OUR TEAM

CYNTHIA SHABB

Executive Director
DOJ Partially Accredited Representative 
[email protected] 

​Cynthia Shabb has been with Global Friends Coalition since January 2011. Shabb earned a B.S. degree in English education from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Library Science from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota. She has served as an administrator at UND in several roles including director of the Teaching and Learning doctoral program, assistant dean of the Graduate School, and head of collection development and library advancement at the Chester Fritz Library. Shabb serves on the board of the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations and the Grand Forks Public Schools.
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ADAM FORTWENGLER

Program Coordinator
DOJ Partially Accredited Representative ​
[email protected]

Adam Fortwengler joined Global Friends in August 2018 as our program coordinator. Adam graduated from the University of North Dakota with a B.S. degree in social work and a B.A. degree in political science; and from Ohio University with a M.S. degree in Coaching Education. Adam completed an internship at Global Friends Coalition in the summer of 2017. When his internship ended, he remained on as a steady volunteer. Prior to joining Global Friends, Adam worked at the Grand Forks Housing Authority and was also a football coach for many years. Adam currently coaches and serves as Director of Academy and Development for the Greater Grand Forks Soccer Club, and is the head boys soccer coach at Schroeder Middle School.
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WEI LIN

Resettlement Case Manager (R&P)
​[email protected]

Wei Lin joined Global Friends Coalition in August 2023. Wei is honored to serve as the Resettlement Case Manager, a position that he will use his experiences with his commitment to help refugees and other vulnerable groups. Wei moved to the U.S. from China when he was in middle school. He is passionate about the work GFC does on behalf of the refugees. Wei has committed his career to public service because he knows how differently the lives of refugees can change. During his spare time, Wei loves to travel and enjoy time with family. 
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KAITLYN BERG​

Client Services Coordinator
[email protected]

Kaitlyn Berg joined Global Friends in April 2024 as our Client Services Coordinator. She received her B.S. degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota in December of 2023, and is in the process of pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work from UND as well. During her last semester of her undergrad degree, she interned with Global Friends Coalition where she enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the various forms that welcoming and supporting New Americans takes. Kaitlyn is eager to continue to serve those new to our community in addition to the staff at Global Friends.

ALAINA SELZLER

Case Manager
[email protected]

Alaina joined Global Friends in April 2024 as a case manager working in both the R&P and RSS programs. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Jamestown in 2022. Alaina believes every person has inherent value and deserves to be cared for in ways that empower them to flourish. She is honored to be part of an organization that welcomes the stranger and integrates them into their new home. 

MIA PFEIFFER

Health Coordinator
[email protected]

Mia Pfeiffer joined Global Friends in March 2024 as our Refugee Health Coordinator. Mia graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Nutrition. In her role, Mia is committed to caring for the physical, mental, and emotional health needs of New Americans. She is honored to serve refugees and help them feel welcome in the community of Grand Forks. In her free time, Mia enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.

PHILIPPE NGOMIRAKIZA 

Community Connector
[email protected]

Philippe joined Global Friends in July 2024 as a Community Connector in the Refugee Support Services program. Philippe arrived in the USA in July
2023. He attended Université du Lac Tanganyika in science of communication.
Currently he attends Northland Community and Technical College to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. As an immigrant, Global Friends assisted him to adapt to new life in the USA. He is excited and honored to assist new American families. Philippe enjoys spending his free time coaching and playing soccer.

ABDUL MOMIN MANSOOR

Finance and Budget Officer
[email protected]

Mr. Mansoor is a seasoned expert specializing in accounting, budgeting and finance, public-private partnerships, economic development, business and  policy analysis. He earned his MBA in Finance from the American University of Afghanistan and an MBA in Strategic Management from the Worldwide Science School of Business, equipping him with a robust foundation in financial management and strategic planning.

In his role as Finance and Budget Officer at Global Friends Coalition, Mansoor leverages his extensive expertise to manage financial operations, develop and oversee budgets, and optimize resource allocation. His work focuses on enhancing financial health and operational efficiency, contributing to the organization’s overall success.

Mansoor is also a research scholar at the Institute of Policy and Business Analytics at the University of North Dakota and a guest lecturer specializing in budget development and financial management. His dedication to advancing financial and economic policies reflects his commitment to promoting community well-being and organizational growth.​

ADEYINKA OMOTUNDE

Client Services Coordinator
[email protected]

Adeyinka joined Global Friends in October 2024 as a Client Services Coordinator.

EHSAN OMID

Community Connector
[email protected]
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Ehsan Omid joined Global Friends Coalition in October 2024 as a Community Connecter. In his role he will support refugees who have come to the United States in the past five years. Ehsan has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kabul Education University in Kabul, Afghanistan. Currently, he is studying computer networking and cybersecurity at Northland Community and Technical College. Ehsan came to the United States in 2017 via a Special Immigration Visa (SIV). He  worked with the U.S Military projects in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2016. Ehsan is ready and willing to help the New American community. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ione Seidlinger
President

​Andria Pinkerton
Vice-President

​Cindy Jensen
 Secretary

Faye Pederson
​Treasurer

​Brianna Hall
​Member-at-Large

Sara Kaiser
Member-at-Large

Callie Smith
Member-at-Large

Molly Haagenson
Member-at-Large

Zachary Tomczik
Member-at-Large

FUNDERS