Women’s Initiative International began in 2018 with the mission of freeing women from the shackles of poverty and empowering them to unleash their creativity and God-given talents to make the world a more beautiful place. Our program launched in the Nyabisindu area of beautiful Kigali, Rwanda with 15 women. Under the loving guidance of our country director Susan Sanyu and the artistic direction of national award-winning designer Divine Niyigena, the women thrived and discovered their passion for creating beautiful artisan products. As their self-esteem grew, so did their joy, and ultimately their craftsmanship.
Today our pioneer class of women has graduated from trainees to full-fledged partners in delivering top-quality home goods and accessories straight to your door- no trip to Rwanda needed! Under the new direction of country director Maureen Nirere, our ladies continue to thrive and create the fashionable products that you see right here in our online boutique. Every unique product is created by a woman with a painful past, who now experiences a life of hope. When you purchase our artisan products, you are supporting a woman, her family, and a dream for a better future.
Co-Founder
April's passion for missions sparked at fifteen, deepening during a 2017 Rwanda trip as a youth leader. Struck by Kigali mothers' struggles, a divine meeting with Brittany Huffman prompted them to establish a program to empower women through skills and hard work, securing stable income and family control. She's a double board-certified integrative nutritionist, running a private women's health practice. April is married to Tim and is a mom to three kids - Maxton, Lela and Canon.
Co-Founder
Brittany Huffman is the Co-Founder of WII and has had the privilege of working with this ministry since 2016. Brittany graduated in 2000 from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and 2014 with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Brittany has traveled to Kigali, Rwanda since 2016 and has fallen in love with the culture and people. Brittany is married to her wonderful husband Brandon and have four children.
VP of Marketing
Emily Perrone discovered her passion for serving the people of Rwanda in 2013 through a Community Bible Study group. Emily graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2002 with a BS in Computer Systems Engineering. She enjoys leading women’s Bible study, graphic design, data management, and photography, all which marry perfectly into her role with Women’s Initiative. Emily is married to "Coach Joseph" and has two children. Her desire is that God will use her talents to effectively spread the Gospel, delivering hope and purpose to people around the globe.
Rwanda Country Director
Maureen Nirere, the Country Director of Women’s Initiative International in Rwanda, joined in 2020. Previously, she spent 4 years as a program coordinator for a Rwandan nonprofit, focusing on education for vulnerable children. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, she's a 2019 Fellow of the U.S. Department of State's Community Solutions Program. Maureen is also certified in Organizational Leadership and nonprofit management from Georgetown Mason University. With a strong Christian faith, she's dedicated to empowering underserved communities, particularly women, through mentoring and life skills training.
