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CYNTHIA SHABBExecutive Director
DOJ Partially Accredited Representative cynthia@gfcoalition.org 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. |
ADAM FORTWENGLERProgram Coordinator
DOJ Partially Accredited Representative adam@gfcoalition.org 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; he is currently working towards a master's in Coaching Education from Ohio University. Adam completed an internship at Global Friends Coalition in the summer of 2017. When his internship ended, he remained on as a steady volunteer helping New American families navigate paperwork, assisting with driving lessons, providing transportation, and advocating for families in social services. 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 competitive, recreational, and academy soccer for the Greater Grand Forks Soccer Club. |
WEI LINResettlement Case Manager (R&P)
wei@gfcoalition.org 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. |
KAYLA KLATTVolunteer Coordinator
kayla@gfcoalition.org Kayla Klatt joined Global Friends in October 2023 as our volunteer coordinator. In 2018, Kayla graduated from Northern State University with a B.S. degree in International Business and went on to complete a Master of Business Administration at the University of North Dakota in 2022. She first volunteered with Global Friends Coalition setting up an apartment through the Greater Grand Forks Young Professional organization in summer of 2023 and found a new passion in supporting refugee resettlement. Afterward, she continued to volunteer with apartment set up, and donation organization and management. Kayla enjoys travel, reading, photography, trying new foods and cooking and baking for friends and family. |
ERIC DECOTEAUCommunity Connector (RSS)
eric@gfcoalition.org Eric Decoteau joined Global Friends in November 2023 as a Community Connector in the Refugee Support Services program. With a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Minor in Chemical Dependency from the University of North Dakota, Eric is also enhancing his expertise through a Master's in Social Work at UND. In his role, Eric is committed to supporting newly arrived refugees and other individuals in the Grand Forks area, helping refugees to achieve economic self-sufficiency and smoothly integrate into the community. Known for his kind and compassionate nature, Eric enjoys spending his free time with friends and family. |
ELIZABETH MORRISONResettlement Case Manager (R&P)
Community Connector (RSS) elizabeth@gfcoalition.org Elizabeth Morrison joined Global Friends in October 2023 as a Community Connector/Translator (Spanish/English). Her position allows her to use her experiences and promise to support refugees and other vulnerable groups. Elizabeth relocated to the United States five years ago from Paraguay, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Currently, she is a senior student in the honor program at the University of North Dakota, pursuing majors in Psychology and Spanish. Elizabeth is passionate about the work GFC does on behalf of refugees. She has committed her career to public service because she understands the difference it can make in the lives of refugees. She believes that providing language assistance, cultural guidance, and legal procedures are crucial in helping immigrants feel more at ease and integrated. During her spare time, Elizabeth loves to play tennis and spend time with her cats, family, and friends. |
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Ione Seidlinger
President Andria Pinkerton Vice-President Cindy Jensen Secretary Robbin Rendahl Treasurer Elias Dean Member-at-Large Maura Ferguson Member-at-Large Kelly Hisek Member-at-Large Faye Pederson Member-at-Large |
Odele Rajpathy
Member-at-Large Kimberly Tom Member-at-Large Zachary Tomczik Member-at-Large Chyna Lynner Non-Voting Member Ranju Dhungana Non-Voting Member |
