Our Mission
The Kurdish Association of Washington (KAWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Kurdish culture, language, history, and traditions throughout Washington State.
Our mission is to build a strong, connected, and inclusive community where Kurdish families, children, and future generations can proudly embrace their cultural identity while actively participating in the diverse society around them.
Through cultural celebrations, educational programs, music, traditional dance, community gatherings, and meaningful partnerships, we create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience the richness of Kurdish heritage.
We believe that cultural diversity strengthens our communities, education connects generations, and bringing people together creates a more welcoming and understanding society.
At KAWA, we are committed to building bridges between Kurdish communities and the wider American public through friendship, cultural exchange, education, and community service.
Our culture connects us. Our community strengthens us. Our future inspires us.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Kurdish culture, language, music, and traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
Our vision is to create a vibrant and welcoming Kurdish community in Washington State where children grow up connected to their heritage, families find a sense of belonging, and people from different cultural backgrounds come together through mutual respect and understanding.
We aspire to make Washington State a place where Kurdish cultural celebrations, educational opportunities, artistic expression, and community engagement are accessible to everyone.
By connecting generations, encouraging young leaders, and creating opportunities for cultural exchange, KAWA seeks to become a lasting cultural and educational resource for the entire community.
Together, we celebrate our heritage, embrace diversity, and build a brighter future.
What We Do
At the Kurdish Association of Washington (KAWA), we bring people together through culture, education, music, and community engagement.
Our activities celebrate Kurdish heritage while creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, learn, and participate.
🌸 Newroz Celebrations
Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, represents renewal, hope, freedom, and the arrival of spring.
KAWA celebrates this meaningful tradition by bringing families and community members together through Kurdish music, traditional dancing, cultural activities, and shared experiences.
Our Newroz celebrations provide an opportunity for Kurdish families to pass their traditions to younger generations while introducing the wider community to one of the most cherished celebrations in Kurdish culture.
🎶 Kurdish Music and Cultural Events
Music and artistic expression are essential parts of Kurdish cultural identity.
KAWA organizes cultural gatherings and musical events that celebrate Kurdish artists, traditional melodies, and contemporary cultural expression.
Through live performances and community events, we help preserve Kurdish artistic traditions and introduce them to new audiences.
📚 Kurdish Language and Cultural Education
Language is one of the strongest connections between generations.
KAWA aims to develop educational opportunities that help children, youth, and adults explore the Kurdish language, history, literature, and cultural heritage.
Our goal is to support future generations in maintaining a meaningful connection to their roots.
💃 Traditional Dance and Folklore
Kurdish traditional dances reflect generations of history, unity, and community spirit.
KAWA seeks to promote Kurdish folklore and traditional dance through cultural workshops, performances, and intergenerational learning opportunities.
We believe that sharing these traditions helps preserve cultural identity while encouraging friendship and participation.
👨👩👧👦 Family and Community Connections
A strong community begins with meaningful relationships.
KAWA creates opportunities for Kurdish families, newcomers, young people, and community members to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.
We welcome people of all backgrounds who are interested in learning about Kurdish culture and participating in community activities.
🤝 Cultural Exchange and Community Partnerships
KAWA believes that cultural understanding creates stronger communities.
We seek to collaborate with local organizations, schools, libraries, cultural institutions, artists, and community partners throughout Washington State.
Through these relationships, we hope to expand access to cultural education, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the diversity that makes our communities unique.
🌟 Youth and Future Generations
Our children and young people are the future of our community.
KAWA is committed to encouraging youth participation, leadership, creativity, and cultural awareness.
We aim to create welcoming spaces where young people can explore their identity, develop confidence, and contribute positively to their communities.
Everyone Is Welcome!
Whether you are Kurdish, have Kurdish roots, or simply want to discover a beautiful and vibrant culture, KAWA welcomes you.
Join us in celebrating Kurdish heritage, building friendships, and creating a stronger, more connected community in Washington State.
Celebrate Culture. Build Community. Inspire Generations.
Board of Directors
Leadership, Commitment, and Community Service
The Kurdish Association of Washington (KAWA) is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to preserving Kurdish cultural heritage, strengthening community connections, and creating meaningful opportunities for future generations.
Our leadership believes that a strong community is built through collaboration, cultural understanding, education, and a shared commitment to serving others.
The Board of Directors provides organizational oversight, supports responsible financial management, and helps guide KAWA’s programs and long-term vision.
Our Leadership Priorities
Cultural Preservation
Supporting initiatives that celebrate and preserve Kurdish language, music, dance, history, and cultural traditions.
Community Engagement
Creating welcoming opportunities for Kurdish families, young people, and individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and participate in community activities.
Education and Youth Development
Encouraging cultural education, youth participation, and opportunities for future generations to learn about their heritage.
Transparency and Accountability
Promoting responsible organizational management, ethical leadership, and thoughtful stewardship of community resources and charitable contributions.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Building relationships with local organizations, educational institutions, cultural groups, artists, and community partners throughout Washington State.
Our Commitment
KAWA’s Board of Directors is committed to building a welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable organization that serves the community with integrity, respect, and dedication.
We believe that preserving cultural heritage is not only about honoring the past but also about creating opportunities for future generations.
Through volunteer leadership, community partnerships, and a shared passion for Kurdish culture, we strive to make a lasting positive impact across Washington State.
Together, we preserve our heritage, strengthen our community, and inspire future generations.
Our Activities & Community Impact
Celebrating Our Heritage. Strengthening Our Community. Supporting One Another.
The Kurdish Association of Washington (KAWA) is dedicated to bringing Kurdish individuals and families together through cultural celebrations, music, community gatherings, and meaningful connections.
Our community activities began in 2024 and have continued to grow, creating opportunities for families to celebrate their heritage, build friendships, support one another, and strengthen their sense of belonging in Washington State.
We believe that a strong community is not built through celebrations alone, but also through compassion, understanding, and standing together during life’s challenges.
Cultural Celebrations & Traditions
Preserving Kurdish culture and traditions is at the heart of our community activities.
In 2024, our community came together for a Newroz celebration on March 21, a holiday gathering, and a summer picnic.
In 2025, we continued these traditions with another Newroz celebration, a holiday event, and a summer picnic.
In 2026, KAWA brought community members together for a combined Newroz and holiday celebration, creating another opportunity for families and friends to celebrate their shared cultural heritage.
These gatherings help connect generations, preserve traditions, and introduce Kurdish culture to the wider community.
Kurdish Music & Cultural Arts
Music is an important part of Kurdish cultural identity and a powerful way to bring people together.
During the summer of 2025, KAWA organized a Kurdish music concert that brought community members together to celebrate Kurdish music, artistic expression, and cultural heritage.
Through cultural performances and community celebrations, we seek to preserve Kurdish artistic traditions and create opportunities for people of different generations to connect.
Family Connections & Community Gatherings
Building meaningful relationships with families is an essential part of our community work.
Since 2024, our community has maintained regular contact with Kurdish families through personal conversations, visits, and social gatherings.
In 2026, these efforts expanded through more frequent family visits, summer camps with groups of approximately 15 participants, picnics, and community meals.
These activities create welcoming spaces where individuals and families can develop friendships, share experiences, and feel connected to their community.
Newcomer & Refugee Community Support
Starting a new life in the United States can bring both opportunities and challenges.
In 2025, KAWA connected with individuals with refugee status and helped them seek support with legal matters.
We also organized an informational gathering for newcomers to discuss life in the United States, available opportunities, and practical aspects of adjusting to a new environment.
Through community connections and information sharing, we aim to help newcomers feel welcomed, informed, and supported.
Community Solidarity & Family Support
At KAWA, community means being there for one another in both joyful and difficult moments.
We believe in maintaining strong relationships with individuals and families through regular visits, personal conversations, and compassionate community outreach.
During times of loss, grief, or personal hardship, our community comes together to offer friendship, understanding, emotional support, and solidarity.
We approach these moments with sensitivity, dignity, and respect for every family’s privacy.
Our goal is simple: to build a caring community where people feel connected, valued, and never forgotten.
Looking Toward the Future
KAWA is committed to strengthening cultural connections, supporting families, welcoming newcomers, and creating meaningful opportunities for future generations.
As our community grows, we hope to expand cultural celebrations, educational opportunities, youth activities, and partnerships with organizations throughout Washington State.
We welcome everyone who wishes to learn about Kurdish culture, participate in community activities, or contribute to building a stronger and more connected community.
More Than an Organization — We Are a Community.
Together, We Celebrate. Together, We Support. Together, We Grow.