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

Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]

Alaina joined Global Friends in April 2024. 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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ione Seidlinger
President

​Andria Pinkerton
Vice-President

Molly Haagenson
 Secretary

Faye Pederson
​Treasurer

Callie Smith
Member-at-Large

Zachary Tomczik
Member-at-Large

​​Brianna Hall
​Member-at-Large

FUNDERS