In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I’mjoined by Dawne Hoeg, Founder and Executive Director of Stitch Buffalo — a remarkable organization dedicated to empowering refugee and immigrant women through textile arts, entrepreneurship, and meaningful community connection.

Dawne shares the story behind Stitch Buffalo’s founding andthe heart that fuels its mission: creating pathways to economic independence while honoring cultural identity and craftsmanship. What began as a simple desire to connect women through creativity has grown into a powerful model ofdignity, opportunity, and belonging.

We explore what authentic leadership looks like in action —leading with compassion, building community intentionally, and creating sustainable impact that reaches far beyond the studio walls.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that when weinvest in people and honor their stories, creativity becomes more than art — it becomes empowerment.

Thank you, Dawne, for sharing your incredible journey infinding Stitch Buffalo.

To learn more about Stitch Buffalo and support theirmission, visit:
https://www.stitchbuffalo.org/

To learn more about Dawne:

Dawne Hoeg| LinkedIn

About Dawne:

Dawne Hoeg holds an MFA in Textile Design/Fiber from theUniversity of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Prior to founding Stitch Buffalo in 2014, she taught in the Textile and Fiber Arts Design Department at Buffalo State University and served as the handwork teacher at the Aurora Waldorf School. In 2024, she received a citation from Governor Kathy Hochul in honor of Women’s History Month, celebrating “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion." As the Executive Director of Stitch Buffalo, she has guided the organization from its start as a weekly embroidery class, held in borrowedcommunity rooms, to its current form as a comprehensive textile arts center.

Along the way, she has provided pathways to success for hundreds of refugee women artisans and established a vibrant community of diverse volunteers, students, and artists.