Dana Elquza
Summary
Dedicated community organizer, public speaker, and activist for empowering underserved cultures and interests by communicating with local and state governments. Skilled at connecting organizations with powerful allies to solicit real change and effective action. Known for bringing diverse groups together to achieve universally beneficial goals. Has the ability to bring awareness to issues, and demand for change through excellent experience and skills in public speaking, advocacy, community engagement, leadership, and planning.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Community Outreach Organizer
Amnesty International USA
- Lead organizing, recruitment, mobilizing, education, lobbying, and coalition building for Amnesty's Refugee and Migrant Rights Task Force
- Identified resources and opportunities to implement programming and policy, system and environmental changes.
- Increased community engagement by organizing and executing outreach events and initiatives.
- Managed social media platforms
- Planned orientations for interested members
- Organized protests, lobbying dates, and other events to bring awareness to refugee and migrant rights in California
Mission Engagement Leader
Youth Activism Project
- Facilitated large events that brought awareness to global social justice issues like gender-biased work environments
- Planned health and environment awareness day
- Built and maintained relationships with community organizations.
- Developed and implemented dynamic communication strategies.
- Summarized complicated topics into simple formats for better understanding.
- Lead lobbying campaign for Farm Bill
Speech and Debate Coach
Travis Ranch Middle School
- Founded successful debate program, resulting in increased participation and interest from students.
- Cultivated strong public speaking abilities in students through focused practice sessions and constructive critique.
- Established strong relationships with other debate coaches and schools to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaborative opportunities.
- Improved overall team ranking at competitions by refining practices based on competitor analysis and strategic planning.
- Coached team to participate in national competitions
Research Team Member
Justice Education Project
- Found credible information needed for social media platforms, website articles, independent research studies, and petitions
- Developed effective strategies for managing large datasets, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for all team members.
- Contributed to publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles, showcasing team's research achievements.
Student Forum
Northwood High School
- Committed to monthly meetings.
- Shared new ideas in meetings to better school environment.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Newspaper Editor
Travis Ranch School
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Revamped editorial guidelines, setting clear expectations for quality writing standards among staff writers
- Led redesign efforts that resulted in more visually appealing layout that attracted both readership and advertisers.
- Promoted inclusive work environment that encouraged diversity of thought, leading to more well-rounded news coverage decisions.
Yearbook & Video Production Vice President
Travis Ranch School
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Introduced new yearbook designs that brought most attention
- Ensured all staff members were on-task and addressed their issues
- Submitted pages and daily announcements on time
Associated Student Body Secretary
Travis Ranch School
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Volunteered flexible hours across nights, weekend, and holidays
- Managed time efficiently to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Skills
- Leadership and planning
- Communication
- Social media management
- Photography
- Creative Writing
- Journalism
- Public speaking
- Nonprofit experience
- Community Engagement
- Advocacy experience
- Outreach management
Timeline
Newspaper Editor
Travis Ranch School
01.2023 - 06.2023
Yearbook & Video Production Vice President
Travis Ranch School
10.2022 - 06.2023
Associated Student Body Secretary
Travis Ranch School
09.2022 - 06.2023
Community Outreach Organizer
Amnesty International USA
Mission Engagement Leader
Youth Activism Project
Speech and Debate Coach
Travis Ranch Middle School
Research Team Member
Justice Education Project
Student Forum
Northwood High School