Association of Zambians in Seattle, Washington

10/01/2026

Reflecting on past gatherings reminds us that the AZISWA Ladies Hats & Tea Party is far more than an afternoon of elegance it is a vital pillar of our community's growth and outreach!

Over the years, this signature annual event has brought together women across the Pacific Northwest in stunning hats and fine attire to share tea, enjoy delicious finger foods, and build lasting bonds of sisterhood. But the true magic of the Hats & Tea Party lies in the real, tangible impact it creates beyond the venue.

• Fueling Grassroots Initiatives: Every ticket sold and contribution raised directly funds AZISWA’s core programs, driving local community projects and developmental aid back home in Zambia.
• Empowering Community & Sisterhood: It creates an intentional, supportive space for women in the diaspora to network, share experiences, and uplift one another.
• Preserving Culture & Generosity: Combining formal tradition with authentic Zambian warmth, the event reinforces our shared commitment to giving back and supporting families in need.

To everyone who has dressed up, attended, or supported our past events thank you for turning moments of celebration into meaningful action!

09/23/2026

Attention AZISWA family and local partner organizations! Front and Centered is offering HEAL Capacity Grants to empower Washington State nonprofits and 501(c)(3) community-based organizations (as well as fiscally sponsored groups) that serve overburdened and vulnerable communities.

If your initiative or partner organization is working on community building and environmental health aligned with the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and share it across your networks.

🔗 Details & Application: https://frontandcentered.org/frontline-funding-collaborative/

Empowering our community through resource sharing and local support. Pass this along to fellow Washington non-profits and community leaders!

As part of the Frontline Funding Collaborative, we're excited to offer HEAL Capacity Grants and advance a healthy environment for all.

09/21/2026

At AZISWA, our commitment to Zambia extends far beyond borders. We believe in the power of local solutions, which is why we proudly support community-led organizations in Zambia.

Today, we are excited to spotlight one of our remarkable partners: The Rabbecca Onassis Foundation! Rabbecca Onassis Foundation (ROF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering orphans and vulnerable children through compassion, opportunity, and service, rooted in love and guided by purpose.

Who They Are & The Work They Do:
• The foundation works directly at the grassroots level to improve the quality of life for vulnerable women, youth, and children across local Zambian communities.
• They run community-led programs that offer vital social support, educational resources, and practical skills training to help families build sustainable futures.
• By operating directly within the neighborhoods they serve, their team addresses real everyday challenges through tailored, locally driven solutions.

AZISWA exists to unite and empower Zambians both in the Pacific Northwest and back home. Together, we are building stronger communities locally and globally!

Rabbecca Onassis Foundation

09/17/2026

True community strength begins with the well-being of the individuals within it. For men in the diaspora, balancing the pressures of work, family, and providing for loved ones back home often leaves little room for personal self-care.

The Association of Zambians in Seattle, Washington (AZISWA) emphasizes whole-person wellness, recognizing that a man’s physical health and mental health are deeply interconnected.

Societal expectations often push men to remain silent about mental health struggles like stress, anxiety, or burnout. Creating safe, culturally understanding spaces allows men to speak openly, seek support, and prioritize emotional resilience without judgment.

Health is not a solo journey. By encouraging open conversations, peer support, and active lifestyles, AZISWA helps ensure our men thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally strengthening both our local diaspora community and the families we support back home.
Taking care of yourself isn't just personal it's a commitment to your family and your community.

09/14/2026

AZISWA’s dedication to uplifting Zambia reaches across borders through purposeful, lasting action. A key way we fulfill this commitment is by awarding micro-grants to forward-thinking initiatives that drive real progress on the ground.

Today, we’re thrilled to highlight a past grant recipient making a transformative difference: KiloWatts for Humanity (KWH)!

The Mission & On-the-Ground Impact:
• KiloWatts for Humanity delivers sustainable solar microgrids to off-grid rural areas in Zambia, bringing clean electricity to underserved populations.
• Their solar energy kiosks power critical neighborhood services—fueling small businesses, powering school classrooms, lighting health centers, and keeping essential supplies cold.
• Every project prioritizes local ownership, providing technical instruction and mentorship so communities can maintain their energy independence long-term.

AZISWA’s goal is to uplift Zambians near and far. Partnering with KiloWatts for Humanity allows us to tackle energy poverty head-on, foster rural opportunity, and invest directly in our homeland's sustainable future.

Together, we’re illuminating lives and energizing local communities!

Kilowatts for Humanity

09/10/2026

Taking a step back in time to an incredible milestone in our community's journey! In October 2011, the Association of Zambians in Seattle, Washington (AZISWA) gathered to celebrate Zambia’s 47th Independence Day in true, vibrant Zambian fashion.
Relive the unforgettable moments, traditional attire, and joyous energy of the day!

Watch the full celebration video here: https://youtu.be/UkTp8pofY9c?si=VT_UADEPPnU0DO4x

How did you celebrate Independence that year? Share your favorite memories in the comments below!

Video Producers: DC Productions. Special Guests: Dandy Krazy & Futi Na Futi Entertainments.

09/07/2026

Connecting the diaspora to the homeland is at the core of what we do!
The Association of Zambians in Seattle, Washington (AZISWA) supports local, community-led organizations in Zambia through small grants that drive real sustainable change.

AZISWA exists to unite and empower Zambians both locally and abroad. By funding community-driven initiatives back home, AZISWA honors its founding commitment: Uplifting vulnerable families, fostering development partnerships, and giving back to the motherland.

AZISWA has been able to fund and support various initiatives in Zambia, initiatives such as Kabwata Orphanage, Emele School, Girls with A Difference Foundation, Stop Early Marriage & Empower Girls Foundation, Malaria Partners International to mention a few.

Together, we build stronger communities locally and globally!

09/03/2026

True wellness starts from the ground up! As featured by , the Association of Zambians in Seattle, Washington (AZISWA) shows how growing fresh produce and accessing culturally responsive food directly drives whole-person health.

Why Growing & Eating Culturally Familiar Foods Matters:
• Food as Medicine: Cultivating traditional crops in community gardens provides nutrient-dense ingredients that support long-term physical health.
• Preserving Cultural Roots: Growing traditional vegetables keeps African immigrant and refugee communities connected to their heritage while building healthy routines.
• Community Connection: Working the soil together strengthens relationships, supports mental well-being, and builds mutual support networks.
• Sustainable Access: Community gardens help combat local food insecurity by putting fresh, organic produce directly into community hands.

Nourishing our bodies with homegrown, traditional foods feeds both physical health and cultural identity!

08/30/2026

The Association of Zambians in Seattle, Washington (AZISWA), in partnership with Maitano Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine, completed a culturally inclusive 6-month Health Improvement Program. Designed to fit quintessential Zambian foods like nshima, kalembula, and impwa into a healthy balanced plate (the "MBALE" model), the initiative empowered participants to build sustainable lifestyle habits without losing their cultural identity.

Long after the program ended, the AZISWA community continues to live out these lessons every day:
• Joyful Movement: Daily exercise is now standard routine, with 71% of participants staying active at least three times a week.
• Culturally Empowered Eating: Members are intentionally planning meals, increasing their daily vegetable and fruit intake, and being mindful of sugar.
• Better Sleep & Stress Habits: Prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep and recognizing the importance of mental health support without stigma.
• Stronger Community Bonds: Beyond the physical gains, the program created a judgment-free space where members felt like family, supporting each other long-term.

Health is truly a lifelong journey, and AZISWA is proving that staying healthy and honoring our roots go hand in hand!

08/27/2026

Did you know that AZISWA offers case management assistance, health navigation, and helpful community links for Zambians living in the Puget Sound area?

Through our partnerships with local organizations like HealthierHere, we work to ensure everyone in our community has access to culturally responsive care and essential tools.

Need support or looking to connect a loved one?
Visit our Community Hub: www.aziswa.org