Your donation helps RENEW offer free virtual English classes to refugee & immigrant women, empowering them to gain independence. Follow the secure link to donate today and support our mission.
Contributions can also be made via:
The founders of RENEW—Kaisra, Shanaz, Asma and Putri—are united by a shared passion for empowering women through education. With diverse backgrounds in teaching, leadership, and volunteer work, they are dedicated to helping refugee and immigrant women achieve self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
Your support can make a difference in their mission. Consider donating to RENEW to help provide vital resources for women in need.
We seek to provide a heartfelt learning experience to our clients.
We promise to treat everyone with respect & dignity.
We are dedicated to a student-centered learning environment.
We will serve responsibly with honesty & integrity.
Resources for the Education & Employment of Women (RENEW) was officially founded as a nonprofit corporation with the filing of its Articles of Incorporation, marking the start of its mission to empower women through education.
RENEW's operational framework was formalized with the approval of its bylaws and business plan, setting the stage for future growth and success.
RENEW launched its inaugural online class for refugee & immigrant women via Zoom, beginning its journey to provide accessible education.
RENEW has proudly served over 250 students in 2024 , empowering refugee & immigrant women through education and support to build brighter futures.
RENEW has been offering online classes each Spring, Summer, and Fall semester, attracting students from across the USA and beyond. As RENEW approaches its 4th anniversary, the organization celebrates its continued growth and commitment to empowering women through education.
Shanaz, Ph.D, MBA, a lifelong educator and mentor, co-founded RENEW to empower migrant women by improving their English skills, helping them achieve social engagement and financial independence. Passionate about social justice, she established the Khadijah Scholarship and led initiatives dispelling myths about Muslim women. Her volunteer work includes leading programs like "Feed the Hungry" and serving on boards of organizations dedicated to women's empowerment. Shanaz holds advanced degrees in pharmacology and business, and she continues to contribute to her field as a professor and researcher. In her spare time, she enjoys nature through gardening, hiking, and traveling.
Kaisra, B. Comm, CRL, co-founded the organization to help refugee and immigrant women improve their English skills and achieve their educational goals. Drawing from her experience as a single mother returning to college, Kaisra values the importance of education in improving lives. With over 40 years of community service, she has served in various leadership roles, including with HAVEN and Humanity First. Kaisra has also worked in corporate America for 28+ years and holds a Bachelor of Finance, a Computer Programming diploma, and a CRL certification.
Asma is driven by a natural desire to help others. Inspired by her work with Shanaz and Kaisra, she eagerly joined RENEW to empower women through education. Asma joined the organization with hopes of expanding opportunities beyond English language learning. She has volunteered extensively with the National Women's Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Maryland school system, among other causes. A first-generation immigrant with a Bachelor's in engineering, she works as a Real-time Operations Engineer at NASA and enjoys spending time in nature with her family.
With a deep commitment to adult education, Putri has had the privilege of working with immigrant, refugee, and marginalized communities for years, helping them access opportunities through ESL learning and community development. Putri's passion lies in empowering those often overlooked, using project-based learning and data-driven strategies to ensure effective and impactful education. She's dedicated to fostering learning environments where everyone, regardless of their background, can grow and succeed.
