Through the preparation and sale of authentic, home-style cuisine from their native countries, participants gain the tools, confidence, and experience needed to become successful entrepreneurs while preserving and sharing their cultural heritage.

The program is designed to support women who may face barriers to traditional employment, including language differences, limited work experience in the United States, childcare responsibilities, and cultural adjustment challenges. Drawing upon their existing skills and cultural knowledge, the program creates a welcoming and accessible pathway to income generation and professional growth.

Participants receive hands-on training in entrepreneurship, food safety, customer service, budgeting, marketing, and small business development. Women are supported in developing leadership skills, building financial independence, and learning how to operate within a collaborative business environment.

In addition to economic empowerment, the program offers flexible work opportunities that allow participants to balance employment with caring for their children and families. The supportive structure enables women to work in an environment where they feel comfortable, valued, and connected to their cultural identity.

By creating opportunities for refugee women to earn income through cooking, the program strengthens families, promotes cultural exchange, and contributes to a more inclusive local economy. Customers not only enjoy authentic international cuisine, but also directly support the empowerment and long-term success of refugee women in their community.

For more information contact : Jennifer Starble jstarble@rwcct.org