Saria Abusalih
Washington D.C.,DC
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Urban Planning professional with over 5 years of experience in environmental consulting, regulatory compliance, and community-led development. Proven expertise in managing technical application intake and conducting community-scale inventories for federal agencies including the US EPA and NIH. Currently pursuing an M.A. in Sustainable Urban Planning at George Washington University, with a technical focus on zoning, land use, and urban economics. Adept at translating complex regulatory requirements for diverse stakeholders to ensure project compliance and equitable urban growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Assistant
KIPP DC KEY ACADEMY
Washington D.C.
12.2025 - Current
- Tracked student performance metrics and attendance to generate weekly and monthly reports for school leadership, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
- Monitored student progress against standardized benchmarks and educational "codes" (IEPs), ensuring all materials met strict organizational and legal standards.
- Coordinated and attended multi-departmental meetings (IEP/504 meetings), recorded detailed minutes, and distributed preparatory "packets" to all relevant parties.
- Facilitated communication between teachers and parents to strengthen support systems.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions based on specific skill sets or subject matter, boosting overall student achievement levels.
- Assisted teachers in developing and implementing engaging lesson plans.
- Supported classroom instruction by preparing educational materials and resources for teachers.
Environmental Planner
Avanti Corporation
Alexandria, Virginia
04.2024 - 07.2025
- Conducted in-depth research into federal and state environmental regulations (e.g., NEPA, Clean Water Act) to support the preparation of Environmental Assessments and Impact Statements.
- Assisted in the drafting, formatting, and quality control of technical reports, memos, and appendices for agency clients (EPA/Federal partners).
- Facilitated communication between multidisciplinary project teams and stakeholders, ensuring all comments and reviews were compiled and addressed in final assessment documents.
- Conduct door-to-door inventory through select communities under US EPA Lead Service Line Removal Project contract.
- Developed comprehensive environmental impact assessments to guide sustainable project planning.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Graduate Scholar
University of Maryland School of Public Health Applied Environmental Health
College Park, Maryland
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Assisted in planning the 10th Annual Environmental Justice Symposium sought venue sites, finalized cost reports, and contacted sponsors.
- Trained residents impacted by local unwanted land uses (LULU’s) using community-based frameworks.
- Designed workshops on cumulative impact assessments and health impact assessments.
- Designed and implemented research methodologies for environmental health studies.
- Analyzed data trends to inform public health policies and practices.
AmeriCorps Member
AmeriCorps- Change-ist LA
Los Angeles, California
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Led a diverse team of 25 Los Angeles high school students in the design and execution of a community advocacy campaign, resulting in local park cleanup and a presentation to the Los Angeles city council.
- Nurtured and cultivated relationships with local stakeholders, schools, and community-based partners to help youth access social justice practitioners and leaders.
- Analyzed informative data using Slack, Excel, and Sharepoint to improve the administrative efforts.
- Curated educational seminars with local community-based organizations for the restorative justice team.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
L.E.A.D. Fund Intern
American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity 501c6
Washington D.C.
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Analyzed materials to improve related to access, equity and diversity policies and programs.
- Curated reports, project proposals, as well as data, writing a housing disparities article for publication.
- Oversaw administrative tasks, such as bookings, emailing and consulting with possible patrons.
- Spearheaded the launch of LEAD Fund meetings, training, and education conferences.
- Assisted in developing educational resources for access and equity initiatives.
- Conducted research on best practices in diversity and inclusion strategies.
Research Assistant
University of California Irvine Department of Criminology, Law & Society
Irvine, California
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Managed a multi-year qualitative study on juvenile justice outcomes, overseeing the coding of 200+ interview transcripts and contributing to a manuscript later published in Criminology & Public Policy.
- Analyzed transgender discrimination reports in the California prison system using statistical software (SPSS).
- Conducted literature reviews and synthesized findings to inform research frameworks.
- Collaborated with faculty to design surveys and gather data for criminological studies.
Ticket Staff
University of California Irvine | Bren Events Center
Irvine, California
08.2018 - 12.2022
- Administered customer service focused on event guest support.
- Consulted event information, managing tasks for 5+ events simultaneously.
- Managed office shifts solely in handling customer concerns in relation to events and any inquiry involving UCI.
Office Associate
State Farm | Office of Nicole Vuong
La Verne, California
01.2020 - 04.2020
- Negotiated with prospective clients to join State Farm.
- Managed customer account information and payments.
- Operated customer information in relation to all insurance policies (Business, Home & Auto).
- Outperformed in achieving three new business clients per month.
Community Organizer/ Subdivision Leader
New Community Project 501 c3
Claremont, California
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Conceptualized and launched “New Community Project Club” as a strategic subdivision of ‘New Community Project’.
- Negotiated a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement and established a 7-member community steering committee to oversee localized project governance.
Education
M.A. - Sustainable Urban Planning
George Washington University
12-2026
B.A. - Urban Studies, Criminology, Law & Society
University of California, Irvine
12-2022
Skills
- Expert in Adobe Software, Google Suite, BIM software, Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce
- Proficient in GIS, IRB application, Qualtrics; AutoCAD
- Classroom organization
- Effective communication
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Conflict resolution
- Computer skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Faculty support
Extracurricular
Sustainability Urban Planning Student Organization- Vice President May 2024- May 2025 American Planning Association for the National Capital Area Chapter Board- GWU Student Representative May 2024-May 2025 Published an academic article on Housing Disparities through AAAED 2024 Member of Urban Studies Student Association at the University of California, Irvine 2019-2022 Sustainability Urban Planning Student Organization- Vice President May 2024- May 2025 American Planning Association for the National Capital Area Chapter Board- GWU Student Representative May 2024-May 2025 Published an academic article on Housing Disparities through AAAED 2024 Member of Urban Studies Student Association at the University of California, Irvine 2019-2022
Languages
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Instructional Assistant
KIPP DC KEY ACADEMY
12.2025 - Current
Environmental Planner
Avanti Corporation
04.2024 - 07.2025
Graduate Scholar
University of Maryland School of Public Health Applied Environmental Health
01.2024 - 06.2024
AmeriCorps Member
AmeriCorps- Change-ist LA
08.2022 - 06.2023
Research Assistant
University of California Irvine Department of Criminology, Law & Society
08.2022 - 12.2022
L.E.A.D. Fund Intern
American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity 501c6
09.2021 - 03.2023
Office Associate
State Farm | Office of Nicole Vuong
01.2020 - 04.2020
Ticket Staff
University of California Irvine | Bren Events Center
08.2018 - 12.2022
Community Organizer/ Subdivision Leader
New Community Project 501 c3
08.2017 - 06.2018
B.A. - Urban Studies, Criminology, Law & Society
University of California, Irvine
M.A. - Sustainable Urban Planning
George Washington University