Strategic Communications · Project Management · Crisis Communication · Stakeholder Engagement · Brand Storytelling
Professional Skills
Communications & Strategy — Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Content Development, Social Media Strategy, Brand Storytelling, Copywriting & Editing
Program & Project Management — Program Design, Budget Coordination, Federal & State Compliance, Team Leadership, Grant Writing
Design & Digital — Graphic Design, Web Content Development, SEO, Google Analytics, Canva, Adobe Suite
Facilitation & Engagement — Workshop Facilitation, Public Speaking, Stakeholder Engagement, Intercultural Communication, Fundraising
Human Migration Institute
Communications Director,
Refugee Forum Coordinator
Oct 2022 – Present
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Led the planning and execution of HMI’s 10-Year Anniversary Gala at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Arts and Culture, attracting 250+ attendees and raising $25,000+ in organizational support.
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Founded and led the Riverside County Refugee Forum, later guiding its expansion into the Inland Empire Refugee Forum, increasing regional collaboration across Riverside and San Bernardino counties and convening 50+ stakeholders annually.
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Manage and mentor a team of communications specialists, training staff on best practices in social media strategy, partnership outreach, and journalistic writing.
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Led a full organizational rebrand, elevating HMI from a local nonprofit to a statewide and nationally recognized organization within refugee resettlement and community integration.
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Directed strategic outreach and partnership development, securing long-term relationships with organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, state refugee coordinators, and elected officials, contributing to HMI’s transition from a community organization to a resettlement agency.
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Led all external communications strategy, including social media, blogs, media relations, and multimedia content production, strengthening public visibility, stakeholder engagement, and digital reach through SEO-informed campaigns.
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Designed and executed major community engagement initiatives, including International Women’s Day and World Refugee Day events, strengthening HMI’s local presence and cultural inclusivity.
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Expanded HMI’s volunteer and partnership networks and integrated six paid student workers from the University of California, Riverside, increasing organizational capacity and program support.
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Developed and targeted new donor groups through strategic campaigns and outreach, increasing funding and sustaining program growth.
Human Migration Institute
Program Manager
Federally & State-Funded Programs
January 2025 – Present
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Direct two major programs:
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Afghan Newcomer Support Program (Federal): Created the programmatic systems from the ground up, managing a team of 5 staff delivering services to 250+ clients, providing case management, employability services, and wraparound support for Afghan refugees. Established robust data collection and feedback systems to measure outcomes and improve service delivery.
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Refugee Career Pathways Program (State): Manage career development services, coordinating resume workshops, financial literacy training, and “Know Your Rights” sessions for newcomer communities.
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Coordinate program operations, overseeing budgets, compliance, and reporting to federal and state funders.
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Facilitate community workshops and career-building events, empowering newcomers with practical tools for integration and workforce readiness.
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Engage with community partners, government agencies, and funders to ensure program growth, impact, and long-term sustainability.
University Bands
University of Oklahoma
Director of Public Relations and Publications
Feb 2019 - July 2021
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Revamped the band’s social media presence, creating a cohesive and engaging identity that strengthened recruitment and alumni engagement.
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Increased online engagement by 60% through coordinated content, improved messaging, and consistent branding.
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Produced recruitment brochures, concert programs, and donor communications, supporting successful fundraising and alumni relations.
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Partnered with leadership to align communications strategy with organizational goals, enhancing visibility across campus and statewide audiences.
Education
University of Copenhagen
M.A. in Cognition & Communication
2020 - 2024
During my master's studies, I explored the complexities of human cognition and communication, equipping myself with advanced theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. I thrived in a multicultural environment, enhancing my ability to collaborate across diverse teams. My thesis, titled "Perceptions of Refugees in Denmark," investigated the differing attitudes and behaviors of Danes towards Ukrainian and Syrian refugee groups, offering insightful perspectives into cultural integration and social dynamics.
University of Oklahoma
B.A. in Journalism
Public Relations, Communication, and Nonprofit Organizational Studies
2016 - 2020
My undergraduate journey at the University of Oklahoma was defined by a diverse curriculum and active participation in extracurricular activities that honed my skills in communication and leadership. As a member and leader in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, Tau Beta Sigma Sorority, and as the elected Digital Strategist Chair of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), I developed a solid foundation in public relations and nonprofit organizational strategies. These experiences set the stage for my subsequent move to Europe for graduate studies.
2012 - 2016
Martin Luther King High School
Played softball for two years. Served as Section Leader in band, leading a section of 20.