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Project FINE Staff

Fatima Said, Executive Director

Fatima joined Project FINE as Executive Director in July 2005. A refugee to the United States from her native Bosnia, she came to Project FINE with a background in education and business, as well as 12 years of experience as a teacher and director of the Head Start program at Child Care Resources and Referral in Rochester. In addition to her duties at Project FINE, Fatima is also very involved in both the Winona and Rochester Communities. She currently serves on the Winona County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the MN State Colleges and Universities Council on Diversity, the Whitewater Country Coalition and the Winona Area Public Schools Diversity Advisory and Staff Development Committees. She is also a former Board Chair of the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association and member of the Rochester Public Health Advisory Board. As Executive Director, Fatima provides direction for the organization and builds partnerships with businesses, service providers and organizations in the Winona community. Fatima and Project FINE seek to sustain Winona as a community that welcomes all newcomers and is sensitive to cultural diversity. The organization continues to help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in their new homes and become active, contributing members of the community.

Katie van Eijl, Program Manager

Katie joined Project FINE in June of 2009. She grew up in Minnesota and completed her bachelor's degree at Winona State University in 2004. Katie has experience working with children in the school and day care settings. She ensures that day-to-day operations for Project FINE run smoothly and coordinates the Diversity Youth Quest program in Winona and St Charles. Katie is married and has two children.

Maria Rodriguez, Hispanic/Latino Community Liaison

Maria grew up in Winona, MN and attended Winona Senior High School. In July 2005, she became a VISTA Volunteer for Project FINE. Maria's time is spent helping newcomers in Winona and St Charles. Working with the diverse population of Winona County has been a good experience for Maria. Outside of work, Maria dedicates her time to her little sister and her family. In the future, Maria plans to continue helping people in Winona County and pursuing a career in nursing.

German Victoria, Program Coordinator

German coordinates the Language Services program at Project FINE. He was born in Michoacan, Mexico and moved to the United States when he was 15 years old. He started working for Project FINE as an interpreter in the summer of 2006. Currently, German is pursuing a Human Resources degree at Winona State University. In his free time, German enjoys cooking, running and learning about other cultures. In the future he would like to travel to South America and help people of low socio-economic backgrounds.

Mai See Thao, Hmong Community Liaison

Mai joined Project FINE in January 2011. She was born in California but lived most of her life in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mai moved to Winona and started working at Project FINE in January 2011. She has experience working with diverse populations through previous jobs and her work at Project FINE. Mai works closely with Hmong families throught Project FINE's many educational programs and services. Mai is married and has one child. In the future, she is planning to go back to school to complete her Associate of Applied Science degree.

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