Spring, one of EWI’s partner organizations, to organize a women’s circle where Latin American women could learn new skills. It was through the sewing circle that she discovered her passion for sewing. She learned business skills in ETS to compliment her talent as a seamstress and transferred her knowledge back to her women’s sewing circle.

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