Tonya Somesh
Buena Park,CA
Summary
Humanitarian and community organizer specializing in restorative justice and youth empowerment. Proven experience in establishing school-community partnerships and coaching students in leadership along with conflict resolution. Skilled in curriculum development and public speaking, with a track record of promoting equity and inclusion for immigrant families and survivors of violence.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Organizer
South Asian Network
Artesia, California
01.2025 - Current
- Secured three-year Memorandum of Understanding with local School District for monthly workshops, youth programming, and family assistance.
- Founded SAPNA to assist immigrant families in navigating U.S. school systems and enhancing parent–school partnerships.
- Developed and facilitated workshops and curriculum for immigrant youth, incorporating restorative practices and cultural competency.
- Designed INSAAF Youth Academy, mentoring students in leadership development and community engagement.
- Coached youth in conflict resolution, promoting trauma-informed and restorative discipline approaches.
- Collaborated with educators and district partners to foster inclusive school culture and diversity awareness.
- Represented organization in media and community forums, advocating for immigrant rights and restorative justice issues.
Project Leader
Organization For Security And Cooperation In Europe
Vienna, Austria
11.2023 - 05.2024
- Facilitated international workshops on bias identification in artificial intelligence, engaging over 1,000 participants from five countries.
- Developed curriculum and training materials for minors, promoting critical thinking and equity awareness.
- Coordinated project teams across multiple time zones to enhance collaboration and program delivery.
- Secured funding and managed budgets with nonprofit stakeholders to support project initiatives.
- Presented detailed reports on project milestones and outcomes to funders and community partners.
Administrative Assistant and Legal Intern
Office of the Minister of State Social Welfare
07.2022 - 08.2022
- Managed legal complaints from LGBTQ+ community members, assisting them through legal processes to secure government protection.
- Mediated community grievances between marginalized populations and state agencies, advocating for inclusive policies and protection.
- Conducted onsite interviews with ostracized members of the LGBTQ+ community in India, identifying and documenting key issues.
- Assisted with administrative tasks within the Minister's Office, contributing to various legal and social welfare initiatives.
Educator and Office Administrator
Aloha Mind Math/Creative Aisle
05.2016 - 06.2022
- Taught an average class of 5-6 students between the ages of 4-16 Math, English, History and Science
- Adopted distinctive teaching methods, documented lessons, organized group discussions and mentored students
- Managed all fiscal transactions of the school and prioritized school's fiscal needs based on approved budget
- Performed administrative responsibilities such as data entry, billing, record keeping and coordinating schedules
- Maintained cumulative files and reports for over 100 students.
Legal Intern
Orange County Public Defender's Office
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Performed client intake and interviews to spot legal issues for presentation at case acceptance
- Conducted legal research regarding criminal law which includes; family, drug and property issues
- Researched documents and publications for details that would establish evidence
Education
Master of Arts - Applied Human Rights
University of Applied Arts- Vienna
Vienna, Austria10-2024
Bachelors Degree - Liberal Arts And General Studies
California State University
Fullerton, California06.2021
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Grassroots organizing
- Documentation and Report writing
- Graphic design skills
- Community engagement
- Curriculum development
- Public speaking
- Cultural competency
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Community Organizer
South Asian Network
01.2025 - Current
Project Leader
Organization For Security And Cooperation In Europe
11.2023 - 05.2024
Administrative Assistant and Legal Intern
Office of the Minister of State Social Welfare
07.2022 - 08.2022
Legal Intern
Orange County Public Defender's Office
12.2019 - 03.2020
Educator and Office Administrator
Aloha Mind Math/Creative Aisle
05.2016 - 06.2022
Master of Arts - Applied Human Rights
University of Applied Arts- Vienna
Bachelors Degree - Liberal Arts And General Studies
California State University
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