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 on diversity and inclusiveness, and in turn 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 for antipoverty, with programming in economic opportunity (employment and financial literacy) and education (tutoring and after-school activities)
Our wonderful staff
Yoke-Sim Gunaratne
Executive Director
Kristen Liebl
Fund Development Coordinator
Sifa Ntivu
Community Activities Coordinator
Communications Manager/ VISTA Member
Leena Po
Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Amanda Williams
Program Coordinator/ VISTA Member
Yoke-Sim Gunaratne
Yoke Sim has functioned as Executive Director Cultural Diversity Resources (CDR) since its inception in 1994. She has more than 27 years of knowledge and work experiences on nonprofit issues working with Black, Indigenous & People of Color population and diversity issues. Past work experiences include Community Development Officer at North Dakota State University and Refugee Resettlement Manager with Lutheran Social Services of ND. She has a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree and a Master of Arts (Sociology). She provides cultural awareness training and consultation to diverse organizations and businesses.
Executive Director
Kristen is CDR's Fund Development Coordinator, and serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member. Her role focuses on managing diversified funding strategies, and ensuring donor, sponsor and partner engagement for long term support. She actively pursues grant opportunities that align with CDR's mission.
Kristen earned a B.S in Dietetics from North Dakota State University, and is a registered Dietitian with a Certificate in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. Her achievements include being named North Dakota's Outstanding Young Dietitian in 2011.
Kristen previously served as a Nutrition Education Agent for NDSU Extension Services, Community Dietitian at Sanford Health in Fargo, and Project Coordinator for the Impact Foundation where she focused on a SAMHSA Grant aimed at strengthening community connections and reducing substance abuse. In these roles, she conducted outreach, developed community health programs and supported grant initiatives.
Kristen volunteers as a Board Member for Heart-n-Soul Community Café, serves as Vice Coordinator for American Heritage Girls Troop ND2711, and is involved in her church and children's school.
Kristen resides in West Fargo with her husband Greg and their four children. She is passionate about Holistic Health, addressing food insecurity, and believes in the power of community collaboration to achieve impactful change.
Kristen Liebl
Fund Development Coordinator
Communications Manager
Sifa is our VISTA Community Resources Manager, she builds partnerships with other nonprofits, local agencies, universities, schools, and businesses for the benefit of all low-income communities in our area. She has degrees in Human Science (Child Development) and Women Studies from North Dakota State University.
She is also an entrepreneur, an educator, and an advocate. She's a polyglot, fluent in six languages.
She has worked with immigrants from different countries since 2009; and has worked as an educator with Fargo Public Schools (ESL) refugee students since 2012.
Currently working this year with WFPS as a Cultural Liaison.
She volunteers with different non profit organizations.
She is passionate in cooking, all kinds of cuisines. This passion led her to own a catering business, and a food truck. She is also a private chef.
Sifa Ntivu
Community Activities Coordinator
Leena, our Entrepreneurship Program Manager, started on August 2022 at Cultural Diversity Resources. She's passionate about helping small business owners grow and succeed to reach their next level.
Past work experiences include Food Operations Manager at the Athletic Village Dining Center for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, the 2012 Asian Games, MSUM, Bemidji State University and the University of Jamestown.
Leena graduated at Winona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She has more than 20 years of business operations and management experience.
She also volunteers at the VA Hospital and the Heart & Soul Community Café.
Leena Po
Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Amanda is the Programs Coordinator at Cultural Diversity Resources (CDR). She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in North Dakota and a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Minnesota.
Through her AmeriCorps VISTA service, Amanda supports the development, coordination, and evaluation of programs that expand economic opportunity, education, and community engagement. She collaborates with community partners, volunteers, businesses, and organizations to build organizational capacity and develop resources that support long-term community impact.
As a Fargo-Moorhead S.E.E.D. Leader, Amanda facilitates spaces for meaningful dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, and exploration of identity, difference, and community. She also developed Foundations of Money Management: Making Every Dollar Count, an accessible financial education workshop that introduces practical foundations in budgeting, savings, and debt management as part of CDR’s broader Financial Literacy Program.
Amanda is particularly interested in the intersection of people, systems, and communities, and in creating practical, creative approaches that translate ideas into meaningful action. She brings a human-centered and systems-oriented perspective to her work, recognizing that lasting change requires both individual empowerment and stronger systems of support. She approaches her work with curiosity, authenticity, creativity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Amanda Williams, MSW
Programs Coordinator
Board Members
Joe Parise
Attorney, District Public Defender, retired
Kavitha Gundala
Tax Credit Property Manager
Dianne Briggs
Librarian, retired
Jennie Thoreson
Executive Director, Daughters-of-the Earth nonprofit
Lynn Fundingsland
Past executive Director, Fargo Housing & Urban Development, retired
Samina Zaidi
Community Volunteer