Marna Wal
Social Worker
Chicago,IL
Summary
Compassionate mental health and social services professional with 4+ years’ experience supporting diverse communities through trauma-informed, holistic care. Skilled in case management, de-escalation, and culturally responsive engagement. Brings a community-centered lens to mental health work, integrating advocacy, resource coordination, and healing-centered practices. Proficient in client systems including Salesforce, NGP VAN, and APlus. Bilingual in English and Nuer; advanced in Spanish. Committed to equity, empowerment, and whole-person wellness.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Director of Community Engagement and Partnership
NyaEden Foundation
01.2020 - Current
- Advertise resources to promote self-sufficiency for women and children throughout Africa, ensuring accurate and efficient data entry
- Enhanced community engagement by developing and implementing strategic outreach initiatives
- Increased public awareness of organizational mission by organizing events, workshops, and presentations.
- Supervise special projects and organizational efforts, leveraging proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Bilingual Case Manager
Cornerstone Community Outreach
07.2024 - 09.2024
- Provided bilingual case management in English and Spanish to support diverse clients with housing and public benefits
- Assisted clients in navigating SNAP and Medicare/Medicaid systems, improving access to critical services
- Managed front desk operations and client interactions, ensuring efficient service delivery and a welcoming environment
Bilingual Therapist / Social Worker
LoSAH – Center for Hope (Centro de Esperanza)
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Collaborated with staff and stakeholders to launch a community mental health clinic serving underrepresented populations
- Provided bilingual therapy and case management in English and Spanish, supporting mental health access for Spanish-speaking clients
- Led interdepartmental communication and community outreach to promote culturally responsive mental health services
Graduate Field Intern
GirlForward
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Assisted in organizing and planning events to support SafeSpaces programs
- Performed daily office tasks and data entry with high attention to detail
- Supervised after-school drop-in hours, providing direct clinical support to participants
Graduate Field Intern
BrightStar
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Maintained the organization’s donor database to support fundraising efforts
- Conducted research and provided edits for grant proposals
- Facilitated after-school drop-in sessions for elementary-aged children
- Participated in professional development events
Organizing Director
Women for Political Change
08.2020 - 11.2021
- Directed statewide organizing efforts to engage communities in gender and racial justice advocacy
- Built cross-departmental workflows to align programming with evolving community needs
- Designed and implemented outreach strategies to strengthen the organization’s base and elevate community voices
Organizing Fellow
Ilhan for Congress
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Reached 500+ constituents weekly through calls and door-to-door outreach in targeted senate districts
- Trained, coordinated, and supported volunteers in campaign organizing and voter engagement
- Managed voter data using NGP VAN DNC system and co-led community engagement events
Community Organizer
Knock Knock LLC
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Conducted face-to-face outreach, canvassing over 60 doors nightly to advocate for progressive candidates and policies
- Facilitated voter education and fundraising conversations in high-traffic community areas
- Participated in professional development trainings to enhance grassroots organizing skills
AmeriCorps High School Coach
College Possible
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Led ACT prep and college readiness programming for 80+ high school students in an under-resourced school
- Provided individualized support, addressing barriers to academic success and increasing postsecondary access
- Scaled outreach strategies to double student enrollment, recruiting over 1,000 new participants
- Monitored and reported progress using Salesforce and collaborated on cross-team initiatives
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work, Clinical Concentration
The University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 09.2021 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies, Spanish Studies
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 08.2014 - 05.2018
Skills
- Case Management & Referrals
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- Mental Health Support
- Youth Work
- Public Benefits Navigation
- Intake & Assessment
- Community Outreach
- CRM & Documentation
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Certification
Mandated Reporter Training, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Timeline
Bilingual Case Manager
Cornerstone Community Outreach
07.2024 - 09.2024
Bilingual Therapist / Social Worker
LoSAH – Center for Hope (Centro de Esperanza)
12.2023 - 04.2024
Graduate Field Intern
GirlForward
10.2022 - 06.2023
Graduate Field Intern
BrightStar
10.2021 - 06.2022
Master of Arts - Social Work, Clinical Concentration
The University of Chicago
09.2021 - 06.2023
Organizing Director
Women for Political Change
08.2020 - 11.2021
Director of Community Engagement and Partnership
NyaEden Foundation
01.2020 - Current
Organizing Fellow
Ilhan for Congress
01.2020 - 05.2020
Community Organizer
Knock Knock LLC
09.2019 - 12.2019
AmeriCorps High School Coach
College Possible
08.2018 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies, Spanish Studies
University of Minnesota
08.2014 - 05.2018
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