Vivian Freeman
AMERICORP OFFICER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
fowziaadde@immigrantdevelopmentcenter.org I fowziaimmigrant@gmail.com
Fowzia Adde founded the Immigrant Development Center (IDC) in 2003, recognizing a pressing need to empower the immigrant and refugee community of the Fargo-Moorhead Area. Under her visionary leadership, IDC has grown as a trusted partner in fostering economic opportunities, exemplified by initiatives like the International Marketplace Plaza. With her keen focus on inclusivity, she has integrated multilingual services and formulated business development and lending programs that resonate with the immigrant population.
BUSINESS ANALYST/LOAN OFFICER
toluafolabi@immigrantdevelopmentcenter.org
Toluwanife “Tolu” Afolabi, a seasoned business professional, joins the Immigrant Development Center (IDC) as a Business Analyst/Loan Officer. With over a decade of experience in business operations and financial services at Access Bank Plc. Tolu brings a wealth of expertise to his role at IDC.
Tolu’s innovative mindset and customer-centric approach have been recognized through his successful implementation of workflow processes and operational strategies, resulting in improved customer experience.
COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA MANAGER
lanre@immigrantdevelopmentcenter.org
In the realm of web building and editing, Lanre ensures that The Immigrant Development Center maintains a seamless and impactful online presence, optimizing user experience and accessibility. As a skilled social media manager, Lanre leverages various platforms to amplify the organization’s visibility, engaging a broader audience and driving the digital strategy forward. Lanre also excels in media communication, producing and editing high-quality video content that resonates with viewers and effectively conveys the organization’s message. With a commitment to excellence and a versatile skill set, Lanre provides essential wrap-around services that contribute significantly to the success and growth of The Immigrant Development Center.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
ritikagerdes@immigrantdevelopmentcenter.org
Ritika Gerdes serves as the Director of Operations and Strategic Development at the Immigrant Development Center, where she leverages her expertise to drive strategic initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, secure funding, and implement effective solutions. Ritika has excelled in leadership, mentorship, and planning through extensive experience in software industry (Red River Software, Sanford Health, Onsharp), participation in multiple leadership programs (NDSU, Chamber, Sanford Health), knowledge through education (Biotechnology, Software Engineering, MBA), and volunteering for multiple organizations (IDC, uCodeGirl, Emerging Digital Academy, TechND, FM Youth Choir, Golden Key International Honour Society, and more). As an immigrant and a new American, she brings a passionate commitment to the mission of the Immigrant Development Center.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Jihan has been a consistent leader in the community of Fargo-Moorhead, she has dedicated her life to her family, her community, and to the homeland of her birth, Kurdistan. Jihan works tirelessly to help better the lives of immigrants and minorities in her community by organizing business leaders, non-profits, and the media to come together to support her vision. She empowers women, and proves by example that women who lead are not only effective, but bring with them a passion to see through any challenge.