Stitching a Brighter Future Together: Élanoura & ANKAA Project Unite for Refugee Women in Athens

---

At Élanoura, we believe every woman deserves the opportunity to forge her own path, contribute her unique talents, and leave a lasting impact on the world. As a global collective of women leaders from 24 countries creating positive change through business, our mission is to enlighten, engage, and empower women founders to think beyond their self-interest and build businesses with a higher purpose.

One of the ways in which we support women founders in their purpose, connection, and impact is through our signature event: our Global Founder’s Retreat, a week-long opportunity for women business owners from around the world to come together, learn from one another, explore together, and volunteer in-person in an activity with a nonprofit partner supporting at-risk women and girls, with 10% of our retreat fees contributed as a donation. 

We were thrilled to continue this mission by aligning and partnering with ANKAA Project in Athens, Greece, during our Global Founders Retreat Greece to support refugee women on their journey toward self-sufficiency and economic advancement.

Our collaboration with ANKAA Project was a two-part experience designed to foster mutual empowerment: a business mentoring session over lunch and a sewing workshop where the ANKAA women led the way.

At Élanoura, we believe every woman deserves the opportunity to forge her own path, contribute her unique talents, and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Business mentoring session held at our yard between women from Élanoura and ANKAA.

Business Mentoring & Lunch Q&A

Over a meal catered by Saffron Kitchen Project—an initiative that supports refugee chefs—we engaged in an open and dynamic conversation about entrepreneurship, business ownership, and navigating the complexities of building something from the ground up. With five languages spoken at the table, the exchange was humbling and inspiring as a gathering of women from distant corners of the world, with a variety of experiences and dreams about their future possibilities.

Many of the ANKAA trainees aspire to launch their own businesses, and our founders were honored to offer guidance on practical branding, marketing, and growth strategies, as well as encouraging personal stories of overcoming challenges and finding the will to continue. The mentorship was anything but one-sided—the resilience and creativity of these women offered our founders fresh perspectives on determination, resourcefulness, and innovation in the face of their own adversity.

Many of the ANKAA trainees aspire to launch their own businesses, and our founders were honored to offer guidance on practical branding, marketing, and growth strategies, as well as encouraging personal stories of overcoming challenges and finding the will to continue. 

Mutual Learning: Sewing Workshop

After lunch, the tables turned as ANKAA’s women sewing students became our teachers, leading us through a hands-on sewing session. They guided us in how to make our own hair scrunchies, patiently explaining techniques and sharing their expertise.

This role reversal underscored the power of skill-sharing and mutual respect—while our founders shared business knowledge, the refugee women demonstrated their own mastery in tailoring. The joy and confidence that radiated from our hosts as they instructed us were a reminder of how valuable skills can be in building a sense of purpose and independence.

The mentorship was anything but one-sided—the resilience and creativity of these women offered our founders fresh perspectives on determination, resourcefulness, and innovation in the face of their own adversity.

Sewing workshop, led by ANKAA's women sewing students.

After lunch, the tables turned as ANKAA’s women sewing students became our teachers, leading us through a hands-on sewing session.

Crafting a Better Tomorrow

Our day at ANKAA Project was a testament to the power of women supporting women. Whether through business knowledge, creative skills, or simply showing up to listen and learn, every act of empowerment makes a difference.

As we left with new friendships, newfound sewing skills, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit, we were reminded of why we do what we do at Élanoura. Impact is not a one-way street—it is a cycle of giving, learning, and growing together.

Thank you ANKAA Project for having us! 

Women supporting women - Elanoura x ANKAA

Our day at ANKAA Project was a testament to the power of women supporting women.

Erika Brechtel CEO & Founder ÉLANOURA

Learn more about Élanoura: https://elanoura.com/ 

Erika Brechtel CEO & Founder ÉLANOURA