Together, we work towards a future where everyone can access the resources and opportunities needed to
shape a more prosperous and stable life regardless of their background.
Community Initiatives of Wisconsin (CIW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2017. We are dedicated to providing workforce development, mental health support, advocacy, and community resources to help individuals build stable and successful futures.
Our mission is to remove barriers to success by equipping individuals with the skills, opportunities, and support needed for career advancement and personal growth. Through advocacy efforts, we work to address challenges in education.
Dimeji Tomori is a visionary leader who brings innovation, compassion, and unwavering commitment to CIW’s mission. With 17 years of experience spanning nonprofit management, IT programming, project management, entrepreneurship, and strategic operations, he works closely with partners, stakeholders, and communities to build pathways to stability and opportunity.
He has served with three Fortune 500 companies-General Electric, Hewlett Packard (HP), and Johnson Controls-and remains deeply engaged in community leadership. Dimeji serves on the Boards of Leaven, Inc. and the Multicultural Coalition, Inc. (MCI), contributes to United Way’s Community Investment Committee, and supports the Chief Advisory Board in using data to address community challenges.
Dimeji holds a B.Sc. in Engineering, an MBA from Concordia University, an Executive Education in Product Innovation from Harvard University, and an Executive Education in Strategic Leadership from Yale University.
Fun Fact: Dimeji is known for his calm confidence, big-picture vision, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities—always inspiring teams to believe that meaningful change is possible.
Selasi is a passionate community advocate who brings warmth, empathy, and unwavering dedication to CIW’s mission. With experience in administration, youth engagement, and mental health outreach, she works closely with families, schools, and partners to help people access the support and opportunities they deserve. She holds a B.A. in Political Science & Information Studies and is currently pursuing an Administrative Professional degree at Fox Valley Technical College. Selasi is known for her strong organizational skills, her calm presence, and her ability to make everyone around her feel valued and supported.
Fun Fact: Selasi is a natural encourager, she’s the friend who always checks in, brings positivity wherever she goes, and can turn any stressful moment into a calm, hopeful one.
Ajer Qureshi is a collaborative problem solver who combines creativity, precision, and a passion for helping others to advance CIW’s mission. With experience in data-driven organization, program design, and systems improvement, he brings a thoughtful and solutions-oriented approach to every project. Known for his friendly and approachable attitude, Ajer thrives in team environments where he can contribute ideas, streamline processes, and support others in achieving shared goals.
He holds a double Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Ajer is recognized for his analytical mindset, adaptability, and genuine commitment to making a positive impact through teamwork and innovation.
Fun Fact: Ajer is the “idea guy” - always brimming with creative ways to approach challenges and eager to dive into new opportunities with enthusiasm and vision.
Vaab Xiong is a community member dedicated to workforce development, mental health support, advocacy, and accessible community resources that help people build stable, successful futures. She loves her community wholeheartedly and believes that people deserve supported, barrier-free opportunities to thrive. A creative, forward-thinking problem solver who takes initiative, she volunteers with CIW to implement practical programs and partnerships that meet people where they are and help them grow into contributors to their own livelihoods and the wider world. She is deeply committed to the long-term success of every person she serves.
Fun Fact: Vaab is a native speaker of 2 languages. She enjoys reading about history, psychology, medical diseases, and disorders and on occasion, she'll also watch a nature or historical documentary.
Ntuhkem Fonkem is a dynamic relationship-builder who brings enthusiasm, leadership, and a strong commitment to community engagement. As CIW’s Community Relationship Manager, she works to strengthen partnerships, elevate community voices, and create meaningful connections that support the organization’s mission
Ntuhkem is currently studying Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing at Fox Valley Technical College, where she served as District Ambassador and Student Government President during the 2023–24 academic year. In these roles, she advocated for student needs at the state level, led initiatives that fostered positive change, and built relationships that strengthened the student community.
Fun Fact: Ntuhkem thrives on connection she’s known for his uplifting energy, his ability to bring people together, and his passion for creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued.
Finance Manager Community Initiatives of Wisconsin (CIW) Donna Mendyke is a seasoned accounting and finance professional who brings precision, integrity, and strategic insight to every aspect of CIW’s financial operations. As CIW’s Finance Manager, she oversees budgeting, bookkeeping, compliance, financial reporting, and long-term financial planning to ensure the organization operates with excellence and transparency
Donna is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and she is also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. With extensive experience supporting both nonprofit and business clients, she specializes in strengthening financial systems, improving efficiency, and providing clear financial guidance to support sustainable organizational growth
Her work plays a critical role in CIW’s ability to deliver high-impact programs in workforce development, mental health, housing support, and food security. Donna’s commitment to accuracy and accountability ensures that resources are managed responsibly and aligned with CIW’s mission to uplift underserved youth, families, immigrants, refugees, and seniors across Wisconsin.
Fun Fact: Donna loves turning complex financial puzzles into simple solutions — she says balancing books is her version of solving a mystery.
Kate Fournillier is an experienced business leader who brings more than two decades of corporate and community engagement experience. She is known for her collaborative approach and her strong commitment to serving underserved communities.
Throughout her career, Kate has led programs that empower employees and foster shared success across global teams. With over 20 years of experience in equity compensation and managing global stock plans, she has developed deep expertise in executive compensation, employee ownership programs, and financial education.
In addition to her corporate career, Kate is a partner in a beauty supply business that serves and supports her local community
Kate values mentorship and service and believes in using her skills to make a positive impact beyond the workplace
She holds a B.S. in Finance and French from Southern Illinois University and an MBA in Finance and Human Resources from Howard University.
Ensure individuals have easy access to resources and programs that promote economic opportunities, stability, and an improved quality of life.
Build a stronger community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
We measure ourselves with critical values to ensure the high performance and effectiveness of our program.
Thanks to OT and the team for their support with my employment. CIW team are good people, and they are ready to work
Thank you, CIW Community Initiatives, for helping me with my resume
CIW has been supporting me with counseling- I appreciate the team there…
CIW provides mentoring for me in my career. They are very dependable
Please get in touch with us - We are ready to attend to your needs. Your well-being is our top priority.
