The Seeds of SEW

SEW begins between a serendipitous relationship between the Founder and President, Malee Kenworthy, in the west and Sister Zeph, a grassroots educational leader from rural Pakistan. Malee has always been interested in women’s rights in countries and communities where women and girls have historically been denied access to education. Sister Zeph has been fighting for education, women’s rights and children’s rights since she was just 13 years old. You can read the article here about their story. All of the work that they have done together resulted in SEW. Malee is on a mission now with the inspiration of Sister Zeph and her experiences with her to continue to help more grassroots educational leaders around the world. 

Meet the Board

Malee Octavia-Kenworthy

Founder & President

Malee is the Founder and President of SEW. She has been to Pakistan two times to visit the school, Zephaniah Free Education, that was the initial "seed" of SEW. Recently Malee graduated with her BA in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and is working harder than ever to get more support for her cause to bring education to the most disadvantaged.

“Before I ended up visiting Sister Zeph and the school in Pakistan I helped them raise money, via crowd funding, in order to help them finish their building. Sister Zeph had won a prize for her writing and was able to buy a small plot of land and build up walls of what is now the skills center but still there was no roof or proper bathroom.

So, before it was decided that I would visit, with collaborative efforts, we were able to not only put a roof on her school but help them build a proper bathroom, second story, beauty parlor and storage room. Even then I had no idea that I would visit Pakistan not only once but twice in 2.5 years! Of course people at the time thought I was crazy …”

Shannon is a Registered Nurse who actively stands up for women's rights and spends her time helping others
Shannon Lawson-white
Shannon Lawson-whiteboard member
Dixie Caris has served two years in the Peace Corps in West Africa. She has also been a teacher, social worker and worked for The Red Cross.
Dixie Caris
Dixie Caris Treasurer
Malee Octavia-Kenworthy is a recent business college graduate who has a passion for humanitarian work and women's rights in underdeveloped countries and communities.
Malee Octavia-Kenworthy
Malee Octavia-KenworthyFounder and President

Help us

Currently we are helping two grassroots educational leaders, one in Pakistan and one in Cambodia. We would love to extend our reach but cannot do so without your help. Donate today and give the gift of education to the most disadvantaged to end the vicious cycle of poverty and illiteracy around the world.