DORA J. AHSUE
PAGO PAGO
Summary
Passionate and dedicated Disability Rights Advocate with a vast experience in advocating for the rights and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. Strong commitment to promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and equality in all aspects of society. Skilled in developing and implementing advocacy campaigns, influencing policy changes, and providing support to individuals facing discrimination or barriers. Experienced in working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Committed to driving positive change and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Office Of Protection And Advocacy For The Disabled
01.2012 - 01.2024
- Program Director for five of OPAD's nine federally funded programs - Protection and Advocacy for individuals with Developmental Disability (PADD), Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS), Client Assistance Program (CAP), Protection and Advocacy for Voters' Accessibility (PAVA), and Representative for Payees of Social Security (RPSS)
- Plan the delivery of the programs and its activities in accordance with the mission and the goals of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled in Tutuila and Manu'a
- Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the programs
- Oversee the collection and maintenance of each program's client records for statistical purposes according to the confidentiality/privacy policy of the organization and program
- Prepare and submit each program's Annual Progress Performance Report in a timely manner
- Communicate with clients and service providers to gain community support for the programs and to solicit input to improve the program
- Communicate with grantors as outlined in funding agreements
- Ensure that the program operate within the approved budget
Teaching Assistant
University Of Hawaii At Manoa
09.2020 - 12.2022
- Assisted lead professor with grading assignments, maintaining records and preparing for class sessions
- Supported candidates' academic progress by providing one-on-one attention to help guide learning and comprehension
- Led small groups in planned activities, projects, and reading lessons
- Helped graduate candidates master equipment or materials assigned by classroom teachers
- Assisted professor with maintaining inventory, organizing educational materials and preparing instructional documents
- Edited and provided feedback on candidates' Precis and presentation
Research Analyst
American Samoa Legislature
03.2008 - 01.2012
- Assist the Legislative Counsels in researching and drafting Bills and Resolutions for both the Senate and House of Representative
- Provide the legislative counsels with daily reports on the activities and the status of proposed law bills within the Senate sessions and hearings
Staff Assistant
US Senate - Office Of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
01.2007 - 03.2008
- Served as the American Samoa Conduit at the Office of Senator Daniel K Inouye in addressing matters directly and indirectly affecting American Samoa
- Assisted Legislative Assistants in research for the state of Hawaii's federally funded programs and projects
- Addressed constituent correspondences and inquiries
- Attend meetings and briefings on issue that would benefit or affect Hawaii or American Samoa
- Other duties as assigned by the Senator or Chief of Staff
Legislative Reference Bureau Intern
American Samoa Legislature
07.2006 - 12.2006
- Assisted the Legislative Bureau staff with updating statuses of bills in committees, enrollments, and digital updating of the American Samoa Code Annotated (ASCA)
High School History Teacher
American Samoa Department Of Education
08.2002 - 06.2006
- Prepare and teach lesson plans according to Standards and Benchmarks for World and US History
- Coordinator of School History Day at Samoana High School. Provided guidance on research materials for students' projects.
- Head Advisor of School Close-Up Program. Planned fundraisers to assist students with program costs. Prepared lessons on US Government and updated students on current issues to prepare them for Close Up Seminars.
- Advisor of Student Body Government. Assisted students in planning and executing activities that would boost school morale amongst students and teachers.
- Advisor for the school's Junior Statesmen of America. Provided guidance for prospective candidates on the application process.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
Education
M.Ed - Curriculum Studies
University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Oahu, HawaiiBachelor of Arts - Political Science
University Of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HawaiiAssociate of Arts - Liberal Arts
American Samoa Community College
Pago Pago, Am. SamoaCommunity Service
- Amaua CCCAS Church Choir, Secretary and Treasurer
- Amaua CCCAS Sunday School, Secretary and Treasurer
- Amaua CCCAS Women's Ministry, Treasurer
- Amaua CCCAS Women's Ministry, Member
- Parents of Children with Special Needs Network, Member
- American Samoa's Special Education Task Force, Member
- United States Commission on Civil Rights Advisory Committee, Member
- Campaign Spending Commission, Member
- Volunteer US History Teacher at South Pacific Academy (2021)
- Speech Fest Coach for Fagaitua High School
- Secretary of the Republican Party of American Samoa
Accomplishments
- Selected by the National Disabilities Rights Network (NDRN) to be a presenter at their Annual Conference.
- 2022 ASG Employee of the Year Award Recipient
- Selected as a member of the first American Samoa Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
References
Dr. Deborah Zuercher
zuercher@hawaii.edu
UH Director of Pacific Initiatives
Professor and PACMED Director
1-808-343-3989
Nicole M. To’o
NToo@gategroup.com
Operations Manager of Airlines, Gate Gourmet
2755 S 163rd St
Seattle, WA 98158
206-473-1225
John Raynar
John@southseasbroadcasting.com
93KHJ Radio Show Host
Former PADD Advisory Coucil Chairman
258-0693
Hope Ropeti
hope.ropeti@doe.as
Fagaitua High School
English Department Head
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
University Of Hawaii At Manoa
09.2020 - 12.2022
Program Director
Office Of Protection And Advocacy For The Disabled
01.2012 - 01.2024
Research Analyst
American Samoa Legislature
03.2008 - 01.2012
Staff Assistant
US Senate - Office Of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
01.2007 - 03.2008
Legislative Reference Bureau Intern
American Samoa Legislature
07.2006 - 12.2006
High School History Teacher
American Samoa Department Of Education
08.2002 - 06.2006
M.Ed - Curriculum Studies
University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University Of Hawaii At Hilo
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
American Samoa Community College
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