Nyamal Dei Survives War, Founds Non-Profit in North Dakota

In this episode of The Fargo Five, we sit down with Nyamal Dei, the executive director of Dondial Kel International, to hear her incredible journey from South Sudan to the United States and how her experiences shaped her mission to give back. Born during a civil war, Nyamal spent part of her childhood in a refugee camp, where survival meant walking barefoot for miles, facing dangerous wildlife, and enduring extreme hardship. At just 10 years old, she arrived in the U.S., not speaking a word of English, and yet, within a month, she had learned the language and started excelling in school and sports.Her journey took her from California to Georgia, then to Minnesota, and finally to Fargo, where she attended NDSU with the initial goal of becoming a doctor. However, her calling for community service led her to establish Kelel International, a nonprofit focused on supporting both local and international communities. Originally created to assist South Sudan, the organization evolved into a broader mission of unity and empowerment, reflected in its name—Kelel, meaning ‘we are together.’Nyamal shares her insight on what it was like growing up in a war zone, the difficult journey to America, and the culture shock of transitioning from a refugee camp to the land of opportunity. She opens up about the struggles refugees face, from detainment to navigating a complex immigration system, and the importance of resilience and community support.We also dive into the challenges of starting a nonprofit from the ground up—how she began with self-funded community events before being encouraged by mentors to formalize her efforts. She reflects on the difficulties and rewards of running a nonprofit, emphasizing that true success isn’t measured in financial gain but in impact.From organizing financial literacy workshops to mental health advocacy and hosting International Women’s Day events, Nyamal is committed to creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and grow together. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back, no matter how difficult the road has been.