Yousif Ibrahim
Portland
Summary
Professional focus on communications, public engagement, and community-centered outreach within government, higher education, and public service environments. Work centers on translating complex information into clear, accessible messaging, supporting public awareness initiatives, and strengthening connections between institutions and the communities they serve. Emphasis on strategic communication, stakeholder collaboration, and media-driven engagement to improve public understanding, participation, and access to resources.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager - Cultural Resource Centers
Portland State University
Portland
07.2025 - Current
- As the Program Manager for Portland State University's Cultural Resource Centers, I oversee the Pan African Commons and support the broader network of four identity-based centers dedicated to fostering student belonging, cultural expression, and community engagement.
- Managed center operations, budgets, and financial planning, ensuring sustainability of programming and effective resource allocation.
- Build partnerships between the Pan African Commons and local nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community leaders to celebrate the African diaspora and create spaces of connection, joy, and shared identity.
- Oversaw event planning and programming that uplifted Black and Pan-African voices, fostering cross-cultural understanding on campus.
- Lead recruitment, hiring, and professional development for a diverse team of student employees, including Operations, Events, and Media Specialists.
- Coordinated administrative support, communications, and collaborative initiatives across centers, strengthening community connections.
- Developed an inclusive, student-centered environment through mentorship and leadership initiatives.
- My work centers on advancing equity, belonging, and student empowerment through intentional programming, resource management, and authentic community partnership.
Policy Intern
State of Oregon
Salem
05.2025 - 07.2025
- As one of two interns selected to serve in the Office of Governor Tina Kotek, I worked directly with senior policy advisors and cross-agency teams on projects addressing statewide issues in housing, technology, and food security.
- Key Projects & Contributions:
- Housing & Houselessness: Developed centralized 'mothership' website consolidating statewide resources for unhoused individuals, incorporating interactive map linking users to shelters, food access points, and essential services.
- Technology & Innovation: Researched the integration of AI tools within Oregon's government operations, including potential applications across departments such as DHS to improve accessibility and efficiency.
- Food Access Mapping: Analyzed regions statewide impacted by federal cuts to food banks and school meal programs; contributed to development of state-led initiatives to address these impacts.
- Policy Research: Assisted advisors with projects involving boards, commissions, and policy development, enhancing overall project outcomes.
- Throughout the internship, I regularly met with policy advisors and engaged in direct discussions with them regarding emerging statewide priorities. This experience deepened my understanding of the relationship between law, governance, and public service and strengthened my commitment to pursuing equitable, data-informed policymaking.
Audor's Office Intern
City of Portland
Portland
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Promoted transparent and accountable governance within Portland City Auditor's Office.
- My work was concentrated on the city's transition to ranked-choice voting, a significant change that will shape Portland's future elections.
- Executed community outreach and collaborated with election officials to ensure smooth transition to ranked-choice voting.
- Educated the public about the newly established voting districts and the ranked-choice voting system ahead of the 2024 elections.
- This involves conducting facilitating public access to government information, and ensuring a more informed electorate.
- A core principle of my work was applying a racial equity lens to every task I undertake.
- By doing so, I strive to empower historically underserved communities, ensuring they have the tools and information needed to fully participate in the electoral process.
- I'm deeply committed to fostering civic engagement that is not only inclusive but also accessible to all residents, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- By focusing on non-partisan, equitable decision-making, I'm passionate about strengthening Portland's democracy.
Student Body President
Portland State University
Portland
05.2023 - 06.2024
- As the Student Body President at Portland State University, I have taken on the responsibility of being the primary advocate for our student body, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
- Led the student body as president, advocating for student needs and fostering community engagement.
- My role involves working closely with both students and university administration to foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment.
- Led initiatives and facilitated meetings while navigating socio-political climate on campus, focusing on representing diverse perspectives within community.
- One of my proudest accomplishments has been fostering an environment of trust among student government and the student body as a whole, ensuring open dialogue and collaboration.
- Supported and initiated a resolution to increase resources for out-of-state and international students, advocating for their unique challenges.
- Reconstructed the student government structure to better serve the evolving campus.
- Spearheaded a joint initiative with university administration to create scholarships for those affected by genocide in Gaza, providing hope and opportunity.
- Beyond these initiatives, I have also signed off on developing curricula that focus on the history of anti-Islamophobia and anti-Judaism, aiming to promote understanding and combat prejudice both on and off campus.
Clerk
Yunus M. Paisner, Attorney PC
Beaverton
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Assisted the attorney in legal work, translated and interpreted for Arabic-speaking clients, scheduled consultations, filled out client documentation, re-stocked office supplies, and answered phone calls.
- Managed client correspondence and scheduled appointments for legal consultations.
- Organized and maintained case files, ensuring all documents were accessible.
- Prepared legal documents and filings for court submissions and attorney review.
Sales/Rental Associate
Avis Budget Group
Portland
09.2021 - 10.2022
- Executed rental sales, completed checkouts for rented cars, sanitized returned rentals, and sold rental insurance.
Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee Member
Metro
Portland
11.2019 - 11.2021
- TPAC reviews regional plans and federally funded transportation projects, and advises area leaders on transportation investment priorities and policies related to transportation.
- Such efforts include curbing greenhouse gas emissions and creating communities with easy access to public transit.
- The committee also helps identify needs and opportunities for involving the public in transportation matters.
Youth Program Coordinator
Momentum Alliance
Portland
12.2018 - 11.2021
- Attended and coordinated workshops that addressed low income housing, as well as unreasonable housing evictions.
Census 2020 Ambassador
U.S. Census Bureau
Beaverton
03.2020 - 12.2020
- By encouraging the historically under-counted population to participate in the census, I served as an advocate for my community.
- I was able to learn about the needs of my neighbors and any worries they may have about issues such as the census.
Young Leader In Action
WorldOregon
Portland
09.2019 - 06.2020
- WorldOregon is a community of globally minded individuals, schools, and businesses who understand that the world beyond our borders matters. Founded in 1950 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization, World Oregon plays a vital role in the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
Youth Conservation Corps
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Sherwood
06.2019 - 08.2019
- The United States Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young people in meaningful work experiences on national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries while developing an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility.
Education
Public Policy Analysis and Global Affairs -
Portland State University - Urban Honors College
06-2025
Skills
- Student Government
- Student Services
- Project Management
- Policy analysis
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Project coordination
- Budget management
- Inclusive leadership
- Public speaking
- Research skills
- Partnership development
- Team leadership
- Vendor sourcing
- Strategic direction
- OSHA compliance
- Interpersonal skills
- Community outreach
- Proposal development
- Data analysis
- Decision-making
- Quality control
- Strategic planning
- Attention to detail
Languages
Arabic, Native or Bilingual
Personal Information
Title: Program Manager - PSU Cultural Resource Centers | Honors B.A in International and Global Affairs at PSU
Timeline
Program Manager - Cultural Resource Centers
Portland State University
07.2025 - Current
Policy Intern
State of Oregon
05.2025 - 07.2025
Audor's Office Intern
City of Portland
06.2024 - 09.2024
Student Body President
Portland State University
05.2023 - 06.2024
Sales/Rental Associate
Avis Budget Group
09.2021 - 10.2022
Clerk
Yunus M. Paisner, Attorney PC
08.2021 - 03.2023
Census 2020 Ambassador
U.S. Census Bureau
03.2020 - 12.2020
Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee Member
Metro
11.2019 - 11.2021
Young Leader In Action
WorldOregon
09.2019 - 06.2020
Youth Conservation Corps
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
06.2019 - 08.2019
Youth Program Coordinator
Momentum Alliance
12.2018 - 11.2021
Public Policy Analysis and Global Affairs -
Portland State University - Urban Honors College