Fatima Said, Executive Director

Fatima Said joined Project FINE as its Executive Director in July, 2005. A refugee to the United States from her native Bosnia, she came to Project FINE with backgrounds in education and in 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 also is very involved in both the Rochester and Winona communities. She is an active member and former chair of the Board of Directors of the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association in Rochester, a member of the Rochester Public Health Advisory Board, a member of the Winona County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, a member of the Winona Human Rights Commission, a member of the Winona Area Public Schools Diversity Advisory Committee and Staff Development Committee. As Executive Director, Fatima provides direction for the organization, builds partnerships in the Winona community, including with businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. 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.

Chong Sher Vang, Operations Manager/Language Coordinator

Chong immigrated with his family from Laos, via Thailand, at age 8. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in Criminal Justice. Chong worked for Community Health Services for two years and became a full-time staff member at Project FINE in 2001. He is responsible for the Interpreter Network including recruiting, training, supervising, supporting and scheduling. He is highly effective in helping individuals and families navigate community systems and get connected with needed services and resources.

Katherine (Katie) Van Eijl, Family & Youth Outreach Coordinator

Katie joined Project FINE as the Family and Youth Outreach Coordinator in June 2009.  She grew up in Minnesota and completed her bachelor's degree in Education at Winona State University in 2004. Katie has experience working with children in the school and day care settings.  She coordinates the Diversity Youth Quest program in Winona and St. Charles. Katie is married and has two children.