Meet The Board

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Fowzia Adde is the Executive Director of the Immigrant Development Center (IDC), a nonprofit organization based in Fargo, North Dakota, dedicated to reducing poverty and advancing economic opportunity for immigrants, refugees, and underserved populations. Since founding IDC in 2003, Fowzia has led the organization with a mission to support new Americans through entrepreneurship, financial education, and access to business resources.
Originally from Somalia, Fowzia is a former refugee who fled civil war and lived in Kenya before resettling in the United States. Her personal journey shapes her deep commitment to creating pathways for others who face similar challenges. In 2006, she spearheaded the creation of the International Market Plaza, a business incubator that supports over 20 small immigrant-owned businesses and community programs, including youth after-school services.
Fluent in Somali, Arabic, Swahili, and English, Fowzia is widely respected for her cross-cultural leadership,
grassroots impact, and dedication to equity. She actively serves on community boards and contributes her expertise to local and regional initiatives focused on racial justice, inclusive economic development, and refugee empowerment.

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