CO-FOUNDER

Fatuma worked at Rochester Public School as an assistant teacher. She had a very good experience working with children. She took a step back in her career to care for her family.

Why Pamoja? As Fatuma migrated to the USA, she had a notion of what life should be. Sadly, reality and realization are not the same. She was fortunate that she could communicate in English to navigate her new environment. However, there are other challenges many migrants face including adapting to the weather, loneliness, missing their families and feeling anxious for the many barriers ahead of them.

Based on her experience as she navigated her way. She promised to have a place where women or girls could be comfortable. A place where no one will be judged but rather embraced and welcomed

CO-FOUNDER

Khadija came to the United States her junior year of high school from Canada to help her aunts take care of her grandparents who had Stroke and Alzheimer’s.” My community places a significant value on family and traditions, and it is an expectation to take care of the elderly in the family.” She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Winona State University.

She was an Outreach specialist and taught classes in health promotion and Teen sexual health. She has an amazing experience teaching the future generation about health and well-being. Khadija, took a break in her career to raise her children and build her family. The career break did not stop her as she continues to help her Somali community by volunteering her time and expertise to provide resources and opportunities.

OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Terri brings 30 years of nonprofit work to the Pamoja Women team. As the previous Executive Director of 5 nonprofits serving women, she supports the Co-Founders to achieve the mission of Pamoja Women.

ADVISORY BOARD

Executive Director, Channel One Food Bank

Virginia Merritt is the Executive Director of Channel One Regional Food Bank, with 4 years of experience in the role. Prior to joining Channel One, Virginia was the Executive Director and practiced law at Legal Assistance of Olmsted County. Virginia has a law degree and a bachelor of arts degree in English and Political Science from the University of Iowa. She strongly believes in Channel One’s vision of a food secure region and uses her experience as a legal aide to advocate for those facing food insecurity. She also continually develops partnerships with local organizations to improve access to nutrition. Virginia and her team at Channel One serve people experiencing hunger in 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Virginia moved to Rochester in 2012 for a job opportunity for her husband and almost ten years and two children later, the Merritts are in Rochester by choice and couldn’t be happier living and raising a family in Southeast Minnesota.

ADVISORY BOARD

ADVISORY BOARD

Olmsted County Commissioner

ADVISORY BOARD

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Rochester MN

ADVISORY BOARD

Equitable Development Coordinator at Destination Medical Center