OUR PROGRAMS

Interested in enrolling in our LEAD job readiness workshop series? Sign up here for an Info Session or to receive e-news about upcoming LEAD series and other NWNY programs.

Overview

At New Women New Yorkers, we empower immigrant women to thrive—personally, professionally, and as changemakers in their communities.

Through our holistic programming, participants gain the tools, confidence, and community they need to succeed in the U.S. workforce and beyond. From job readiness and career exploration to building pathways into emerging industries like clean energy, our programs open doors to meaningful employment and long-term growth.

The impact is real:

  • 90% of participants report increased confidence navigating the U.S. job market
  • Over 60% secure jobs, internships, or further education within six months of completing our job readiness workshop series

“After my LEAD program, the door opened for me to work at the Dalton School. When I got there and saw the students, it felt like that job was meant for me.”
—Dorothy, Program Graduate

NWNY’s programs also create meaningful opportunities for volunteers—company partners, facilitators, and professionals—who help guide our participants while gaining insight, connection, and purpose in return.

“Volunteering with NWNY was a powerful experience. I came in hoping to make a difference, and left feeling deeply inspired by the women I met.”
—NWNY Volunteer

Whether you’re a participant or a volunteer, NWNY fosters connection, confidence, and community—building a more inclusive and empowered New York City.

Workforce development – General Job Readiness Trainings

LEAD

LEAD is our flagship workforce development program, designed for immigrant women with intermediate English skills. This transformative journey includes eight job readiness workshops that build vital knowledge and skills for navigating the U.S. job market and workplace culture.

Beyond the workshops, participants engage in immersive experiences such as company practice and networking sessions, personalized support to foster growth and success, and Career Fairs.

In 2025, LEAD is offered both in person and virtually.

👉 Learn more about LEAD.

👉 Sign up for a LEAD Info Session or to receive e-news about upcoming LEAD series.

We are grateful for the generous support of Capital One in making the LEAD program possible.

We Speak We LEAD

We Speak We LEAD is tailored for immigrant women who are elementary to intermediate English learners. Through 16 dynamic workshops, participants strengthen their confidence, English communication, and job readiness—while exploring career paths and developing the tools to take their next professional steps.

Like LEAD, this program includes engaging company sessions and ongoing community support.

This program was developed in partnership with We Speak NYC at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

👉 Learn more about We Speak We LEAD.

👉 Sign up for a We Speak We LEAD Info Session or to receive e-news about upcoming We Speak We LEAD series.

Bridge to LEAD

Bridge to LEAD is a foundational workforce development program designed for Spanish-speaking immigrant women who are beginner English learners and hold a high school diploma or less. Offered in English and Spanish, the program builds confidence, foundational language skills, and access to educational and vocational training opportunities.

The goal is to increase participants’ employment prospects and open doors to new career pathways.

👉 Sign up for Bridge to LEAD Info Session

👉 Learn more about Bridge to LEAD.

We are thankful for the generous support of the Hispanic Federation and the Knisely Family Foundation for making this program possible.

Workforce Development – High Growth and High Need Industries

New Women New Yorkers is committed to expanding access to meaningful careers in high-growth and high-need industries—fields that offer long-term opportunity, stability, and impact. Our programming is designed with a focus on immigrant women, supporting them as they explore and pursue careers in sectors such as clean energy, tech, finance, education, healthcare, and public service.

Through career exploration, connections to training and employers, and personalized support, we help participants navigate and succeed in these vital industries.

As part of this work, NWNY is proud to be a member of the Queens and Staten Island Clean Energy Hub, a collaboration funded by NYSERDA and led by Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens. Together with six other community organizations, we are building a more inclusive clean energy economy in historically underserved neighborhoods.

At NWNY, we focus on creating pathways into the clean energy sector through partnerships with training providers, educators, and clean energy employers.

Our workforce development initiatives across high-growth and high-need industries include:

  • Career exploration workshops introducing participants to these industries
  • Panels and networking events with professionals and employers across sectors
  • Participation of companies and training providers in NWNY Career Fairs
  • One-on-one career support and guidance to help participants navigate their goals and opportunities

👉 Learn more about Clean Energy Program.

📩 Interested in learning more and exploring collaboration opportunities? Reach out to NWNY Program Specialist Paula Nonaka.

Community Education & Community Support 

We believe that thriving in a new country takes more than job readiness—it takes knowledge, support, and connection.

Through our Community Education and Support programs, we offer immigrant women vital tools to navigate life in NYC. With the support of partners and our own team, we deliver accessible, engaging workshops and gatherings that build confidence, promote wellbeing, and foster community.

Our programming includes:

  • Workshops focused on financial wellbeing, mental health, civic engagement, and knowing your rights—developed in partnership with trusted organizations
  • Peer learning and skill-building spaces, such as public speaking practice series
  • Arts & crafts series and community discussion circles, creating space for reflection, creativity, and connection

These offerings help participants not only build knowledge—but also form meaningful bonds with others on similar journeys.

📩 Interested in learning more? Reach out to NWNY Program Specialist Talita DiGiorgio.

Storytelling

Storytelling is woven into the heart of everything we do at NWNY. It gives immigrant women the tools to express their dreams, challenges, and aspirations—while building self-confidence, communication skills, and visibility.

Our storytelling programs elevate immigrant women’s voices, fostering deeper understanding and sparking positive narratives about resilience, identity, and hope.

Past and current storytelling initiatives includes: