Nya Mbock

A dedicated professional who aims to improve organizational efficiency and foster community engagement. Dedicated to advancing best practices in employee development, retention, and performance management, skilled at using data analysis to drive HR initiatives. Strong communications experience, interpersonal skills, and qualitative research background. Proactive problem-solver and process optimizer with experience in talent acquisition, employer-stakeholder relations, and project management. With adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset that excels in fast-paced environments, I have contributed to team success and organizational growth through strategic planning and innovative solutions. Communication specialist with a passion for contributing to organizations and advancing their goals.

Keynote Session Speaker, “Navigating the Intersection of Media and Social Justice”

When Media Puts Social Justice at Risk Symposium, University of Pennsylvania, 2024.

• This symposium explored how media practices can both hinder and advance social justice efforts. My keynote addressed burgeoning research that highlights this complex relationship, showcasing the potential pitfalls and opportunities media presents for social change.

Academic Conference Presentation, “How women in higher education can facilitate peace, justice, and equity work into their career”

Peace and Justice Studies Association, 2023.

• Explored how women in academia can leverage their positions to advance positive social change. The presentation offered practical strategies for integrating peacebuilding, justice initiatives, and equity considerations into various aspects of their professional lives.

Commencement Speaker, “An Ode to My Class”

Liberal Arts & Sciences, Portland State University Commencement Ceremony, 2022.

• Portland State University Commencement Ceremony - Liberal Arts & Sciences - 2022
• To view my commencement speech, forward to (25:52 / 2:16:02)

Thesis Presentation, “A study on how African immigrants experience being Black in America.” Mbock, Mural Thesis Presentation, Honors Commons, 2022.

• Delivered a 30-minute talk on thesis exhibition to 50 distinguished guests across the university (Including the University President, Board of Trustees, and Foundation Members) to further illustrate the scholarship behind the mural and hold a candid discussion around the importance of centering multimodal work in graduation requirements—Held Q&A for an additional hour post-presentation.

Keynote Session Host, “A Conversation with Nya Mbock and Leila Haile”

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Portland State University BLACK LIVES MATTER EXHIBITION, 2022

• Discussing the intersectionality of art, expression, queerness, and blackness, creating peace and protected space within institutions of power. Haile's creative practice is the understanding that art is our most powerful tool for disrupting the dominant hegemony and shifting us collectively toward liberation.

Honorary Speaker, “President’s Diversity Award and Campus Impact Acceptance Speech”

Global Diversity & Inclusion, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2022.

• Delivered a narrative speech detailing my trajectory through higher education from the perspective of an intersectional, first-generation child of an immigrant. This award ceremony and acceptance speech was broadcast across campus, live-streamed, and had 300+ in-person guests attending.

Honorary Speaker, “What Leadership Can Mean to Us”

Annual Student Leadership Conference Across Oregon, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2022.

• Delivered a speech to 250+ attendees on the impacts leadership has had in my development and career trajectory across my time at Portland State.

Presenter, “The Role Student Leadership Plays In Mentoring”

Annual Peer Mentor Training Conference in University Studies, Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2021.

• Designed and presented an interactive, 60-minute breakout session on leadership and mentorship for a conference with over 75+ undergraduate and graduate mentors to provide training on teaching, learning, and best practices for supporting students.

Honorary Speaker, “Time to Act: Equity Plan and Scorecard Launch”

Portland State University, Portland, OR, 2021.

• Equity Speech Opening Remarks

Virtual Panelist, “Just What Serving In Your University Can Do”

International Youth Leadership Conference, 2021.

• Detailed leadership experience to virtual student attendees and the impact university service can have on skill development and networking. Followed the presentation with a Q&A breakout room where attendees were able to ask in-depth questions on university procedures and entries to involvement.

Keynote Session Host, “Building Your Brand with Nya Mbock and Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone”

Brand Zanele, NEW Leadership Oregon (NLO), 2021.

• Hosted an intimate interview between Zanele and myself in front of a group of 50 NLO participants discussing strategies on how to diversify industries. Zanele served as the Creative Director of Nike for several years and brought forward that perspective into our interview.

Slideshow Presentation, “A study on how African immigrants experience being Black in America.” Mbock, Ronald E. McNair Symposium, Portland, Oregon, 2020.

TEDx Speaker, “Accepting the Unacceptable: Living Through a Pandemic.” TEDxPortlandStateUniversity, Portland, Oregon, 2020.

• Nya Mbock: Accepting the Unacceptable: Living Through a Pandemic

• Project Management Institute
• National Association of Social Workers
• American Marketing Association
• International Association of Administrative Professionals
• Society of Human Resource Management
• National Communication Association
• Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
• National Society of Collegiate Scholars
• Phi Kappa Phi
• Phi Theta Kappa