University professor Andrea Soleta Schmutz moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 2022 and wanted to do something to connect and empower other immigrants. She founded Empowering Immigrant Women, has helped launch a weekly mental health clinic for immigrants and refugees, and will teach a community course to help New Americans navigate higher ed. Andrea, who is originally from the Philippines, collaborates with partners including Bridges, the Rotary Club of Pocatello, and University of Utah psychiatry residents. 

To other immigrants, Andrea says, “It might take you a lot of years to finally be established, but please be patient. … The rejections, failure – that’s not a weakness, that’s a strength, because you’ll be more powerful at the end.” 

CONNECT 

Empowering Immigrant Women website 

Hear Andrea on CEWT Talk – Idaho State University's Continuing Education/Workforce Training podcast 

Join Empowering Immigrant Women on Jan. 26, 2024, for a light dinner and to hear current students share about the class offered at CEWT this spring called Higher Education in the U.S. (geared towards refugees, immigrants, and first-gen) taught by Andrea Soleta Schmutz. We will also learn about the Idaho Launch, a program that provides grants for education and training programs. Starts at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the ISU Diversity Resource Center, 921 S. 8th Ave., Pocatello. RSVP to [email protected] 

Keep an eye out for the International Women's Day Event from 5:30–7 p.m. March 8 at the ISU Diversity Resource Center (invitation upcoming). We will celebrate International Women's Day by featuring local immigrant and refugee women in ‎Pocatello selling their home-baked goods and handmade items.‎