Dear Friends of EWI,

My name is Leyla Strotkamp, and it is my honor to introduce myself to you as the acting Executive Director of Empowered Women International.

The summer has been a time of transformation and change for the organization, with several new developments for our governance, program management, and services.  After five years of unparalleled dedication to the mission of creating sustainable livelihoods for immigrant and American women artists, Marga Fripp has concluded her work as Executive Director of EWI.  As the inspired founder of our organization, Marga continues to lead and guide our efforts as a Co-Chair of the Board of Directors.  Joining her as fellow Co-Chair is board member Sallyanne Bianchetta, also our July supporter of the Giving Circle of Twelve gallery fund. 

The leadership of EWI is further strengthened by two new board members with a history of volunteer service and commitment to EWI. Curator Trudi Van Dyke is a talented mentor and guest speaker for Training for Success and the Artist Curator's Project.  Artist Member Sonia Punjabi has also provided her expertise to the training program and helped staff develop new marketing strategies for A Woman's Story Gallery.

As we transition to new roles and an enhanced management structure, many program developments are also afoot!  Over the next month, we will be installing an Art Business Resource Center at the gallery, which will integrate an enhanced version of our online Artist Services with a workstation enabling research and skill practice in e-commerce and multimedia design tailored to the art business.  More information to come on this project and the ways it will contribute to EWI services.

Our core program, Training for Success, will be offered this fall in a more intensive, seven-week course instead of a three-month program.  Director of TFS Sharmila Karamchandani and I are working to develop a curriculum that capitalizes on the strengths of this new format.  Recruitment for the fall is ongoing, and we ask you to help us reach out to the artist community.  If you or someone you know may be interested, please get in touch with us at 703-778-6310.

These are exciting times for Empowered Women International.  Please drop by to see what's new in the gallery, and to say hello.  I look forward to getting better acquainted with the EWI community and being of service to you.

Sincerely,

Leyla Strotkamp