Upcoming Events
Mother’s Day Refugee Bazaar
The Global Impact Initiative (Gii) is proud to partner with the North Austin YMCA to host a Mother’s Day Refugee Arts & Crafts Bazaar on May 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1000 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin, Texas.
This event celebrates the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of our refugee community. We’re honored to come together in support of these incredible artists and makers.
Our past bazaars:
142 refugee vendors from over 12 countries
1800+ attendees
43 refugees have since received work contracts
17 refugees have been offered full-time employment
$186,000+ in sales, with 100% proceeds going to the vendors.
SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT. GROW YOUR OPPORTUNITY.
This will be no ordinary arts and crafts fair—every item is handcrafted by talented refugee artisans working toward long-term stability and employment in their fields. Expect a beautiful variety of art, gifts, and food, including handmade jewelry, fabric dolls, sewn goods, traditional Afghan dishes, Ukrainian sweets, and more.
MORE TO COME
Thanks to the incredible success of this event—in sales, visibility, and community support—Gii and the Y are excited to host more bazaars like this on a regular basis. Future events will offer even greater opportunities: more chances to sell your work, connect with employers, access resources, and grow your path toward long-term, meaningful employment. We believe in your talent—and we can’t wait to build what’s next, together.
MEDIA COVERAGE
CBS Austin
YMCA hosts arts & crafts bazaar for refugees
FOX 7 Austin
Refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan sell crafts at YMCA holiday bazaar
KXAN Austin
Refugee Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar
"I saw so much joy and motivation from refugee vendors who were hoping for a miracle, and you made that happen!"
—Elizabeth Arhunova, Ukrainian Refugee
NAFSA + Gii: Refugee Bazaar & Panel
From May 26–29 in Orlando, the Refugee Bazaar will take center stage at NAFSA - one of the world’s largest gatherings of international educators and institutions.
This year, 12 refugee women entrepreneurs will showcase and sell their handcrafted goods to a global audience. More than a marketplace, the Bazaar is a space for connection: where stories are shared, relationships are built, and new opportunities begin. Four of the women will also participate in the conference discussion itself, sharing their stories in a panel open to all conference attendees.
Attendees will find products rooted in culture, resilience, and creativity, while engaging directly with the women behind them. Each interaction has the potential to open doors far beyond the event itself.
To make this opportunity possible, community support plays a critical role. If you’d like to help bring these entrepreneurs to the global stage, you can learn more and contribute below.
Refugee Bazaar
The Global Impact Initiative (Gii) is proud to partner with the East Communities YMCA to host a Refugee Arts & Crafts Bazaar on December 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 5313 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX.
This event celebrates the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of our refugee community. We’re honored to come together in support of these incredible artists and makers.
Refugee Hiring Fair
Partner with Purpose at the Refugee Hiring & Community Resource Fair
Join Global Impact Initiative as we host a transformative event designed to bridge the gap between:
🌐 Employers and talented job seekers
🎓 Education & training providers and potential students
❤️ Organizations offering free support and community members in need
Refugee Hiring Fair
Partner with Purpose at the Refugee Hiring & Community Resource Fair
Join Global Impact Initiative as we host a transformative event designed to bridge the gap between:
🌐 Employers and talented job seekers
🎓 Education & training providers and potential students
❤️ Organizations offering free support and community members in need
Refugee Hiring Fair
Partner with Purpose at the Refugee Hiring & Community Resource Fair
Join Global Impact Initiative as we host a transformative event designed to bridge the gap between:
🌐 Employers and talented job seekers
🎓 Education & training providers and potential students
❤️ Organizations offering free support and community members in need
Refugee Hiring Fair
Partner with Purpose at the Refugee Hiring & Community Resource Fair
Join Global Impact Initiative as we host a transformative event designed to bridge the gap between:
🌐 Employers and talented job seekers
🎓 Education & training providers and potential students
❤️ Organizations offering free support and community members in need
Mother’s Day Refugee Bazaar
The Global Impact Initiative (Gii) is proud to partner with the North Austin YMCA to host a Refugee Arts & Crafts Bazaar on May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1000 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX.
This event celebrates the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of our refugee community. We’re honored to come together in support of these incredible artists and makers.
At our last 5 bazaars:
124 refugee vendors from over 12 countries
1500+ attendees
27 refugees have since received work contracts
9 refugees have been offered full-time employment
$120,000+ in sales, with 100% proceeds going to the vendors.
SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT. GROW YOUR OPPORTUNITY.
This will be no ordinary arts and crafts fair—every item is handcrafted by talented refugee artisans working toward long-term stability and employment in their fields. Expect a beautiful variety of art, gifts, and food, including handmade jewelry, fabric dolls, sewn goods, traditional Afghan dishes, Ukrainian sweets, and more.
MORE TO COME
Thanks to the incredible success of this event—in sales, visibility, and community support—Gii and the Y are excited to host more bazaars like this on a regular basis. Future events will offer even greater opportunities: more chances to sell your work, connect with employers, access resources, and grow your path toward long-term, meaningful employment. We believe in your talent—and we can’t wait to build what’s next, together.
MEDIA COVERAGE
CBS Austin
YMCA hosts arts & crafts bazaar for refugees
FOX 7 Austin
Refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan sell crafts at YMCA holiday bazaar
KXAN Austin
"I saw so much joy and motivation from refugee vendors who were hoping for a miracle, and you made that happen!"
—Elizabeth Arhunova, Ukrainian Refugee
Refugee Hiring Fair
Partner with Purpose at the Refugee Hiring & Community Resource Fair
Join Global Impact Initiative as we host a transformative event designed to bridge the gap between:
🌐 Employers and talented job seekers
🎓 Education & training providers and potential students
❤️ Organizations offering free support and community members in need
TEDx Santa Barbara
This TEDx Salon conversation will explore global equity through the lens of empowering marginalized communities. It will delve into how strategic interventions in education, professional development, and mentorship can bridge the gaps that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The discussion will emphasize the transformative potential of these initiatives in fostering lifelong learning, generational stability, and integration into the global economy, showcasing the power of global collaboration and support in achieving equity.
Panel: Navigating Your New Life
Essential Education, Employment, and Health Information for Ukrainian Refugees moving to the U.S.