Aika Samwel Minja
Lake Forest,IL
Summary
Dynamic and globally minded professional with a strong foundation in qualitative research, archival systems, and community engagement. As a Research Assistant and Archives Assistant at Lake Forest College, contributed to the study of African education history and supported HLC accreditation preparation through presidential records analysis and digital infrastructure design. Proven ability to enhance inclusivity through digital storytelling, event facilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Skilled in data organization, public speaking, and cultural analysis, with a passion for driving initiatives that promote educational equity, institutional accountability, and representation across academic and creative spaces.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Archives Assistant
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL
06.2025 - Current
- Supported archival digitization and metadata entry with a focus on inclusive collections and accessibility.
- Assisted in documenting presidential communications for HLC accreditation, creating systems useful for institutional transparency and accountability.
- Regularly collaborated with departments across campus to curate inclusive content for student engagement.
- Created public-facing outreach content to highlight diverse histories on campus.
- Collaborated with faculty to curate exhibits, promoting historical literacy on campus.
- Implemented best practices for archival processing, increasing efficiency in material handling.
Research Assistant – Richter Scholar Program
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL
05.2024 - Current
- - Conducted qualitative research on the history and decolonization of African education systems.
- - Analyzed literature, archival documents, and oral histories to support a long-form research project and digital storytelling initiative.
- - Explored themes of equity, preservation, and postcolonial theory; strengthened writing and DEI-related insight.
- - Prepared presentations and performed literature reviews on current trends.
Facilitator – UMOJA Short Course
UWC East Africa
Moshi, Tanzania
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Facilitated activities focused on identity, intersectionality, and gender.
- Led inclusive, community-building sessions and collaborative workshops.
- Helped design culturally responsive programming and supported participants through course delivery.
Advancement Office Assistant
UWC East Africa
Moshi, Tanzania
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Conducted inventory tracking, maintained alumni records, and managed databases.
- Communicated with students and alumni to increase engagement.
- Provided event coordination and administrative support for advancement activities.
Education
B.A. - Sociology and Anthropology, Religion, and History
Lake Forest College
05.2027
IB Diploma - undefined
UWC East Africa
05.2023
Skills
- Digital Tools: Excel, Canva, Google Suite, Microsoft Teams
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy
- Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Event Planning & Facilitation
- Qualitative Research & Archival Work
- Internal Communications
- Data Tracking & Organization
- Public Speaking & Workshop Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Competency
- Project Management
- Cataloguing expertise
Certification
- EduCare: Guide to International Data Protection
- TES: First Aid Essentials for International Schools
- TES: Child Protection Basics for International Schools
- TES: Role of the Safeguarding Lead for International Schools
Languages
English – Bilingual
Swahili – Native
French
Timeline
Archives Assistant
Lake Forest College
06.2025 - Current
Research Assistant – Richter Scholar Program
Lake Forest College
05.2024 - Current
Advancement Office Assistant
UWC East Africa
01.2023 - 07.2023
Facilitator – UMOJA Short Course
UWC East Africa
11.2022 - 07.2023
IB Diploma - undefined
UWC East Africa
B.A. - Sociology and Anthropology, Religion, and History
Lake Forest College
Certification
- EduCare: Guide to International Data Protection
- TES: First Aid Essentials for International Schools
- TES: Child Protection Basics for International Schools
- TES: Role of the Safeguarding Lead for International Schools