Dorcas Owusua
State College,PA
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in labor rights advocacy and project management, recognized for driving initiatives that improve work conditions, enhance work-place safety, and advance global labor rights. Combines in-depth research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement to enact meaningful change and empower workers through educational development. Possesses a proven track record of spearheading strategies that result in tangible improvements in labor conditions and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Pennsylvania State University
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
08.2023 - Current
- Conduct literature reviews and synthesized research findings in preparation for data analysis.
- providing comprehensive research assistance and support to my academic adviser.
- Conducted comprehensive research on global labor issues with a focus on African labor movements.
- Analyzed complex data sets to derive insights on workers' rights, contributing significantly to academic publications.
- Gathered, reviewed and summarized literature from scientific journals.
Project Coordinator
General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU) of TUC
Acra, Ghana
06.2019 - 12.2023
- Provided direction, guidance and support to team members throughout the duration of projects.
- Facilitated meetings between stakeholders to discuss project requirements, objectives or outcomes.
- Led a multidisciplinary team to champion working conditions in four major cocoa-growing regions in Ghana.
- Successfully integrated gender-sensitive structures and advocated for occupational safety practices.
- Strategized and implemented initiatives, resulting in a marked improvement in collective bargaining policies.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify challenges and opportunities in cocoa farming communities.
- Developed a program introducing alternative income-generating activities like soap making and small-scale crafts.
- Organized workshops and training sessions for cocoa farmers to diversify income sources and reduce dependency.
- Facilitated knowledge transfer sessions to adopt sustainable farming practices.
- Successfully integrated income diversification strategies, leading to an average increase 20% in household income.
- Fostered strong community engagement, ensuring programs were community-driven.
- Advocated for and implemented environmentally sustainable practices, reducing harmful farming practices.
- Established robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for program effectiveness.
Administrative Officer
General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU) of TUC
Accra, Ghana
06.2008 - 08.2023
- Coordinated support to facilitate general office operations.
- Streamlined administrative processes leading to a 20% increase in operational efficiency.
- Orchestrated training sessions that enhanced staff development and project execution capabilities.
- Played a pivotal role in the "Combatting Modern Slavery Project", contributing to the identification and mitigation of forced labor practices.
- Developed, deployed, and maintained robust training programs, accomplishing departmental and facility goals.
- Developed comprehensive training, IEC Materials and educational manuals on workplace safety and labor rights, significantly enhancing the knowledge base and operational standards within the organization and the workers we represent
- Reviewed and drafted over ten (10) collective agreements and wage reopeners incremement each year that led to improved working conditions
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Kumasi, Ghana11-2024
Master of Arts - Labor And Global Workers' Right
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA08-2024
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Science And Extension
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Kumasi, Ghana06-2008
High School Diploma -
St. Roses Senior High School
Akwatia , Ghana08-2003
Skills
- Administrative and organizational abilities
- Project Coordination and Management: Demonstrated expertise in leading complex projects from inception to completion
- Research and Analysis: Proficient in conducting high-level research and translating findings into actionable strategies
- Advocacy and Policy Development: Experienced in championing workers' rights and influencing policy formulation
- Educational Material Development: skilled in creating training materials and manuals that effectively communicate complex information
- Communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at material creation, training facilitation, and stakeholder presentations
- Leadership and Team Building: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire teams to surpass project objectives
- Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability: gained through my experience working in diverse environments and backgrounds and understanding their unique perspectives and needs
- Commitment to Health and Safety: gained through developing resources like the manual on “Eliminating Hazardous Child Labor and Occupational Safety Health and Environmental Risks” and other IEC materials to promote health and safety in the workplace
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Research and Analysis
- Academic Presentations
Certification
Social and Behavioral Human Subjects Research (IRB) CourseSocial and Behavioral Human Subjects Research (IRB) Course
CITI ProgramCITI Program Issued Dec 2023 · Expires Dec 2026Credential ID 58018541Credential ID 58018541
Students in ResearchStudents in Research
CITI ProgramCITI Program Issued Dec 2023 · Expires Dec 2026Credential ID 58018542Credential ID 58018542
Languages
English
Professional
French
Elementary
Accomplishments
- Ghana Library Board Essay Competition, Best Article, 1998
- Duke of Edinburgh Head of States Award Scheme (Gold, Silver and Bronze Standard)
- Ghana Cocoa board Scholarship Award, 2001–2003
Memberships
- Member: Pan-African and Professional Alliance (PANAPA): Contribute to the building of a strong alliance of Graduate international Students from Africa. Volunteering at the annual Penn State Games as a concierge contributes to raising funds for the ''Give back to Africa Project''
- Member: Student Works at Penn State (SWAPS) and United Student Against Sweat Shops (SWAPS)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Pennsylvania State University
08.2023 - Current
Project Coordinator
General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU) of TUC
06.2019 - 12.2023
Administrative Officer
General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU) of TUC
06.2008 - 08.2023
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Master of Arts - Labor And Global Workers' Right
Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Science And Extension
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
High School Diploma -
St. Roses Senior High School