Same Sky Ambassadors

“I am deeply moved by the mission of Same Sky, and proud to support both the organization and its visionary founder, Francine LeFrak. Same Sky is a priceless and powerful social enterprise, which deserves widespread attention and support.”

“Same Sky demonstrates that one can manage and develop aid programs together and in accordance with those who are to be aided, helping them to achieve autonomy in the medium term. I will support Same Sky with utter conviction wherever I can.”

“I love supporting Same Sky by proudly wearing my bracelets everywhere. They always help start conversations and bring on new supporters. I mostly use the "hand up vs. hand out" mission when explaining why Same Sky is making a difference in women's lives.”

“When I first heard about Francine and Same Sky, I was in awe of this woman, right here in NYC, that was helping women in my backyard, literally. I'm Ugandan by heritage but being from the Uganda-Rwanda border. Essentially, we are the same people—cuisine, culture, mannerisms. When we met and I realized her passion to give these women a sustainable and dignified way to support themselves, after their tragic past, I was humbled and inspired. Same Sky is about hope, never giving up and realizing that beauty can rise from tragedy if we all come together because we are are all here, now . . . beneath the Same Sky.”

“Same Sky’s dedication to helping women from Rwanda is truly an inspiration to all. The smiles, stories, and self-esteem from these women are as beautiful as the jewelry they make. It is with great pleasure and pride that I wear Same Sky jewelry and help this important cause (not to mention how many compliments I receive!).”

“Through the ‘Blessed Hands’ of these Rwandan women, every one of these Same Sky bracelets ‘comes alive.’ The story of Same Sky means more when you understand that the care and attention to detail born unto each piece comes from the heart of a woman who wanted a hand up. It’s important we do all we can to support and strengthen this dynamic company.”

“Same Sky is near and dear to my heart, because it is a hands-on. Helping people become independent and self-sufficient for themselves and their families with their own businesses. The future I see for Same Sky is that it grows and becomes even more diversified and stronger to help as many individuals as it possibly can in our Universe.”

“I am pleased to support Same Sky in its mission to economically empower women so that they can make choices and improve not only their own lives but also create a positive ripple effect in the communities around them. A woman is better able to negotiate her economic, political, and social rights, her human rights, when she is financially independent.”

“When I received my first bracelet as a gift, my initial thought was how pretty it was—the color, the weight. It had a wonderful energy. My wish for Same Sky—that it continues to help the beautiful women in Rwanda . . . to develop things of beauty, helping, healing, and bringing both industry and pride to many more women.”

“As the founder of Indagare and the Indagare Souk, I am a huge supporter of trade-not-aid enterprises, and Same Sky is helping to educate discerning consumers about their importance. I wear my Same Sky jewelry with pride and gratitude and cannot wait to visit the women who make it in Rwanda.”

“Same Sky jewelry is not only beautiful but captures the essence of the organization— an interwoven mosaic depicting the special bond that unites and strengthens the women of the world. I am so thrilled to play an active part in this amazing organization.”

“Same Sky is an amazing organization that allows every woman in the world to shine, and I’m so inspired and honored to be an Ambassador for this organization founded by my dear friend who is herself an inspiration to the entire world!”

“I remember when Francine LeFrak introduced me to Same Sky, with a personal enthusiasm and purpose that was awe-inspiring. Soon after, it seemed like I saw women wearing the signature Same Sky collection everywhere I went! It felt like we were part of a growing "club" of women and men empowering through employment to change lives. I'm incredibly moved by the personal stories of the Rwandan women, and now women in New Jersey, who make these beautiful pieces and have a livelihood in the best sense. As Same Sky refines and expands its production and adds new, beautiful designs, it clearly maintains the connection to each individual life and the growing global community that it touches.”

“The mission of Same Sky is so unique and powerful because instead of only attempting to give, the supporters of Same Sky seek to receive . . . We are all capable, we are all connected, and we are all responsible for each other. I am forever grateful to be connected to women of Same Sky who have been gracious enough to include me in their circle of female empowerment.”

“If I can contribute to an organization that is powered by a fair trade initiative that offers employment to women living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and help them earn 15-20 times the average wage to make beautiful jewelry, sign me up!”

“I love Same Sky. The name Same Sky beautifully pulls together the global urgency to connect and love as one. It is a pleasure and an honor to be a part of Same Sky’s unlimited vision that we can be saved by saving one another.”

“It is such an honor to wear beautiful jewelry that is handcrafted by courageous Rwandan women. It is with great enthusiasm and joy that I support and am a part of Same Sky’s global mission of empowering women through trade-not-aid.”

“The initiative enables women to create sustainable enterprise to support themselves and depend on their own skills versus dependence on donors. Families are supported, lives are saved, and a new cycle is perpetuated. The quality of the work is exceptional.”

“I am proud to be an ambassador for SAME SKY because empowering women is the only way to support them to build stronger, better lives for themselves and for their children. Women throughout history have suffered abuse and, with their children, have been the victims of war and upheaval in male-dominated societies. They need the tools and the support to build better, safer lives for themselves and their families.”

“Same Sky is an incredible initiative that empowers women from less advantaged countries to make a difference in their lives and communities. It gives them an amazing feeling of worth. I am so proud to be an Ambassador for Same Sky in Tasmania, Australia.”

“Independence and empowerment through creativity. That sums up Same Sky to me!”

“Lead by the vision of Francine LeFrak, Same Sky has successfully impacted women both in Africa and here at home. Francine has taught many of us here the importance of giving a hand up, not a hand-out. Those words resonate in my mind often and I have been so fortunate to see how successfully that philosophy works. It is so impressive to see how Same Sky has empowered women in Rwanda to gain confidence and success and perhaps most importantly pride in being able to care for themselves, their families and their country. The work in the United States is doing the same for women here-offering opportunity for success and for pride as well. I am so honored to be an ambassador for Same Sky.”

“Same Sky is a fantastic organization that gives women the tools necessary to create beautiful works of art, and through the Same Sky network shares the treasures they create with a global community. The idea that the jewelry created acts as a ribbon connecting all women under one same sky is a message that captures the importance of love, community and global peace. I am very passionate about Same Sky because I believe that ALL women should have the opportunity to live, create, and prosper. I am very happy to work with Francine LeFrak and this organization. I feel I can share the importance of this work and the beauty of jewelry with my clients and the community.” 

“Every day I wear at least one piece of Same Sky jewelry. The pieces serve as reminders that our own women artisans are recovering from the atrocities they endured, and continue to be empowered by an inner strength to change their lives. This is a powerful message that also aligns with the importance of conscientious consumerism, thinking carefully about how our spending habits can affect change.”

“I fell in love with Same Sky the minute I found out about the organization and got to know Francine. Not only because of what it is doing, but also because of what it hopes to achieve globally. Honored to be an ambassador and look forward to helping the organization grow!"

“It has been almost two years since the launch of Same Sky Bracelets at the Ana Tzarev Gallery in Manhattan, yet I vividly remember the words of the special guest, Janet Nkubana, 2008 Africa Prize Laureate: ‘You are not buying a bracelet, you are saving a life. “Same Sky is not only ‘beauty with a cause,’ it seems to be the cause for beauty."

“My passion for conscious consumerism led me to Same Sky, which embodies the spirit of both chic fashion and the soulful economy. I believe strongly that a healthful future is dependent on sustainable, considerate practices, and Same Sky represents a movement that will one day be the norm. I am honored to be a part of it and to wear Same Sky for the inherent and aesthetic beauty that it represents.”

“I firmly believe and support the idea represented by Same Sky. It’s giving the women of Rwanda the ability to rise up. Employment not only gives these women self-respect and financial independence, but most importantly, empowers them.”

“Empowering women solves so many problems, especially in developing countries. When I learned of the impact of Same Sky on the women and families in Rwanda, and now in New Jersey, I couldn’t imagine a better place to devote my energy. I remember the sky over me is also above those beautiful Rwandan women and feel proud to have a connection.”

“We are all women under the same sky and helping one another enriches us and gives all of us a feeling of empowerment. We have so much in this country and to think that simply buying a bracelet can help change the lives of women in Rwanda is amazing. I am proud to be associated with this initiative.”

“I am deeply aware of and involved in the treatment and empowerment of HIV+ women in the Southern California area. Our members were delighted to meet Francine LeFrak during her recent visit to the Coachella Valley and were so impressed with the work she is doing, and we are proud to support Same Sky and the impact which it is having globally.”

“The Same Sky event at Morgan Stanley was such a success from my point of view. Same Sky struck a chord with so many of my colleagues. They were very excited to have the opportunity to buy such beautiful pieces, and support the brave women artisans in the cooperative.”

"All people should be given the opportunity to contribute to society and be rewarded for such contribution accordingly. Same Sky is providing a platform that allows this to occur for women who otherwise may not participate in our global society. Not only are Same Sky pieces symbols of empowerment, they are truly beautiful objects."

“Women are the drivers of change in their economies and societies—powerful engines of growth if we let them. Same Sky has recognized that giving women the opportunity to become financially independent is vital for women to succeed.”

“I am a happy ambassador for Same Sky because of its mission and how Francine has given hope and inspiration to so many women across the world. I was lucky to see first-hand the difference Same Sky made in many women's lives when I traveled to Rwanda. I met with so many of these women who told us stories of what life was like and now the amazing changes that happened because of Same Sky. I am proud to be part of this organization. My visit to Rwanda was truly life-changing. Same Sky has brought hope and dignity to so many people and has given women the ability to make change happen when others can only wish it could happen.”

“Beautiful jewelry makes women feel beautiful, and this is the gift the talented Same Sky artisans share with the world. I am honored to be a part of an organization that is providing economic security and pride.”

“Living under the same sky, we have an obligation to help one another reach our full potential. As Francine aptly observes, 'talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.' I am honored and humbled to be a part of an organization that works to bridge the gaps that exist in a meaningful and supportive way. Having visited Rwanda, I now fully appreciate how each purchase of jewelry binds us in a way that transcends borders and customs. Same Sky’s efforts help the women of Rwanda and Jersey City rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Symbolic in the beauty of the jewelry is the sense of community that Same Sky has created globally and serves as an inspiration to us all.”

“Same Sky offers Rwandan genocide survivors not only hope, but training, education, and skilled employment. I am honored to call myself a friend of the Same Sky team as I am proud of their efforts to enhance the world. I think it’s an incredible opportunity for everyone to make a purchase with a purpose”

"'A hand-up, not a handout' – a simple concept that resonates with women globally whatever their profession or passion. Being part of the Same Sky community enables us to make this become a reality and see the life changing impact that having a job and a skill creates; not only financially but emotionally as well. I am proud to be an Ambassador for Same Sky and to help them expand their reach."

“Same Sky is about sharing the story of these incredible women. They have a business, they take care of their families, and they are changing their lives—it’s incredible . . . Same Sky empowers them to go on.”

“One of the most captivating aspects of Same Sky is its effectiveness. Rather than giving traditional charity to some of the world’s most underprivileged women, the initiative teaches real skills that help build real lives through economic sustainability. Same Sky lives up to the ‘hand up, not handout’ motto and I am happy to be a Brand Ambassador for this amazing social enterprise.”

“By connecting my network and all that I have with the causes I stand for, I hope to be able to contribute to make this world a better place where we treat people equally and with respect and dignity. We are all united through the universe . . . we have to raise funds and give from the heart instead of from the head.”

“I am honored and humbled to be associated with Same Sky and the women artisans of Rwanda. Their spirit and tenacity to embrace, forgive, learn, and heal are consistent and important personal daily inspiration for me.”

“Francine's passion inspired me to not only buy beautiful jewelry for myself and my friends, but to proudly become part of this extraordinary organization. The concept of giving women the tools to help themselves become independent, self-sufficient, and able to provide for their families is a powerful idea.”

“Same Sky is the beautiful marriage between ethical shopping and luxury goods. The opportunity to make your voice heard with your wallet . . . Buying beautiful bracelets and necklaces that support women in a sustainable way is beauty in itself.”

“Same Sky is the beautiful marriage between ethical shopping and luxury goods. The opportunity to make your voice heard with your wallet . . . Buying beautiful bracelets and necklaces that support women in a sustainable way is beauty in itself.”

“I am so proud and honored to be a Global Ambassador for Same Sky. Rwanda is a country that I know and love, and Francine LeFrak's passion, vision, and comprehensive dedication are amazing. As I came to really understand what Same Sky is doing, I had to be part of it! They say that when a woman is supported, a community is lifted. It's a joy to give back and contribute to the world in this way, empowering women and societies through the teaching of skills - and with beautiful results! We all live and love under the same sky. I think everyone should be part of this story... Wear or give a bracelet, necklace, ring, cufflinks, and purify water, educate a child, partake in teaching skills that last. People love it. I love it. And the story goes on. This is the world I want to live in.”

“I immigrated to the US from Vietnam, where I’ve always strived to make the most of every opportunity, both personally and professionally. Empowering women to me means giving an individual a chance to become someone greater than their current circumstance. Same Sky does just that. I am truly proud and grateful to be part of an organization that gives women the opportunity to earn honest wages for their hard work. I support this cause because I know that every dollar I utilize to purchase beautiful jewelry will help pay for a woman’s education and health care. My dream is for Same Sky to flourish through word of mouth, so that one day, more women around the world can be given a second chance.”

“Alice Walker once said, ‘The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.’ I am thrilled to support an organization that equips those in challenging situations with the tools and skills to turn things around.”

“Same Sky is an extraordinary and powerful concept which enables women to take charge of their lives by empowering them to succeed by their own initiative and strength. These women of Rwanda inspire all by the individual strength and power they exhibit in this endeavor. Same Sky is a great force for positive change, and I am very pleased to support them in their efforts.”

“When you capture the hearts and minds of people, anything is possible. Same Sky symbolizes what women can do together to restore hope, rebuild lives, and effect positive social change. It is a privilege to be a Global Ambassador, and to have led the charge for Bond University to become the first organizational Ambassador bringing the Same Sky message to the next generation.”

"It’s rare to find jewelry with an intrinsic value that far exceeds its price and even rarer to find an organization so dedicated to providing opportunity to impoverished women. Thank you to Francine for her sense of humanity and for giving me the opportunity to in some small way share her sky."

“I love Same Sky’s goal of empowering women to help themselves and their families by training them to make gorgeous jewelry. How lovely that women who have faced to many obstacles now become economically self-sufficient as they create beautiful items for people to enjoy.”

“I am honored to be a Same Sky Ambassador. Same Sky allows women to build their confidence, sustain their families, and allows them to give back to their clients through their impeccable craftsmanship. A survivor who I have never met has touched my life through her courage and indomitable spirit.”

“I wholeheartedly believe in Same Sky's mission of empowering women through identifying a woman's strengths and nurturing her confidence so that she can gain meaningful employment. When a woman is employed, she invests her earnings back into her family and her community. I believe this is the key to lifting up entire communities. My hope for Same Sky that is its reach continues to grow, and women throughout the country have access to the organization.”

“Same Sky helps to empower women. It’s not a hand out, but a hand up for HIV+ women in Rwanda. The jewelry that the women craft is exquisite... the difference with Same Sky is that each piece comes with the artisan’s remarkable story. May Same Sky continue to grow and grow, and I hope to be a part of it on that journey.” 

“Same Sky jewelry is not only beautiful but captures the essence of the organization… an interwoven mosaic depicting the special bond that unites and strengthens the women of the world. I am so thrilled to play an active part in this amazing organization and help the women artisans fulfill their dreams for empowerment and economic security for themselves and their families.”

“I fell in love with Same Sky when I met Francine years ago, not only because of the beautiful jewelry but also because of the overall mission and her vision. Same Sky is a unique initiative because it personifies women’s empowerment and truly demonstrates that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. This organization has always resonated with me because it shows women that they can truly provide for themselves and not rely on a hand out to survive or get back on their feet—it shows women that they have the power to change their lives. Same Sky is also building awareness on how we, as a society, need to change the way we shop and truly understand how our purchases affect the global economic system. I am honored to be an ambassador and helping to grow the organization globally.”

“Same Sky represents Women Power— women empowering other women to succeed for their family, their community, their region, and their nation through the glamour, sensuality, and style of a Same Sky bracelet.”

“When you purchase Same Sky, you are empowering young women who are supporting themselves and their children giving them a level of independence they may have otherwise never known. I am so grateful to Francine LeFrak for having the vision that is so important to these women.”

“Same Sky is about opportunity- the opportunity that comes through connecting women and possibility. It’s simple yet powerful mission reminds us that we all share one sky.”

“The fundamental principles behind Same Sky are those same ideals on which Miss Universe was founded sixty years ago. Both entities are built by women, for women with the purpose of empowering women. Our affiliation with Same Sky has had a profound effect on not only our Titleholders, but everyone working at our Organization, as well. ”

“In Same Sky, I have found an organization that fosters a safer and more productive future for women in overlooked and/or corrupt areas of the world. I love the basic principle of community enterprise which increases the likelihood for these women creators to experience stability, personal pride, and maybe even peace in a larger world”

“The uniqueness of Same Sky has two purposes: helping women feel empowered and learning a trade as opposed to just getting a handout. It reminds me of the Chinese proverb: ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."

“Whether there is sunshine or rain, beautiful, inspirational Francine LeFrak brings us together under the Same Sky umbrella to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. This is a revolution one bead at a time. I am honored to be an Ambassador from the land of the Kangaroo and look forward to helping the enterprise grow.”

“I consider Same Sky one of the crowning achievements of anyone I have met in New York for the level of success and also the hope and empowerment it has given to so many Rwandan people, I am very proud to be part of it.”

“As the founder of MorphMom, a multimedia platform devoted to inspiring, connecting, and empowering women "morphing" into something new and different, I feel that Same Sky is the very embodiment of our philosophy and our hope is to support both the movement and the women of Same Sky.”

“A natural consequence of the Same Sky initiative is to establish hope in a brighter future for the developing world. Through economic independence, the possibility of keeping the next generation of young women out of poverty, educated, healthy, and safe is imaginable.”

“I come from a family of political refugees. My parents left their home with just a suitcase and worked hard all their lives. When I was a child, money was not plentiful but I was lucky – very lucky. I lived in a country where there was free education and no obstacles to fulfilling my potential. I was the first woman in my family to go through higher education, to have a career, and to become a leader. I am living proof of what education and having the opportunity to work can do. I am a case study of how giving a woman the right tools enables her to have a sustainable future and become a leader. The women Same Sky supports don’t have the same opportunities that I had. They are living with challenges that I can only begin to imagine. The vision and drive Francine LeFrak has to make a difference with the women of Rwanda and America won’t just change their lives, it will change their societies and the lives of the generations that follow. I am extremely proud to be a part of such an incredible mission." 

“The human impulse that led to the creation of and now infuses Same Sky represents the very best of what we, as global citizens, can be. Same Sky reminds us that creativity, resourcefulness, and common purpose defy borders and that with perseverance and inspiration, we can find opportunity in the wake of crisis.”

"Same Sky originated from a vital need to provide a "hand-up" to women in desperate need of employment by utilizing their talents as artisans as paying them wages from which they could support themselves and their families. This opportunity to provide for themselves allows these women to hope for a better future, imbuing them with a sense of self-worth, and a place within the Same Sky community which fosters stability and financial security. As the Foundation grows, my hope is to help reinforce and further build the sustainable women-run businesses in Rwanda, Jersey City and beyond. Through mentorship, an area which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, these businesses will be under the stewardship of Same Sky volunteers who become trusted advisors and have a vested interest in creating economic freedom for these women and their families for generations to come. I look forward to helping expand these employment opportunities and charting new horizons for these women. While we are all born under the same sky, we are not availed the same opportunities. How we give back to those less fortunate makes all the difference."

“Same Sky is message, product, spirit and symbol at once. I wear a piece on how to make the world for the better. There should be more companies like Same Sky in the world... It is the hope I support, that everybody can do something for the better and then you get something back which is more than you gave.”

“Economic empowerment of women is a proven means to reduce poverty and improve the lives of families and communities. Same Sky is doing just that. It is a sustainable social business which provides livelihoods for Rwandan and Zambian women who are creating quality, beautiful products for consumers around the world.”

“Same Sky has changed and continues to change the lives of women and their children in Rwanda, and offers a way for those of us who have never known suffering and poverty to help those who have known only that.”

“Within hours of reading a newspaper article describing Same Sky’s incredible work training Rwandan HIV+ women, I was flying home from Rwanda and happened to be sitting next to the Same Sky founder. Her stories, insights, and success in creating an approach that enables women to learn skills and lead self-sufficient lives inspired and motivated me to become an active participant on the spot.”

“Same Sky and Francine LeFrak, the visionary founder, have changed the lives of so many women who used to dream and can now have a better future for them and their families. I am proud to be a global Ambassador of this amazing organization that gives women an opportunity through trade not aid.”

“My Same Sky Bracelet is… my fashion statement, my prayer beads, my soothing stones, my percussion wristlets, my many mood colors, my friendship bracelet. Woven together beautifully into my bold statement of what is possible when women unite under the same sky.”

“It is very important for women to be able to support themselves and their children. Same Sky has brought many women a job, a livelihood, and a way to be proud of themselves. Their work is bringing them a hand up— they can feel wonderful about themselves— by not taking a handout.”

“As the 21st century unfolds, people are thinking more seriously about how they want to spend their time on this earth. More than ever, we want our lives to be not only productive and happy, we want them to be purposeful."