Rafael Schoellmann
Cedar Park
Summary
I am a Political Science graduate with leadership experience and strong cross-cultural communication skills. I have over two and a half years of international experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Eswatini, Africa, and as an intern in Costa Rica. I also served with AmeriCorps in a 10-month team-based program, supporting community development across the Pacific region of the U.S.
I seek admission to Fordham University's Master's Program in International Political Economy and Development, specializing in International Development Studies, to combine my global experiences with advanced studies and make a meaningful impact in international development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth in Development Coordinator
Peace Corps
09.2022 - 11.2024
- Mentored local youth by providing guidance on life skills, career planning, and personal development.
- Facilitated community capacity building by identifying key stakeholders and forming strategic partnerships to support sustainable development initiatives.
- Strengthened relationships with community members through regular meetings and open communication, effectively utilizing both English and the local SiSwati language to build trust and collaboration.
- Conducted surveys to assess community needs and prioritized projects based on available resources and potential impact.
- Ensured project sustainability by transferring knowledge of best practices to local stakeholders upon completion of initiatives.
- Organized a fundraising event to secure resources for community improvement projects, ensuring continued program implementation.
- Expanded program reach by successfully applying for grants and securing funding for innovative projects that addressed emerging community needs.
- Secured $1,200 in private funding to support an HIV/AIDS prevention project aligned with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
- Served on a Peace Corps volunteer and staff-based committee, providing and collecting program and volunteer-specific feedback to improve service delivery.
- Implemented a robust feedback loop between Peace Corps volunteers and staff, fostering open communication channels that encouraged continuous learning and improvement.
- Assisted the Peace Corps' safety and security officers with communication and volunteer check-ins during periods of safety hazards in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
- Acted as a cultural ambassador, promoting mutual understanding between host country nationals and volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
Team Leader
AmeriCorps NCCC
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Completed a 10-month residential team-based National Service program serving communities across the Pacific region of the United States.
- Supervised, coached, and mentored a team of 10 members on projects focused on environmental conservation, urban and rural development, infrastructure improvement, and disaster response.
- Coordinated project logistics by collaborating with supervisors, community liaisons, and project sponsors to ensure successful mission completion with AmeriCorps NCCC partners.
- Prepared and completed project briefings, debriefings, portfolios, and biographical brochures, detailing key project information while consistently meeting deadlines to support efficient mission execution and effective staff communication.
- Advised team members on strengthening professional development, stress management, and interpersonal growth through service-learning discussions, individual 1-on-1 sessions, and weekly team meetings.
- Facilitated leadership development by implementing and mentoring two assistant team leaders to take on additional responsibilities.
- Resolved team conflicts to promote group cohesion and foster conflict resolution skills while enhancing team dynamics through regular team bonding activities.
- Directed and reported inquiries and incidents of misconduct, enforced program policies and disciplinary procedures, and kept supervisors informed of safety risks, including conducting risk assessments at project work locations.
- Oversaw and directed independent service hours outside the project scope, while managing team attendance records, absences, sick leave, and vacation requests.
After School Counselor
YMCA Of Greater Williamson County
08.2021 - 09.2021
- Co-organized fun and educational activities to enhance students'' creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Enhanced student participation by incorporating interactive activities and group projects through the YMCA's counseling framework into the after-school program.
- Maintained accurate records on student attendance, performance, and behavioral issues for review by program administrators.
- Manged a safe and inclusive environment promoting respect and understanding among a diverse groups of 35 students at the school site
Disaster Action Team & Mass Care Team Volunteer
American Red Cross
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Provided disaster relief and worked in emergency shelters as a service provider during disaster operations
- Participated in community outreach and public relations initiatives
- Learned and applied valuable skills on psychological first aid by comforting affected clients during times of high stress in the aftermath of traumatic events such as fires, flooding and hurricanes.
- Delivered excellent service during operations by employing empathy, active listening, and impartial judgment to address challenging and stressful situations, while ensuring safe intake procedures in a COVID-19 environment.
- Served as On-call Disaster Action Team for client intake responding to overnight events.
- Volunteered as a service associate for Red Cross blood drives, accommodating donors' needs and providing comfort if needed to make their donation experience positive.
Resident Assistant
Texas State University
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Mentored and supervised over 120 college freshmen in a co-ed residence hall, including additional residents from overflow groups and older students who specifically sought out my guidance.
- Built strong relationships with residents from diverse cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds, each with unique challenges, broadening my perspectives and fostering inclusivity.
- Monitored and supported residents' adjustment to university life by utilizing effective communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills to address their needs.
- Sought out and implemented ways to enhance residents' experiences and sense of community by supporting and advocating for their physical and mental well-being and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accepting environment within the residence hall.
- Provided direct assistance to residents or referred them to in-hall or on-campus resources to address their needs and improve their overall living experience on campus.
- Designed and implemented social, educational, and recreational programs tailored to residents, focusing on professional development, networking opportunities, and raising awareness about social issues such as racism, gender equality, and mental health.
- Mediated and resolved resident disputes in a timely and professional manner while teaching conflict resolution skills to empower residents to handle future challenges independently.
Summer Camps and Conferences Assistant
Texas State University
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Facilitated check-ins/check-outs for summer camp and conference guests staying on campus.
- Provided excellent customer service and resources to the campers, camp counselors, and other guests staying at the residential halls during the summer.
- Actively participated in weekly meetings to plan and prepare residence halls for incoming camps, ensuring that all necessary amenities and resources were arranged and ready prior to guests' arrival.
- Conducted overnight rounds of residential buildings and facilities to ensure the safety and security of guests. Reported any suspicious activities or safety concerns and addressed overnight needs and requests of guests.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX08-2020
Skills
- Team building and leadership
- Project coordination
- Intercultural communication
- Conflict Resolution
Languages
Portuguese
Professional Working
SiSwati
Limited Working
German
Limited Working
Timeline
Youth in Development Coordinator
Peace Corps
09.2022 - 11.2024
Team Leader
AmeriCorps NCCC
10.2021 - 07.2022
After School Counselor
YMCA Of Greater Williamson County
08.2021 - 09.2021
Disaster Action Team & Mass Care Team Volunteer
American Red Cross
08.2020 - 09.2021
Summer Camps and Conferences Assistant
Texas State University
05.2019 - 08.2019
Resident Assistant
Texas State University
08.2017 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Texas State University
Similar Profiles
Samira Idoue LaouinaSamira Idoue Laouina
Regional Manager at Peace CorpsRegional Manager at Peace Corps
Charles Lathrop-AllenCharles Lathrop-Allen
TEFL Teacher and Project Organizer at Peace CorpsTEFL Teacher and Project Organizer at Peace Corps
Karen Marie Swansey-BrewerKaren Marie Swansey-Brewer
Volunteer at Peace CorpsVolunteer at Peace Corps