Adol Bak
Kalamazoo
Summary
Strategic leader in legislative advocacy and community engagement, specializing in youth development initiatives. Expertise in policy drafting and supportive counseling, facilitating programs that promote cultural competence and community integration. Focused on empowering individuals through mentorship and program evaluation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Local Coordinator
YFU (Youth For Understanding USA)
Saginaw
03.2025 - Current
- Engaged and recruited host families and exchange students, enhancing program participation and fostering community involvement.
- Collaborated with local schools and community organizations, strengthening program integration and enhancing community engagement.
- Provided ongoing guidance, support, and mentorship to students and host families, fostering positive and enriching intercultural experiences.
- Mediated and resolved conflicts between students and host families, ensuring a supportive and harmonious living environment.
- Organized and facilitated cultural activities, events, and excursions to promote cultural understanding and showcase local traditions.
Legislative Aide
Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dov and Congressman Tom Barrett
Washington
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Shadowed U.S. Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) in Washington, D.C., observing legislative processes and accompanying him to committee hearings, floor proceedings, and high-level constituent meetings to gain practical knowledge of federal policy analysis and constituent services.
- Shadowed U.S. Congresswomen Judy Chu and Sydney Kamlager-Dove during Congressional Child Welfare Day, observing policy development and legislative action.
- Evaluated California's transitional housing and guaranteed income pilot programs, analyzing effectiveness in preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable families.
- Researched child welfare policy frameworks to inform legislative briefings and enhance constituent advocacy efforts.
- Rayburn House Office Building U.S. House of Representatives / U.S. Senate
Program Manager - Youth Development Program
MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation)
Kalamazoo
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Facilitation and Engagement: Leading sessions, workshops, or activities, fostering an inclusive and motivating environment for high school students aged 14-17, and encouraging their active participation in transportation-related topics.
- Planning and Development: Designing program schedules, activities, and curricula aligned with the program’s goals, ensuring engaging and educational experiences for participants.
- Coordinated communication among participants, instructors, partners (federal agencies, universities, sponsors), and stakeholders, ensuring clarity of program details and expectations.
- Managed logistics for facilities, transportation, accommodations, materials, and supplies, facilitating seamless program operation.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking participant progress, collecting feedback, and assessing program outcomes to improve future iterations.
- Compliance and Safety: Ensuring adherence to safety protocols, program policies, and any federal or institutional guidelines.
Youth Specialist
Bethany Christian Services
Kalamazoo
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Independent Living Skills (ILP): Instruct and mentor older youth in essential independent living skills, including budgeting, meal planning, job searching, personal hygiene, and household maintenance to prepare them for adulthood.
- Trauma-Informed Care & Mentorship: Fostered safe, nurturing environment for unaccompanied refugee minors, employing trauma-informed practices to enhance emotional healing and cultural adjustment.
- Advocacy & Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborated with case managers, therapists, and legal guardians to develop and implement individualized treatment goals, ensuring comprehensive support for residents.
- Community & Cultural Integration: Guided residents in accessing local community resources, school systems, and transportation, fostering their cultural identity and community connections.
- Oversaw daily group home routines, including meals, study time, outings, and curfew, to maintain a structured environment.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate, confidential records of resident progress, functioning, and behavioral incidents in compliance with state, federal, and agency guidelines.
Lead Teacher
Sprout Early Childcare & Pre-School
Kalamazoo
11.2023 - 04.2025
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum that engaged students and fostered a positive learning environment.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse age groups.
- Led team meetings to enhance curriculum strategies and teaching methods.
- Enhanced communication skills by actively interacting with children, parents, and staff to build strong relationships.
- Collaborated with parents to support child development goals.
Legislative Aide
Congresswoman Gwen Moore / Washington DC Office
Washington
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Managed complex policy portfolios: Handled key legislative areas for the Congresswoman, monitoring bills, advising on policy strategy, and assisting with the progressive agenda she championed on the House Ways and Means Committee.
- Advanced legislative priorities: Monitored and supported legislation aligned with Congresswoman Moore’s commitment to combating poverty, hunger, and aiding vulnerable children and families.
- Fostered constituent relations: Served as primary contact for constituents and advocacy groups, communicating Congresswoman’s positions on key issues in social welfare and civil rights.
- Drafted key materials: Researched, drafted, and edited essential legislative documents, including memos, floor statements, talking points, and progressive policy briefings.
- Attended public policy events: Participated in events focused on child welfare and youth mental health, advocating for policy changes to extend foster youth age-out from 21 to 24.
- 2252 Rayburn House Office Building U.S. House of Representatives / U.S. Senate
Legislative Aide
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin / Washington DC Office
Washington
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Spearheaded policy development: Translated complex federal proposals into actionable policy memos, advising Member on voting decisions and long-term strategy in healthcare, education, and veterans' child welfare.
- Drafted Key Legislation: Collaborated directly with the Legislative Director and Communications team to write and edit bills, amendments, floor speeches, and press materials.
- Managed stakeholder relationships: Acted as primary contact for advocacy groups and federal officials, cultivating partnerships to advance Member's legislative objectives.
- Supported Committee & Floor Work: Kept a close eye on committee markups and floor proceedings, ensuring the Member was fully prepared for hearings by drafting briefing binders, talking points, and targeted questions.
- Advocated for constituents: Engaged directly with constituent inquiries, resolving complex issues with federal agencies and articulating Member's position on pending legislation.
- 291 Russell Senate Office Building U.S. House of Representatives / U.S. Senate
Customer Service & Stocking Associate
Walgreens
Paw Paw
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance customer satisfaction and ensured inventory accuracy for operational efficiency.
- Stocked shelves with products to ensure availability for customers.
- Assisted in inventory management through regular stock checks and updates.
- Organized merchandise displays to enhance store presentation and visibility.
- Adapted quickly to changing demands in a fast-paced retail environment to support team objectives.
Teacher Assistant
Lawrence Elementary School
Lawrence
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Partnered with educators to create an engaging and supportive learning environment.
- Supported students with individual learning needs and special education requirements.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Assisted in classroom activities and provided personalized support to enhance student learning.
- Assisted teachers in preparing classroom materials and resources.
Waitress and Room Service
Oak Cove Resort
Lawrence
04.2018 - 04.2020
- Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Delivered outstanding customer service in fast-paced hospitality environment.
- Took accurate food and beverage orders from guests.
- Delivered meals promptly to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated guest requests, contributing to increased overall satisfaction.
Education
MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY - CONCENTRATION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado05-2027
BACHELOR OF ARTS - GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, SECOND MAJOR IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12-2024
Skills
- Legislative & Policy Strategy
- Policy Development
- Legislative Drafting
- Constituent Advocacy
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Assessment
- Coordination
- Community outreach
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Public Speaking & Briefing
- Client Relations
- Supportive Counseling
- Youth Engagement
- Life Skills Development
- Cultural Competence
- Case Documentation & Reporting
- Analytical and Problem-Solving
- Adaptability
- Leadership and Management
- Communication and Active Listening
- Community outreach
- Administration
Affiliations
- CWMUN (Change the World MUN)
- Lee Honor College
- Phi Theta Kappa
- The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
- NFYI- National Foster Youth Institute
- MET Fostering Futures
- Seita Program
- Ambassador NFYI
Certification
- US Department of State Local Coordinator Certification, 06/25, 06/28
- Youth For Understanding USA Local Coordinator Certification, 06/25, 06/28
- American Heart Association: First Aid CPR AED, 07/25, 07/27
Volunteer Experience
- Taught ESL classes at Kalamazoo Islamic Center.
- Led arts and crafts for the elderly at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.
- Peer Mentor for Seita Program.
- Served as a peer mentor and translator for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors at Bethany Christian Services.
Awards
- Penny Bundy Leadership Award
- Circle of Change Leadership Conference Award
- CWMUN Singapore 2024 Merit Academic Scholarship
- Lee Honor College
- Dean's List Award every semester
- MET Fostering Futures Award
- Congressional Caucuses on Foster Youth Award
Languages
- Swahili
- Arabic
- Dinka
- English, Fluent
- Swahili, Fluent
- Arabic, Fluent
- Dinka, Fluent
Timeline
Legislative Aide
Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dov and Congressman Tom Barrett
06.2025 - 08.2025
Program Manager - Youth Development Program
MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation)
06.2025 - 08.2025
Local Coordinator
YFU (Youth For Understanding USA)
03.2025 - Current
Legislative Aide
Congresswoman Gwen Moore / Washington DC Office
03.2024 - 06.2024
Lead Teacher
Sprout Early Childcare & Pre-School
11.2023 - 04.2025
Youth Specialist
Bethany Christian Services
08.2023 - 06.2025
Legislative Aide
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin / Washington DC Office
05.2023 - 08.2023
Customer Service & Stocking Associate
Walgreens
05.2021 - 03.2022
Teacher Assistant
Lawrence Elementary School
09.2018 - 05.2020
Waitress and Room Service
Oak Cove Resort
04.2018 - 04.2020
MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY - CONCENTRATION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Colorado State University
BACHELOR OF ARTS - GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, SECOND MAJOR IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT
Western Michigan University