Global Impact Initiative

Just in time for Mother’s Day… the Refugee Artisan Bazaar is back! Join us on Saturday, May 10 at the North Austin YMCA, 1000 W Rundberg Lane for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that celebrates culture, creativity, and community. This special event is a partnership between Global Impact Initiative and the Greater Austin YMCA, showcasing the talents of refugee artisans who now call Austin home. From handcrafted jewelry and textiles to art, home goods, and unique gifts, every item tells a story—and every dollar goes directly to the vendor. 5 bazaars. $120,000 in sales. 100% to the artisans. Beyond sales, these events have led to job and contract offers for many vendors as their incredible work gains recognition. They’re not just surviving—they’re thriving. Your presence helps change the narrative around refugees—showing the strength, skill, and resilience they bring to our community. Free entry. Free onsite parking. Saturday, May 10 | 10 AM–2 PM | North Austin Y, 1000 W Rundberg Lane Come for the gifts. Stay for the stories. #RefugeeArtisanBazaar #MothersDayMarket #SupportRefugees #GlobalImpactInitiative #YMCA #AustinEvents #ShopForGood

Thrilled to celebrate Kelly Cassella’s debut with MadeBold Design! Her striking typography and joy-infused colors have elevated Gii’s visual identity—and we’re so excited she’ll continue creating with us. Big thanks to our amazing board member, Erin-Michael Gill, for sparking this inspiring collaboration. Congratulations Kelly! 

The Gii Board is filled with extraordinary individuals, and today, we celebrate yet another remarkable member - Cameron Mirza - who has been honored by the President of the University of Jordan for his incredible contributions to education. A true team player in every sense, Cameron brings not only expertise but also an infectious energy, unwavering positivity, and a genuine passion for helping others. Whether it’s offering a creative solution, stepping up without hesitation, or simply bringing a warm smile to every meeting, his dedication goes far beyond expectations. His impact extends well past our virtual boardroom—he is a guiding force, always ready to support both our Board and leadership in meaningful ways. But his influence reaches far beyond Gii. Before Jordan, his work took him Egypt, Dubai, Bahrain and other parts of the world, where he has consistently made a lasting difference. Regardless of where he is, he leaves his mark—elevating institutions, strengthening communities, and inspiring those around him. And now, as his tenure in Amman comes to an end, he leaves an indelible legacy there as well. His leadership has played a critical role in advancing teacher training, enhancing graduate employability, fostering quality research, and integrating technology into education. His work is not just about progress—it’s about transformation. We are incredibly honored to have him on our Board and even more thrilled to see his contributions recognized on such a grand scale. Congratulations Cameron, on this well-earned recognition—you inspire us all. 

The Friends of YMCA Texas Youth and Government event was absolutely fabulous! It was such a beautiful day, and Laura Dixon was an amazing hostess. Her home provided the perfect setting — standing on the balcony overlooking the Texas State Building was just incredible. The food from H-E-B was fantastic, and the energy in the room was contagious with all those inspiring young leaders. It was so encouraging to meet these future leaders and feel their passion. We were also glad to connect with the Y’s leadership, which added another meaningful layer to the day. Overall, it was such a memorable and impactful experience. Very grateful to our friends at the Greater Austin YMCA for their gracious invitation. Kathy Kuras, Jackie Goodwin, Arati Singh, Michael Ciccolone, and Anjum Malik

In times of uncertainty and when challenges arise, the true strength of a community is revealed. Over the past two days, Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees (AJPR)—in partnership with Shalom Austin—have come together with unwavering compassion to provide relief to 129 refugees. Through incredible fundraising efforts, these families—who arrived legally and have work authorization—received grocery gift cards, offering immediate comfort and stability as they navigate their new reality. But this is just the beginning. Our next step is to help them learn English, find jobs, and stand on their own feet—empowered to build independent, dignified lives. Each of these families is part of the GII community. They didn’t just seek assistance; they turned to a place where they knew kindness and care awaited them. Once again, they were met with dignity, unwavering support, and open hearts. The room was filled with smiles, handshakes, and quiet reassurances—powerful reminders that they are not alone. This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible volunteers from Shalom Austin who stepped forward—not just to give, but to listen, assist, and extend their time and compassion. Their presence transformed an act of charity into something far more profound: a moment of human connection and solidarity. To AJPR, Shalom Austin, and the many dedicated individuals who made this possible—Nancy Wolf, Andrew Rochstein, Sherry Blum, Cathy Campbell, Rose Potter, Mindy Sheldon, Adriana May, Kaylie Mowell, Jhon Merizalde Ortiz, Rafal Cygankow, Cassandra Falasco, MPA, Bella Hagey, Alexa Hernandez, Stephanie Gonzalez, Kate Canning, Anjum Malik, Lauren Beavers, Arjun Agarwal, Michael Chaix, Harvey Xanthos, Hawon Song, among others--thank you. Your generosity provided more than aid; it reinforced hope, belonging, and a steadfast support system. This is what community looks like—showing up, time and again, for those who need it most. We are also deeply grateful to the media outlets that amplified these stories and underscored the power of standing together: Austin American-Statesman – for their in-depth coverage and compelling photo gallery, capturing the heart of this effort. Spectrum News, KXAN, and others – for giving voice to these families and fostering a more informed, compassionate community. https://lnkd.in/gGhdxV6Z Moments like these remind us that each of us has the power to make a difference. If you’re inspired to support, please consider joining us:  Donate: https://lnkd.in/gkywtvY  Volunteer: https://lnkd.in/gqfx3A7G Together, we build brighter futures. Thank you for being part of this movement. #StrongerTogether #RefugeesWelcome #CommunityMatters #GlobalImpactInitiative #AustinJewsAndPartnersForRefugees #ShalomAustin #GratitudeInAction #SupportRefugees

For those of you who joined us from around the world, thank you! And for those who have reached out asking for the link—here it is. We’re grateful for the engaging discussion with Dr. Fanta Aw on how GII is bridging gaps and creating opportunities for vulnerable communities. Watch the conversation below and let’s continue working together to make an impact! #GII #IE20 #NAFSA #GlobalEducation #EmpoweringChange #CollectiveImpact”

Join us LIVE at 11:00 am CST for IE30, where our founder, Anjum Malik, will be in conversation with Dr. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Together, they’ll discuss how GII’s programs and innovative partnerships are filling gaps, creating sustainable jobs, empowering communities, and driving global impact through education and employment. This is more than just a conversation—it’s an opportunity to explore what we can achieve together. Let’s collaborate, take action, and amplify our collective impact. https://lnkd.in/gWfmnrQn #GII #NAFSA #IE30 #EmpoweringChange #CollectiveAction #GlobalImpact #SustainableJobs #Education

Today, we celebrate one of our own—Annie Hardy: Futurist, Strategist, and Force of Nature! There isn’t a single title that can truly capture the brilliance of Annie Hardy—but Global AI Architect and Futurist at Cisco comes pretty close! A visionary, a bold strategist, and a leader who not only speaks with strength but ensures others have a voice, Annie embodies the kind of leadership that sparks change. At Global Impact Initiative, we’ve seen firsthand her infectious enthusiasm, passion for collaboration, and ability to turn bold ideas into reality. As the head of our strategy committee, she brings insight, energy, and a relentless drive to push boundaries. And let’s be honest—she loves a great conversation, and when Annie talks, the world listens! Annie, we are honored to have you on our Board and thrilled to watch you continue shaping the future. May you keep soaring, shining, and leading with the brilliance that is uniquely yours!

The GII team is delighted to celebrate one of our own today! Our esteemed board member, Dr. Hanan I. Malkawi, is being recognized by the European Union in Jordan for her extraordinary contributions to science and her tireless advocacy for women and girls in STEM. A true trailblazer, Hanan continues to break barriers, driving innovation, and shaping the future of STEM. At the Global Impact Initiative (GII), we are honored to have her leadership and vision guiding our work. Join us in celebrating her achievements and the brilliant women and girls transforming the world through science. #WomenInScience #STEM #BreakingBarriers #leadership #GlobalImpact #Inspiration https://lnkd.in/gMfMGkkH

Empowering change through collective action isn't just a vision, it is a necessity. Workforce development is a game-changer, creating sustainable jobs that help individuals support their families, advance in their careers, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In today’s world, where industries are rapidly evolving, upskilling, reskilling, and multi-skilling are essential to filling critical gaps in the labor market and building a resilient workforce. At Gii, we see firsthand how investing in talent and removing barriers transforms lives. Join our Executive Director, Anjum Malik in conversation with NAFSA: Association of International Educators CEO Dr. Fanta Aw as they explore how Gii has built creative partnerships to expand access to employment and equip individuals with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Be part of this transformative discussion: https://lnkd.in/guf-rEBk  #WorkforceDevelopment #GlobalImpact #EconomicEmpowerment #Nafsa