What inspires you to work in public service?
The betterment of humanity. As long as there are protests demanding for the end of inequitable policies and systematic barriers, I will continue to be a passionate advocate within the public sector. I aspire to work within the human rights and international relations sector to collaborate with non-profits as well as governments to create equitable public policies and programs.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
Master of Public Administration (studying), International Relation Bachelors (completed), Political Science Minor (completed)
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
The experience of my internships and undergraduate studies have immensely formulated the interest I have for international relations and humanitarian development policies. During this time, I had the privilege of studying in Washington, D.C. for a semester, where I learned about various types of public policies, which was collaboratively taught by specialists within their respective public policy fields. While in D.C., I was a Business Development intern for Equimundo, which solidified my desire for wanting to work in program, research or policy positions within the public service sector. This internship also left me with a profound knowledge and passion for gender equity. Aside from my time in D.C., I also had the opportunity to intern at the International Institute of Akron, where I helped Afghan refugees accommodate to their new life as best as possible. The rest of my undergraduate classes focused on comparative international policies and learning about the historic, systematic barriers that keep countries and individuals in poverty. This enhanced knowledge and interest in international relation and humanitarian development as a whole. These lessons that uncover the intersectionality of race, or the ethicality of hidden markets continue on in my current academic journey as a Master in Public Administration and Public Policy student. As I hone my skills in public policy writing, I intentionally explore various humanitarian policy issues. Additionally, my knowledge in successful public policy implementation, program analysis, and economic stability continues to grow within this program.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
Currently, I am a full-time Family Advocate at Canopy Child Advocacy Center, where I work with vulnerable populations that have experienced sexual assault. Within this high-stress environment, I utilize case management skills, research, and community collaboration to assist my clients, who tend to live below the poverty line, with their needs, therapy referrals, and court appearances. Moreover, as a full-time Family Advocate and full-time student, I have become proficient in multitasking and time management.
Within my previous role, I worked at the United States Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Ohio as a LGBTQ+ Special Emphasis Program Manager. As I worked to make the office a more inclusive space through seminars and gathering office volunteers for the local Pride March, my skills in training, event planning, and problem-solving were constantly active. I was also a Legal Assistant during my time at the United States Attorney's Office, where I supported three to four Assistant United States Attorneys at a time. Detail-orientation, data input, legal writing, and other administrative assistant skills were highly utilized within my day-to-day.
As mentioned within my academic experiences, during my undergraduate studies, I interned at two non-profits. The first internship was local at the International Institute of Akron, where I focused on my skills in file management, communication, and community resource research. My second internship was at Equimundo as a Business Development Intern, located in Washington, D.C. Most of my role consisted of funder research, data management, and administrative support as I would gather information on potential funding opportunities for the non-profit and present it.
Aside from my career oriented opportunities, I have also worked full-time in customer facing roles during my undergraduate studies. While both roles were initially out of my depth as a Paint Associate at Home Depot and as a Sales Advisor at Best Buy, I quickly adapted and exceeded in both positions. My skills in customer service, conflict resolution, and sales were molded through each interaction and training.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
When collaborating with others, I always approach the conversation with a focus on active-listening, clear communication, and understanding. These strengths allow me to amicably engage in neutral and tougher conversations, as I strive to be inclusive to everyone's ideas and inputs.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
I aspire to work within the human rights and/or international relations sector, conducting program or research work. Within human rights, I am open to advocating and learning from all causes that advance the rights of those disenfranchised (i.e., gender equity, black and brown equity, refugee and immigration equity, LGBTQ+ equity, etc.). Within the international relations sector, my specialty lies within Eastern Europe, however I am more than willing to explore other regions. I hope to gain the fundamental skills and knowledge to do program and/or research work within my future fellowship.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
Looking at previous roles, my favorite project was organizing the internal and external office activities for Pride Month as an LGBTQ+ Special Emphasis Program Manager at The United States Attorney's Office. I had the opportunity to advocate for a cause that I felt passionately about, while creating a safer environment for current and future employees. I collaborated with the local P-Flag Chapter and invited them to come speak at the seminar I had created to educate the office on how to be an ally. The second half of the seminar delve into the legal history of LGBTQ+ rights, which were presented by two attorneys who were also motivated by the cause. I had also arranged for our office to march in the Cleveland Pride March, which was a success as it was the most participants we saw in a year. Even the smaller events within this month-long project brought so much impact, as I had created cards colleagues could fill out and hang on their office door, stating why they celebrate Pride Month. It was moving to see everyone's personal reason for celebrating, and to see so many who do celebrate.