Through our Ayo! crowdfunding platform, we launched the #WomenInTech campaign to raise funds for our Gyumri Information Technology Center (GITC) and their innovative programs for female entrepreneurs.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors in the Eastern Diocese, we raised $32,000 to sponsor 35 women as they gained essential business and marketing skills. Among these women are single mothers from Gyumri and those displaced from Artsakh in 2023—each with unique challenges, but united in their drive to succeed.
One of the standout stories from this initiative is that of Nune, an inspiring female entrepreneur from Artsakh. Nune’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience. Before her displacement, she ran a shop in Stepanakert, where she hand-crafted stylish, custom, hand-knit cotton garments and bags. But when she was forced to leave her home and business behind, the thought of rebuilding seemed impossible. She never imagined she could afford to rent a storefront in Yerevan and rebuild her business.
However, GITC’s #SheCan women’s economic empowerment accelerator program gave Nune the tools and confidence to pursue her dreams in a whole new way. Through the program, she learned how to launch and manage social media pages, create a logo, develop marketing strategies, and so much more. Today, Nune successfully runs her own online business, turning her passion for crocheting into a thriving brand.
Thanks to the support of women’s guilds and ACYOA chapters from the Eastern Diocese, Armenian parish communities rallied behind Nune’s story. These groups not only raised awareness for the #SheCan accelerator as a whole, but also highlighted Nune’s beautiful handmade bags. By purchasing these items, they contributed approximately $3000 to Ayo!’s #WomenInTech crowdfunding campaign, ensuring even more women like Nune could gain economic independence and thrive.
A special thank you to the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston Trinity Ladies Circle, the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church ACYOA in DC, the St. Leon Armenian Church Women’s Guild in New Jersey, and the St. James Armenian Church in Richmond parish council for supporting this life-changing initiative.
Together, we are proving that women like Nune CAN. And with continued support from our community, we can help many more women unlock their potential and build successful futures. Thank you for being part of this journey!
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