Our Story
Empathy International was born from the vision of Gonleh Jenkins Barkar, inspired by his book on empathy. Together with his wife, Williametta Gifty Barkar, they launched this nonprofit in the fall of 2023, driven by a desire to foster compassion and support for those in need. Starting with their own resources, they provided groceries to individuals in shelters across Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead. Listening to the stories of those they served, they expanded their outreach, ultimately establishing Empathy International around the North Dakota State University Campus.