Tessa Grimes
Riverton,NJ
Summary
Versatile professional with a rich blend of experiences in criminology, community building, and animal care. Proven ability to analyze data, facilitate effective communication, and manage projects that enhance community engagement and ethical standards within various settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Care
House/Pet-Sitting
Current - Current
- Cared for pets over multiple days/nights in client's home, ensuring pets were fed, clean, and comfortable
- Updated owner daily and organized the home prior to their return
- Operated a self-employed business providing pet care services in client's homes.
CCJ Major Ambassador
University of Rhode Island
09.2026 - 09.2027
- Promoted the CCJ program to prospective students and families, facilitating connections with faculty, alumni, and current students.
- Acted as a peer resource for criminology and criminal justice majors, providing guidance on academic and career opportunities.
- Supported community-building initiatives for department, including welcome days and URI admissions events, fostering connections among students and faculty
Investigative Intern
Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
09.2026 - 12.2026
- Utilized knowledge of state and federal anti-discrimination law and statistical analysis to facilitate fair case resolutions.
- Analyzed case evidence to formulate merit-based recommendations for Commissioner rulings.
- Supported commission investigators by drafting evidence requests and conducting witness interviews for discrimination case investigations.
For Our Future Fellow
American Promise
09.2026 - 12.2026
- Chosen for the inaugural cohort of a two-semester fellowship focused on grassroots organizing and advocacy for constitutional campaign finance reform.
- Developed skills in issue advocacy, political organizing, and civic engagement to advance For Our Freedom Amendment, a cross-partisan initiative to regulate political spending
- Collaborated with national network of student fellows, advisors, and movement leaders to strategize and enhance outreach efforts
Research Fellow
John Hazen White Ethics Commission Fellowship
06.2026 - 08.2026
- Attended Commission meetings to gain insights into ethics enforcement and government accountability.
- Compiled advisory opinion digests and summarized Commission decisions to enhance accessibility of key information.
- Supported staff in recusal matters and conducted ethics compliance research, contributing to informed decision-making.
Hostess
The Chanler Hotel
Newport, RI
10.2025 - 05.2026
- Operated a 5-star hotel and restaurant, providing exceptional dining experiences for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Supported servers by bussing tables and preparing setups for private events, contributing to seamless guest experiences.
- Answered phones and delivered room service, ensuring maintenance of hotel's luxury image and guest satisfaction.
Specialist (Feather and Fur Program)
Liberty Lake Day Camp
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Managed "Feather and Fur" activity, ensuring daily care and feeding of goats and chickens over six days each week.
- Educated children about animals through engaging crafts and hands-on activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
- Led a top-rated camp in the US that provided inclusive programs for children ages 4-14 with diverse needs.
Sales Associate
Jan's Boutique
01.2023 - 02.2023
- Delivered exceptional customer service at largest dress boutique in NJ, DE, and PA, enhancing customer experience.
- Guided customer in selecting ideal prom dress, ensuring satisfaction with purchase.
- Supported customers by handling designer prom dresses, providing fitting assistance, and recommending accessories
Education
true - Political Science and Criminology, with a minor in Spanish
U.R. I
Rhode Island01-2026
GED - Burlington, NJ
Doane Academy
Burlington, NJ05-2023
Skills
- Research methodologies
- Data analysis
- Analytical reporting
- Ethics research
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Creative problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Bilingual communication
Certification
Mental Health First Aid, National Council for MHFA, Received 11/13/24, Expires 2027, Excel, Excel Exercises, Proficiency, Received 10/17/25, I.R.B, Citi Program, RCR for Social/Behavior/Education, Basic Human Subject Research
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English, Spanish
Accomplishments
- URI Presidential Scholarship
- College of Arts and Sciences
- 2023-2026
- URI Dean's List
- 2024-2026
- URI President's List
- 2026
EXTRACURRICULARS
- Soccer
- High-School Team Captain, club player at URI
- Kindness Club
- High-School member and event organizer
- Tea Club
- Founder and owner throughout high-school
- QSA (Queer-Straight Alliance)
- At Home Animal Care
- 34 Pets at Home
- Flag Club
- Member in high school
- Horseback Riding
- Student as well as assisted in riding lessons
- URI Best Buddies
- Member
- URI Neuroscience Club
Timeline
CCJ Major Ambassador
University of Rhode Island
09.2026 - 09.2027
Investigative Intern
Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
09.2026 - 12.2026
For Our Future Fellow
American Promise
09.2026 - 12.2026
Research Fellow
John Hazen White Ethics Commission Fellowship
06.2026 - 08.2026
Hostess
The Chanler Hotel
10.2025 - 05.2026
Specialist (Feather and Fur Program)
Liberty Lake Day Camp
06.2025 - 08.2025
Sales Associate
Jan's Boutique
01.2023 - 02.2023
Animal Care
House/Pet-Sitting
Current - Current
true - Political Science and Criminology, with a minor in Spanish
U.R. I
GED - Burlington, NJ
Doane Academy