English Language Teacher

As an ESOL Teacher with the International Rescue Committee in Atlanta, I design and deliver culturally responsive English language programs for adult learners from over 20 countries, many of whom are refugees and immigrants rebuilding their lives. My role centers on fostering social integration and economic inclusion by equipping students with practical language skills and confidence for daily life, work, and community engagement. Day to day, I develop tailored lesson plans and curricula grounded in trauma-informed and learner-centered methodologies. I track student progress using pre- and post-assessments and attendance data to adapt instruction and share outcomes with program teams. Beyond the classroom, I mentor and coordinate a team of volunteers, ensuring aligned delivery and holistic support for learners. I collaborate closely with IRC colleagues—caseworkers, social workers, and program staff—as well as local community partners, to address broader barriers learners may face, from access to housing to professional pathways. This coordination helps create wraparound support that extends beyond language learning into real-world inclusion. My work also involves supporting program logistics such as student registration, orientation sessions, and retention outreach and contributing to organizational learning through regular team meetings, feedback loops, and professional development. Throughout, I maintain a safe and inclusive classroom environment anchored in cultural humility, safeguarding standards, and respect for each student’s lived experience.

English Language Instructor

At Iftin Education Center in Eastleigh, Nairobi, I led the establishment and daily management of an English language program serving refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in a culturally diverse and socio-politically complex urban setting. My role blended teaching with program leadership, curriculum design, team supervision, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization. Alongside delivering multiple levels of English instruction, I developed culturally sensitive, learner-centered curricula focused on social cohesion, protection, and economic empowerment. I mentored and trained a multicultural team of teachers, coordinated volunteer involvement, and ensured quality program delivery aligned with local community needs. A critical part of my role involved cultivating and maintaining partnerships with local government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and international organizations. These relationships helped expand the program’s reach, secure resources, and ensure alignment with Kenya’s regulatory context and refugee policy landscape. I managed operational logistics such as student registration, scheduling, graduation events, and stakeholder visits—including coordinating travel, accommodations, safety protocols, and budgeting for delegations of up to 15 international visitors. Financial stewardship was central to sustaining the program: I raised funds through building trusted relationships with over 1,000 financial partners, managed budgets, and reported transparently to stakeholders. Additionally, I designed and implemented monitoring and evaluation tools to track learner outcomes, refine instructional methods, and share impact stories. Beyond the classroom, I organized community outreach initiatives—including public health workshops and storytelling sessions—to strengthen social cohesion and amplify marginalized voices. Through this work, I developed a deep, practical understanding of Kenya’s cultural dynamics, refugee contexts, and local governance structures—insights that directly informed program strategy and adaptation to shifting needs on the ground.

Humanitarian Worker

As a Humanitarian Worker with SIM USA in Nairobi, Kenya, I led and implemented wide-ranging community development initiatives across East Africa, focusing on economic recovery, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. This role combined grassroots engagement, program leadership, stakeholder coordination, and capacity building in contexts shaped by deep cultural, political, and social complexity. My daily work involved designing and facilitating culturally responsive training programs for hundreds of new development professionals, missionaries, and local leaders. These sessions equipped participants with conflict resolution strategies, contextual understanding, and practical tools for sustainable engagement in diverse communities. I hosted weekly contextualization classes and Bible studies to deepen local cultural insights and foster inclusive leadership among emerging community developers. A major part of my role centered on relationship building: I cultivated and sustained partnerships with over 1,000 financial partners, local government officials, NGOs, and community leaders. Through these relationships, I secured over $300,000 in funding to support community-driven projects, demonstrating my ability to align donor priorities with local needs and program outcomes. Operationally, I planned and managed site visits and delegations from the U.S., coordinating logistics, travel, accommodations, safety protocols, budgeting, and stakeholder communication for teams of up to 15 people. This required balancing cultural nuance, security considerations, and strategic goals to ensure impactful and seamless engagements. In addition, I contributed field-based reports and data-informed insights to guide strategic decisions and program adaptation, aligning local realities with broader organizational objectives. My work extended beyond Nairobi to regions like Uganda and Mombasa, leading cross-border initiatives and mentoring younger community developers through immersive experiences. Through public speaking engagements—sometimes addressing audiences of thousands—and inter-church partnerships, I amplified local voices and strengthened networks committed to sustainable, community-led impact. These experiences honed my skills in stakeholder engagement, fundraising, project coordination, and cross-cultural leadership, all rooted in a deep commitment to dignity, equity, and practical change.

Certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)

Certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) through Cambridge Assessment English, with training in learner-centered and communicative teaching methods. Experienced in planning and delivering lessons for diverse adult learners, including refugees and migrants, assessing learner progress, providing constructive feedback, and adapting instruction to varying language proficiency levels. Developed strong skills in inclusive classroom management, curriculum design, and fostering engagement, supporting learners’ social integration and empowerment.

People Manager Essenstials

Completed the People Manager Essentials course with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) on Kaya, focusing on core management and leadership skills for supervising teams in humanitarian and development contexts. Gained training in effective communication, performance management, coaching, and team motivation, as well as inclusive leadership practices that foster collaboration, accountability, and staff development in cross-cultural environments.