Lunch and Learn: Refugee Artisan Initiative

Thu Sep 18 2025 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm UTC-07:00

World Trade Center Seattle | Seattle

World Trade Center Seattle
Publisher/HostWorld Trade Center Seattle
Lunch and Learn: Refugee Artisan Initiative
Advertisement
Threads of Change: Turning Waste into Opportunity
About this Event

Discover how Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is weaving sustainability and opportunity together right here in our local community. This presentation will introduce you to RAI’s mission to create employment pathways for refugee and immigrant women through innovative cycling initiatives. By transforming discarded corporate materials into beautiful, functional products, RAI offers a powerful example of the circular economy in action—reducing waste, creating jobs, and building a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.


Ming-Ming: Founder & Executive Director

Ming-Ming Tung-Edelman is a Taiwanese immigrant and community organizer who founded RAI in 2017 to help refugee and immigrant women overcome barriers to employment. Since then, she has served as the Executive Director of RAI, overseeing its journey from a one-person venture to a brick-and-mortar, zero-waste training center providing income-generating opportunities for dozens of refugee women.


In 2011, after working as a pharmacist for over a decade, she founded the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, where she continues to serve as Vice President and advocate on behalf of the Chinese American community on issues ranging from civil rights to immigration reform. In 2017, she founded RAI to merge her passion for fashion and apparel design with her desire to help improve the life and career outcomes of refugee and immigrant women. Ming-Ming has received numerous awards for her leadership at RAI, including the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service from King County (2021), the AARP Purpose Prize (2023) and Recycler of the Year from the Washington State Recycling Association (2024). She holds a certificate in Fashion and Apparel Design from the University of Washington.


Lunch & Learn Details:

  • This event is capped at 15 attendees; once the limit is reached, a waiting list is created
  • Each attendee will pay for their lunch from our exciting new weekly menu which includes a beverage, starter item, and entree for only $24.
  • Bring your business cards and prepare to connect over LinkedIn as you make new connections with fellow members.
  • Complimentary Valet Parking is available.
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Seattle, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00

Sharing is Caring:

More Events in Seattle

Seattle 2025 Venture Capital World Summit
Thu, 18 Sep at 02:00 am Seattle 2025 Venture Capital World Summit

SURF Incubator

Symphony X with Sonata Arctica
Thu, 18 Sep at 02:30 am Symphony X with Sonata Arctica

Neptune Theatre - WA

Normal Gossip
Thu, 18 Sep at 02:30 am Normal Gossip

Moore Theatre - Seattle

LE SSERAFIM
Thu, 18 Sep at 02:30 am LE SSERAFIM

Climate Pledge Arena

U2030 INFLIGHT 2025 - Seattle, WA
Thu, 18 Sep at 08:00 am U2030 INFLIGHT 2025 - Seattle, WA

The Edgewater Hotel

Pike Place Market Presents: South Lake Union Farmers Market
Thu, 18 Sep at 10:00 am Pike Place Market Presents: South Lake Union Farmers Market

426 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109-5210, United States

Cold Connections - Beginning Riveting
Thu, 18 Sep at 11:30 am Cold Connections - Beginning Riveting

NW Rockhounds

Business League starting on 9\/18\/25
Thu, 18 Sep at 02:00 pm Business League starting on 9/18/25

Green Lake Pitch & Putt

Tech Wealth Summit
Thu, 18 Sep at 02:00 pm Tech Wealth Summit

Hilton Motif Seattle

Banana Ball Tailgate
Thu, 18 Sep at 04:00 pm Banana Ball Tailgate

The Press Box - Seattle

The Firefighters at Savannah Bananas
Thu, 18 Sep at 04:00 pm The Firefighters at Savannah Bananas

T-Mobile Park

Seattle is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Seattle Events