Summary
Overview
Education
Work History
Timeline
Skills
Certification
Software
Websites
THOMPSON K. KESSE

THOMPSON K. KESSE

Chicago,IL

Summary

I’m a first-generation college student and finance major who refuses to stay in one lane. I’ve explored projects in business, technology, and healthcare because I believe impactful leaders connect ideas across industries. My journey hasn’t been easy. I transferred schools twice due to unforeseen circumstances, faced obstacles head-on, and built a strong work ethic that pushes me to keep going even when the path isn’t clear. I take initiative, seek challenges, and aim to inspire others by showing that persistence and resilience pay off. I’m looking for opportunities where I can blend my experience with real-world impact; projects that challenges me, let me add value, and help me grow into a well-rounded professional.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Education

Bachelor of Science - Finance

University of Illinois Chicago
08.2024 - Current
  • Expected December 2026
  • Organizations: BELA, CHANCE, & BSIB
  • Relevant Coursework: Finance, Marketing, Management, Business Administration

Associate of Arts - Finance

City Colleges of Chicago - Richard Daley College
06.2023 - 07.2025
  • Dean's List: Fall 2023

Work History

HIV Prevention Fellow

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
02.2025 - Current
  • Train to teach marginalized communities in HIV prevention, sex education, and wellness strategies to conduct targeted sexual health education, outreach HIV testing, and linkage services within local community programs

Programming Associate

NBA - Chicago Bulls
Chicago, Illinois
06.2025 - 08.2025
  • Coordinate on-site logistics for Youth Hoops programs, including event setup, check-in, and equipment distribution
  • Support day-to-day operations with inventory tracking, data entry, and preparation of program materials
  • Ensure smooth and timely execution of events in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Specialist & Certified Trainer

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Oak Lawn, Illinois
03.2021 - 01.2025
  • Deliver outstanding customer service as a cashier, fry cook, and in the drive-thru in a high-volume environment
  • Train and lead over 50 Crew Members while fostering a strong team culture

Intern

Illinois Youth Investment Program
Chicago, Illinois
07.2023 - 08.2024
  • Led and mentor youth from various socioeconomic backgrounds in the sport of football.
  • Represented IYIP in collaborative outreach events with local organizations to support the community.

Election Judge

Board of Election Commissioners
Chicago, Illinois
11.2020 - 03.2024
  • Provided administrative support in the election polls. Duties include greeting, directing, and instructing voters on tasks, ensuring the accuracy and security of election materials, separating ballots, and maintaining ESC equipment.

Volunteer

Greater Chicago Food Depository
Chicago, Illinois
11.2020 - 05.2022
  • Help pack over 10,000 meals for families facing food insecurity locally and globally.

Timeline

Programming Associate - NBA - Chicago Bulls
06.2025 - 08.2025
HIV Prevention Fellow - Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
02.2025 - Current
University of Illinois Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Finance
08.2024 - Current
Intern - Illinois Youth Investment Program
07.2023 - 08.2024
City Colleges of Chicago - Richard Daley College - Associate of Arts, Finance
06.2023 - 07.2025
Specialist & Certified Trainer - Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
03.2021 - 01.2025
Election Judge - Board of Election Commissioners
11.2020 - 03.2024
Volunteer - Greater Chicago Food Depository
11.2020 - 05.2022

Skills

  • Microsoft Word
  • Excel
  • Powerpoint
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • After Effects
  • Photoshop
  • Video Production and Editing
  • Data Analysis
  • Financial & Technological Literacy
  • Basic Auto Maintenance & Diagnostics
  • Amateur Computer Troubleshooting
  • Customer Service
  • Food Service
  • Delivery Driving
  • Marketing
  • Planning & Logistics
  • Writing & Documentation
  • Calm & Composed
  • Consistent & Reliable
  • Organization
  • Takes Initiative
  • Eager to Learn & Grow
  • Critical Thinker

Certification

Red Cross CPR/AED Certified - June 2025

Software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Powerpoint

Google Docs

Google Slides

Google Sheets

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Premiere Pro

IOS Operating System

Windows Operating System