ABOUT US
Women's Dignity School is a Washington State 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to equipping and empowering women and girls who have endured life's hardest challenges. Founded in 1998 in Mali, West Africa, by Mariam Sidibé, a visionary mother determined to create opportunity where little existed, the school has grown into a beacon of hope, skill-building, and transformation.
In Mali, Women's Dignity School serves 375 students, many of them orphaned, living with disabilities or HIV, or facing extreme poverty. Today, that same mission reaches across the Atlantic: in Washington State, we walk alongside immigrant women and families in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis counties through Lead With Dignity, our community leadership program. On two continents, one belief drives the work, when a woman has education, dignity, and the freedom to shape her own path, she builds confidence, independence, and the power to lead in her community.
OUR STORY
Founded in 1998 in Mali, Women's Dignity School began as one mother's response to the limited opportunities available to women and girls. What started as a single dream has grown into a thriving educational community that has transformed thousands of lives. Rooted in cultural pride and resilience, the school honors its founding legacy in Mali while carrying that same mission forward in Washington State, equipping women on two continents to build dignity, independence, and a brighter future.
WHAT WE DO
We serve women and their families so they can reach their full potential, wherever that journey begins. In Mali, that means hands-on workshops where women learn a trade and build the skills for a stable, independent livelihood. In Washington State, it means Lead With Dignity, our free community leadership program, where immigrant women and families gain the confidence, connections, and voice to thrive in their new home. Different skills, one purpose: helping every woman find her strength, lead with dignity, and build a future she's proud of.
OUR MISSION
The Women’s Dignity School’s Mission is to equip and empower women and girls who have endured life challenges by providing holistic education grounded in dignity and self-determination.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Ashli Nesbit
Treasurer
Accounting expert with a background in government and small business
Strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion
Supports military families and community development
Based in Tumwater, WA, and inspired by family and service
Sonja Maria McCully
Vice President
Retired librarian and lifelong educator based in Centralia, WA
Trained early childhood educators across Washington
Passionate about global citizenship and cultural unity
Guided by a deep belief in service and community uplift
Denise Miño
Board President
Brings 30+ years of leadership, coaching, and nonprofit strategy
Educator at UW Tacoma, designing programs that empower women
Led the 2023 Women in Business Leadership Series
Drives inclusive change and community transformation
Ibrahim Dembele
Executive Director
Inspired by his mother’s legacy of founding Muso Danbé
Expands access to trade education for women of all backgrounds
Connects local needs with global vision for lasting impact
Committed to empowering women in Mali and beyond
HOW TO BE PART OF THIS MISSION
Women’s Dignity School offers a variety of ways for our donors to be able to contribute to this mission. If you would like to be a part of this mission, you can donate now or purchase handmade jewelry from our workshops in our store. We appreciate every donation that has helped us every step of the way to carry out this mission.
* The IRS recognizes Women’s Dignity School as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
OPERATING HOURS
Monday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed