Kole Blackwell
Mount Vernon
Summary
Former AmeriCorps member with experience working with children in the foster care system. Completed Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Kirkwood. Served with Americorps for 2 years, working with children aging out of the foster care and interned with Achieve Maximum Potential, a program that works with teens that have spent time in out of home placement. This provided a lot of experience with youth from different backgrounds.
Education background: Graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2020. Completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice in 2023 and an Associate of Applied Science degree in human services in 2024 from Kirkwood Community College. Final GPA was 3.52. Was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Relevant education courses in human services are juvenile delinquency, introduction to ethics, introduction into human services, developmental psychology, sociology of aging, observation skills, and adaptation strategies. These courses helped develop interpersonal communication skills and gain a better understanding of the importance of a strong support system for children.
Personal life: Achieved the rank of Life Scout in Boy Scouts and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Detasseled for six years reaching the role of junior supervisor for Alger's Detasseling. Worked as dishwasher for four years at Palisades Cafe before the restaurant closed in 2024.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Connect AmeriCorps Member
AmeriCorps
02.2024 - 08.2025
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Worked with youth from different backgrounds and situations.
- Learned ways to advocate for political changes to benefit foster youth.
Dishwasher
Palisades Cafe
05.2019 - 08.2024
- Managed dishware inventory, ensuring adequate supply for kitchen operations during peak service hours.
- Kept work area clean, dry, and free of debris to prevent incidents and accidents.
- Kept dishes, utensils and glassware clean and rotated following safety standards set by restaurant.
- Completed additional cleaning tasks within the kitchen area, contributing to an overall sanitary work environment.
- Completed extra cleaning work on garbage cans, racks, dry storage areas, and other fixtures to keep kitchen spotless.
- Supported overall restaurant operations by promptly restocking clean dishes and utensils in designated areas.
- Minimized water usage and environmental impact with effective washing techniques, aligning with sustainability goals.
- Trained new team members on proper washing techniques and safety protocols for equipment use.
Corn Detasseler
Alger's Detasseling
07.2016 - 08.2021
- Supervised daily detasseling operations to ensure compliance with safety protocols and quality standards.
- Trained new team members on effective detasseling techniques.
- Utilized appropriate protective gear, ensuring personal safety during all stages of the detasseling process.
- Adapted to changing weather conditions, demonstrating flexibility in completing tasks when needed.
- Controlled cross-pollination to achieve desired crop hybridization.
- Removed tassels by hand from tops of corn plants to prevent self-pollination.
- Increased crew productivity by assisting in training new employees on proper detasseling techniques.
- Reduced crop damage by carefully navigating between rows while performing detasseling duties.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA05-2024
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA12-2022
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Flexible and adaptable
- Problem-solving
- Active listening
- Attention to detail
- Problem resolution
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Youth Connect AmeriCorps Member
AmeriCorps
02.2024 - 08.2025
Dishwasher
Palisades Cafe
05.2019 - 08.2024
Corn Detasseler
Alger's Detasseling
07.2016 - 08.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Kirkwood Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Kirkwood Community College