DAVIDA SESAY
Laurel,USA
Summary
Advocate and organizer with a B.A. in Political Science, specializing in leadership coalition-building and mobilizing underserved populations. Proven commitment to advancing worker rights and enhancing labor power within the hospitality sector. Experienced personal care professional with a strong background in addressing physical and mental disabilities, ensuring quality care for convalescent patients. Demonstrates exceptional adaptability, strong work ethic, and ability to master new skills independently.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Support Professional
CRI
12.2022 - Current
- Provided direct care and advocacy for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring safety, dignity, and empowerment.
- Built strong relationships with clients and families to foster engagement and participation in programs.
- Documented services and reported changes in client conditions, maintaining high standards of accountability and integrity.
Lead Resident Assistant / Head RA
Virginia State University
Petersburg, Virginia
08.2018 - 05.2022
- Led and trained teams of RAs, managing programs and student communities of up to 300 residents.
- Developed and implemented community programs promoting equity, inclusion, and student engagement.
- Coordinated emergency responses, fire drills, and incident reporting; mediated conflicts and ensured compliance with policies.
- Mentored new RAs, building leadership pipelines and fostering collaboration.
- Recognized as Resident Assistant of the Year and awarded for Best Student Programming.
- Promoted rapidly to Lead RA due to exceptional leadership and community impact.
- Successfully built alliances across staff and student populations to implement initiatives improving engagement and safety.
- Developed data-driven reporting systems to track incidents, participation, and outcomes.
- Supervised resident assistants to ensure compliance with university policies.
- Coordinated programs and events to enhance student engagement within residence halls.
- Mediated conflicts between residents to promote a harmonious living environment.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss resident needs and concerns.
- Developed training materials for new resident assistants to improve performance standards.
- Implemented safety protocols and procedures for emergency situations in housing facilities.
- Collaborated with campus resources to provide support services for residents.
- Evaluated resident feedback to improve community living experiences and satisfaction levels.
- Conducted regular room inspections to ensure compliance with housing regulations.
- Developed and implemented a variety of educational, social, recreational, and cultural programs for residents.
- Assisted in the development of individualized student success plans for residents.
- Assisted with move-in and move-out processes each semester.
- Supervised RA staff members during evening shifts.
- Facilitated weekly floor meetings with residents to discuss upcoming events and address any concerns.
- Served as a resource for resident questions or concerns about university services.
- Enforced University policies within the residence hall community while maintaining a positive environment.
- Provided guidance on academic progress, career planning, study skills and time management skills.
- Provided support to RAs during difficult situations or crisis management scenarios.
- Addressed resident conflicts by mediating conversations between parties involved and implementing appropriate resolution techniques.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations such as medical issues or fire alarms.
- Organized special events such as movie nights or game tournaments for residents.
- Maintained accurate records of program attendance and budget expenditures.
- Collaborated with other departments on campus to coordinate resources for students in need.
- Trained new RAs on their duties and responsibilities.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by Resident Assistants and addressed violations of policy accordingly.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA05-2023
High School Diploma -
St. Vincent Pallotti High School
Laurel, MD01.2018
Skills
- Campaign strategy and program development
- Safety compliance
- Incident reporting
- Conflict mediation
- Community engagement
- Program development
- Data documentation
- Client advocacy
- Coalition building and stakeholder mobilization
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Team management
- Advocacy for marginalized and vulnerable populations
- Crisis management
- Conflict resolution
- Data collection
- Reporting
- Compliance
- Strong verbal communication
- Strong written communication
- Cross-cultural communication
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Outlook
- Database management
- Relationship building
- Problem solving
- Case management experience
- Empathy and patience
- Health and safety requirements
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Cultural awareness
- Time management
- Mobility assistance
- Transportation
- Patient care
- Charting and documentation
- Verbal and written communication
- Medication administration
- Transportation assistance
- Patient management
- Behavior redirection
- Positive reinforcement
- Case documentation
- Behavioral support
- First aid and CPR
- Care plan assessment
- De-escalation techniques
- Record keeping
- Report writing
- Daily living support
- Support plan management
- Personal care assistance
- Effective communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Certification
- Basic Life Support, HSI, 2024
- Adult First Aid, HSI, 2024
Accomplishments
- Promoted rapidly to Lead RA due to exceptional leadership and community impact.
- Successfully built alliances across staff and student populations to implement initiatives improving engagement and safety.
- Developed data-driven reporting systems to track incidents, participation, and outcomes.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
CRI
12.2022 - Current
Lead Resident Assistant / Head RA
Virginia State University
08.2018 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Virginia State University
High School Diploma -
St. Vincent Pallotti High School