Who we are
In 1993, Fargo - Moorhead metro area leaders held several forums to identify community issues needing urgent attention. It was determined that the community needed to embrace its increasing ethnic diversity and assist diverse populations in overcoming barriers to community participation. Consequently, a cultural diversity project was established in 1994 with programs to increase understanding of the value of diversity, inclusiveness, develop a permanent system-wide framework aimed at celebrating the ever increasing cultures of the community and reduce racial, social and economic disparities.
A project development team was formed to develop the mission and long term goals; to coordinate involvement with key stakeholders in the community; and to seek funding for the project. Consequently, Cultural Diversity Resources (CDR) was incorporated in 1998, as a 501 © 3 tax exempt non-profit organization. CDR serves the Fargo/Moorhead metro area, Cass County in North Dakota, and Clay County in Minnesota.
CDR serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsor in 2021 for antipoverty, with programming in economic opportunity (employment and financial literacy) and education (tutoring and after-school activities)
Meet the Staff
Yoke-Sim Gunaratne
Executive Director
Yoke Sim Gunaratne has been with Cultural Diversity Resources (CDR) since its inception in 1994. Her passion is to work with refugees, immigrants and minority individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
She has been in this line of work for more than 20 years, and has ample experience working and presenting on nonprofit and diversity issues. She has worked with international students at NDSU and as a Refugee Resettlement Manager in ND as well. She has a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree and a Master of Arts (Sociology).
Yoke Sim is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and served as the Diversity Director for ND Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Council. She is trained in “Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity” (SEED) curriculum for teachers and has facilitated SEED seminars for both Moorhead and Fargo School Districts for more than fourteen years.
She also provides diversity training and consultation to various businesses, community agencies, governmental entities and professional associations. In addition, she is trained as a facilitator through West Central Initiative Community Foundation. She has served on numerous nonprofit and governmental boards and committees in the region.
serves as the Program Coordinator for the Metro Interpreters Resources Center and find qualified translators for businesses, court systems & organizations. She also assists with our Job Development program by creating resumes, helping with job applications and carrying out self-sufficiency referrals.
If you feel your agency is in need of interpreting services, call or email our office. can explain the process, answer your questions, and match you with local high quality professional multi-lingual speakers to carry out your communication needs!
Amanda Williams
Julia Schott
Cassie serves as partnership with CDR staff and its community partners to develop and implement Public Relation strategies to increase awareness and understanding of its programs and activities.
She collaborates and coordinates with community partners to develop inclusive and multicultural communication strategies and ways to inform and educate the ethnically diverse groups and the community-at-large about the established vision, mission and goals to reduce racial, social and economic disparities.
Cassie also assist with the planning and marketing of organizational and special events, develops, designs and produces publicity material as needed and provides ongoing website development and social media management.
Communications Manager
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Precious Garpeh Dweh
Joan
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