Executive Search
Refugee Women’s Alliance
Executive Director
Seattle, WA
Completed
We are proud to announce that Kathleen Cloutier will join Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) as our new Executive Director later this summer. Kathleen (Kathy) is a versatile leader and executive with more than 45 years of experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors and a long-time champion of immigrant and refugee recognition and support.
For the past 12 years, Kathy has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, the largest dedicated refugee and immigrant services organization in that state, where she led the organization through a period of transformational growth and impact. Under her leadership, Dorcas International more than doubled its revenue, significantly expanded key programs in immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, education, and workforce development, and built sustainable systems to meet the evolving needs of immigrant and refugee communities. Kathy has also served as Executive Director of the Albany Community Action Partnership in Albany, NY for eight years, during which she spearheaded capital expansion for early learning facilities, an area of growth for ReWA as well.
Kathy brings a leadership style that is both strategic and compassionate, shaped by personal experience and a deep commitment to equity, social justice, and authentic community partnerships—values that align closely with ReWA’s mission.
Her track record includes leading cross-cultural initiatives and advocacy campaigns that center the strengths of refugee and immigrant communities. She is a steadfast advocate for equity and opportunity and has worked consistently to amplify community voices while addressing systemic barriers.
Kathy holds an MBA from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management, a Certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School and is currently completing Stanford’s Strategic Leadership Program. Her commitment to lifelong learning reflects her belief that strong leadership requires adaptability, integrity, and vision.