Many women, and a few men, have helped start and support Women With A Cause.
Amanda Amoroso (Bailey), a 2008 graduate with a degree in English, has really taken to both the fashion side of Women With A Cause, and the dedication to helping the women in India. Her ability to tackle new projects, as well as, keep us all organized is amazing. We are all excited to have her as our Director of Operations.
Melanie Hutchinson (Hyderabad) is “our gal on the ground”. Mel has a background in fashion having designed and sewn costumes for the theatre. Based at our sewing school, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Lydia, Operation Mobilization’s India’s sewing program. As well as working with WWAC, she is doing work in the slums of Hyderabad.
Susan and Leo Kiely (Denver) Susan’s love of fashion and eye for beauty has given her an ability to think out of the box. Leo’s willingness to fund the project, as well as, offer business advice and encouragement has been a blessing to the whole team. Their love of the poor and willingness to take risks has given this project wings.
Katie Kramer and Flo Mostaccero (Denver) While EMBA candidates at the University of Denver, this dynamic duo took on Women With A Cause as a class project. Their knowledge of business, market research, computer programming, philanthropy and their willingness to go beyond the requirement for their class, has truly made WWAC a first class venture. Without these wonderful women, WWAC would not be a 21st century enterprise.
Karie Koplar (Boulder) has an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design: CU; Bachelor of Environmental Design: CSU; Master of Science in Apparel Production. She has developed patterns, as well as, been the technical wizard behind the products from India. Karie’s experience in the world of fashion has made her a real asset to the team.
Whitney Kiely Moehle (Denver) is our Creative Director and has designed the logos and promotional materials for WWAC & SK Designs. She also serves as the voice of a younger generation encouraging her mom, Susan, to expand her horizons to not only provide goods for Baby Boomers, but their babies as well.
Leanne Mitchell (Denver) is a wife, mother of two and has been in the computer industry for over 17 years. She is currently a project manager/business analyst for an Oil & Gas enterprise applications company. Leanne is one of our sewing students who is very enthusiastic about the Oct. 2009 trip to India. She became involved with WWAC because she believes in empowering people to change the course of their lives for the better and with a lasting effect.
Laura Pickard (Evergreen) has been a Hair Stylist for the past eleven years, dedicating her career to helping women look and feel their best by helping them become confident about themselves. Laura, also one of our sewing students, looks forward to making new friends during our Oct. 2009 trip to India, and teaching our women skill that will allow them to take control of their own futures.
Carol Snyder (Thornton) has become a much needed woman in our operation locally, and in India. She is the teacher of our sewing class, as well as, our Quality Control Inspector. Carol's expertise has enabled a younger generation to join in on our Oct. 2009 trip and she has ensured that everyone of our jackets is produced at their hightest potenial.
Dana Brereton, Nancy Erickson, Debbie Johnson, Shannon Pauly, Mary Radar, MaryEtta Reynolds, and Angie Sprague were part of the first team to go to Hyderabad and teach the women how to sew. Without their willingness to pave the path for future trips this venture would not come into existence.
Teaching Sewing in India
The Women With a Cause team takes two trips to India each year. Our Fall trip is typically scheduled for October. Each sewing teacher will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with an Indian student. The experience is one American women never forget. In addition to our teaching schedule we take an opportunity to explore an Indian landmark. During this trip we will visit the Taj Mahal and a school in the slums.
In order to be part of the team we ask that all participants complete an orientation either in person or online, practice their sewing skills using our syllabus, and provide funds for their trip. Many of our travelers are able to raise tax deductible funds through friends and family.
If you are interested in inquiring about our next trip, please call our office at 303-675-0405 and ask for Susan.
