Our Team
Karen Aroh,
Founder/Director
In 2009, a refugee invited me to her apartment for tea. I learned that she’d lived in a refugee camp in Nepal for 20 years where she and her family had to survive with limited food and resources. Many challenges followed her to Louisville, where she needed income to help her family. I learned she is one of many and I soon met her family and her friends. This inspired me to do something to make a difference in their lives.
MAYA Collection was birthed out of that need to equip refugee women for long-term success. They learn to create and market one-of-a-kind crafts in community with volunteers and other refugees. In the last 13 years, I have met hundreds of refugees, sat in their homes and listened to their amazing stories. I have found that my life has changed for the better and my world has expanded from knowing each one. They are hard- working, loving and beautiful people who are grateful for any help that MAYA Collection and our volunteers give. We look forward to the future as we help MORE women dream and build a future for their families.
Tracy Baechle,
Creative Design Director
Kelsey Dibble,
Operations