Youth development professinal
Syairah McKnight
The Carolina Student Union
Durham,North Carolina
2
years of professional experience
Upcoming graduate with foundational knowledge in Public policy and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and policy oriented internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.
Work History
Lead Counselor
2 Months- Took initiative to design and coordinate student activities as well as serve as mentors for junior staff
- Led activities and enrichment programs with students involved in the Step-Up to STEM program.
- Supervised staff training for all junior advisors and instructed them on tasks and job logistics
Communications and policy intern
3 Months- Conducted policy research and legislative analysis on issues related to racial equity, economic mobility, and democratic participation in the District of Columbia
- Drafted bill memos, policy briefs, testimony summaries, and internal research documents for advocacy and oversight efforts
- Analyzed DC Council legislation, agency oversight materials, and budget documents to support policy recommendations
- Assisted with tracking legislation and compiling research using DC's Legislative Information Management System (LIMS)
- Participated in coalition meetings, staff meetings, and policy discussions with advocates, attorneys, and government stakeholders
- Supported public policy initiatives through data collection, memo drafting, and issue-area research
Audio visual Assistant
1 Year 1 Month- Coordinated with diverse campus and community stakeholders to plan and deliver successful events, ensuring clear communication and client satisfaction
- Adapted quickly to changing needs by troubleshooting technical and logistical challenges in high-pressure settings
- Strengthened teamwork, project management, and client service skills through direct collaboration with event organizers and university partners
Youth Development Professional
3 MonthsSECU public Operations and Programming intern
6 Months- Designed and led daily activities for 30+ children, ensuring engagement and safety
- Supervised members in the program area, ensuring their safety, promoting positive values, and fostering ethical behavior through the quality of programs and the appearance of the unit
- Inventoried all supplies necessary for the program and submitted requisitions for reordering
- Maintained administrative reports and submitted them in a timely manner
Education
BA - Public policy, PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
- Relevant course work (Taken at The University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill)
- Quantitative analysis of public policy, Research design of public policy, Legal Philosophy, Making Public Policy
- GPA: 3.1
Skills
Policy Research & Analysis (including research design methodologies)
Data Analysis & Visualization (Proficient in Sata)
Legislative Tracking & Policy Brief Writing
Community Outreach & Organization
Microsoft Office Suite (Word
Excel
Outlook
PowerPoint)
Google Workspace (Docs
Sheets
Slides
Drive)
Canva (Graphic Design & Data Visualization)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Afro-Latine Student Association, Co-president/Co-founder, Chapel Hill, NC
- Facilitating activities centered around education, intersectionality, engagement, and community
- Working to increase campus awareness of club and gain recognition in our work to bridge the gap between minority groups at UNC Facilitating activities centered around education, intersectionality, engagement, and community
- Coordinating meetings, events, and collaborations with other student organizations to foster cross-cultural dialogue and solidarity
- Managing organizational planning, including delegation of responsibilities and communication with members to ensure effective execution of initiatives
Timeline
Lead Counselor
NCSSM Summer Programs
06.2026 - 08.2026Read More
Communications and policy intern
DC Appleseed
01.2026 - 04.2026Read More
Audio visual Assistant
The Carolina Student Union
08.2025 - CurrentRead More
Youth Development Professional
The Boys and Girls club of Durham
05.2025 - 08.2025Read More
SECU public Operations and Programming intern
The Boys and Girls club of Durham
05.2024 - 11.2024Read More
The University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
BA from Public policy, PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
Read More