Pamoja: Together, We Rise
About Pamoja Women
WHO WE ARE
Pamoja Women is a community-centered organization committed to creating opportunities for women, children, and families to learn, connect, and thrive.
Our name, Pamoja, means “together” in Swahili—a reflection of our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together, share resources, and invest in one another.
We create and support programs that respond to the needs and strengths of the communities we serve. Through education, youth enrichment, family engagement, and community partnerships, we work to expand access to opportunities that support learning, confidence, connection, and long-term success.
From academic enrichment and youth leadership opportunities to family-centered programming and community initiatives, Pamoja Women brings people together to build stronger, more connected communities.
Our Approach
We believe that every child, family, and community has strengths to build upon. Our work is grounded in partnership, equity, cultural connection, and community voice. We listen, collaborate, and design programs that are responsive to the people we serve.
Together, we learn. Together, we grow. Together, we thrive.
We believe every woman and girl has limitless potential.
Pamoja Women empowers women and girls of East African heritage by creating a dynamic platform to address unique challenges, cultivate meaningful interests, and access opportunities for growth, leadership, and connection.
Our mission is to inspire women to spread their wings, embrace their potential, and thrive.
OUR MISSION
Our Team
THE WOMEN BEHIND PAMOJA
Khadija Ali
Executive Director
Intisar Khan
Director of Operations
Maryam Mukambe
Food Pantry Coordinator
Loun Ruggeberg
Youth Enrichment Coordinator
GUIDED BY COMMUNITY. DRIVEN BY PURPOSE.
About Our Board
Meet Our Board
Wafa Elkhalifa
Equitable Development Coordinator, Destination Medical Center
Chao Mwatela
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Rochester MN
Laurel Podulke
Olmsted County Commissioner
Zeni Aly
United Way Impact Operations Associate
Our Fiscal Sponsor
THE SUPPORT BEHIND PAMOJA
Pamoja Women is proud to be fiscally sponsored by Rochester Area Foundation, whose partnership provides the financial and administrative infrastructure that supports our work in the community.