Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Research Papers
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Rajia Epa

Richmond Hill,NY

Summary

Passionate and dedicated professional with a strong background in youth counseling and research analysis, focused on improving the well-being of children and young people in Bangladesh. With an ongoing Master’s degree in Crime and Intelligence Analysis, specialized coursework in Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice has deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges faced by at-risk youth. This academic foundation, combined with my experience in addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and inadequate mental healthcare, has strengthened my commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalized youth. My objective is to leverage my skills in research, counseling, and community outreach to develop and implement effective programs that address the pressing needs of young people, ensuring their access to essential services and empowering them to overcome challenges related to poverty, health, and education.

Work History

Research Analyst & Youth Counselor

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies
Bangladesh
  • Integrated Research & Counseling Approach: Conducted in-depth research on issues affecting youth, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, and mental health challenges. Applied these insights directly to counseling practices, providing evidence-based support tailored to the needs of at-risk youth.
  • Youth Advocacy & Program Development: Developed and implemented programs aimed at empowering young people. These programs were informed by research findings and focused on life skills development, mental health awareness, and positive behavioral reinforcement, addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations.
  • Data-Driven Counseling: Utilized data analysis to identify trends in youth behavior and mental health, informing personalized counseling strategies. Addressed issues like substance abuse, peer pressure, academic stress, and family conflicts through targeted, research-backed interventions.
  • Crisis Intervention & Support: Provided immediate intervention and counseling support to youth experiencing crises, including those dealing with suicidal ideation, domestic violence, or substance abuse. Employed crisis intervention techniques to stabilize situations and connect individuals with ongoing mental health services.
  • Community Outreach & Education: Organized and facilitated workshops and training sessions for youth, families, and communities. Topics included mental health awareness, gender-based violence, substance abuse prevention, and healthy relationships. Worked to create a more informed and supportive environment for young people.
  • Group Therapy & Peer Support: Led group therapy sessions focusing on social skills development, conflict resolution, and peer support. Created safe spaces for youth to share experiences, build resilience, and support one another in overcoming challenges.
  • Behavioral Modification & Mentorship: Developed and implemented behavior modification plans for youth exhibiting disruptive or harmful behaviors. Provided ongoing mentorship, helping them to set and achieve personal goals, improve self-esteem, and adopt healthier lifestyles.
  • Parental Involvement & Mediation: Engaged parents in the counseling process to improve family dynamics and support the well-being of their children. Facilitated mediation sessions to resolve family conflicts and strengthen parent-child relationships.
  • Mental Health Advocacy: Actively worked to destigmatize mental health issues within the community by organizing awareness campaigns and collaborating with local organizations to increase access to mental health services for youth and their families.
  • Policy Advocacy & Research Dissemination: Collaborated with policymakers and community leaders to advocate for improved mental health services, legal protections, and educational opportunities for youth. Published research findings to inform public policy and community practices, with a focus on creating systemic changes that benefit young people.

Education

Master's - Crime and Intelligence Analysis

University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK
09-2025

Master's - International Relations

University of Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh
12.2014

Bachelor's - International Relations

University of Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh
12.2012

Skills

  • Youth Counseling/Mentoring
  • Mental Health Support
  • Professional Development
  • Community Outreach
  • Relationship Building
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Case management
  • Leadership
  • Administrative Tasks and Report Writing
  • Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Parent-Child Mediation
  • Family engagement
  • Behavioral Management Planning
  • Restorative Practices
  • Peer Mentoring

Research Papers

  • Cyber Crime and Terrorism - Research paper published in the Journal of Institute of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, August 6th, 2016.
  • Transnational Organized Crime and Bangladesh: Security Threat from Small Arms Proliferation and Human Trafficking - Research paper published in International journal of Arts and Sciences, May 5th, 2015.
  • How much successful is the New Homeland Security office after 9/11 attack in protecting its border security by allocating more resources to Border States? - Research paper on US- Mexico border using the SPSS and analyzing the data of the codebook of Impact of Terrorism on State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Criminal Justice Systems in the United States, 2004

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Bengali
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Professional
Japanese
Limited

Timeline

Research Analyst & Youth Counselor

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies

Master's - Crime and Intelligence Analysis

University of Central Oklahoma

Master's - International Relations

University of Dhaka

Bachelor's - International Relations

University of Dhaka
Rajia Epa