about
We provide economic opportunities through sewing education.
D’Artillery helps immigrant and refugee women turn their creative skills into income. We provide training, resources, and support so they can grow, succeed, and build better futures. Our work strengthens both our community and Southeast Michigan’s creative economy.
An immigrant herself, founder Gracie Xavier is no stranger to the challenges immigrants face. Her experience forged her desire to support other immigrant women and connect them to resources to help them thrive. Prior to beginning D’ARTillery, Gracie worked at Global Detroit, which supported women in building cross-cultural connections through textile art. The women at Global Detroit expressed a desire to use the skills they learned in sewing classes to build something, get a job, start a business, or continue their personal development. Gracie listened, and in 2023, D’ARTillery was born.
Today, D’ARTillery teaches sewing and small batch manufacturing to predominantly immigrant women, providing them a pathway to economic self-sufficiency.
our impact
An immigrant herself, founder Gracie Xavier is no stranger to the challenges immigrants face. Her experience forged her desire to support other immigrant women and connect them to resources to help them thrive. Prior to beginning D’ARTillery, Gracie worked at Global Detroit, which supported women in building cross-cultural connections through textile art. The women at Global Detroit expressed a desire to use the skills they learned in sewing classes to build something, get a job, start a business, or continue their personal development. Gracie listened, and in 2023, D’ARTillery was born.
Today, D’ARTillery teaches sewing and small batch manufacturing to predominantly immigrant women, providing them a pathway to economic self-sufficiency.
by the numbers
Our Team
The D'ARTillery team is a dedicated group of professionals with a wealth of experience in economic development, sewing, apparel production, entrepreneurship support, and ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction. Their mission is to empower the diverse community of Metro Detroit by providing targeted workforce training and essential services. The team's expertise includes skilled educators, seasoned artisans, and community advocates who work tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by immigrant and refugee women. Their collective efforts are focused on connecting residents to resources, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and fostering community reinvestment, all while respecting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the community they serve.
