Wondemneh A. Pawlose

Strategic Innovator & Collaborative Problem-Solver | Driving Impact through International Development, Human Rights, and Social Change

Skills & Expertise

Education

Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver - Denver, CO
Master of Arts Candidate in International Development

Goucher College - Baltimore, MD
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations; Cum Laude

Work Experience

Freedom House - Washington, DC
Senior Program Associate  - August 2022 – Present

• Spearheaded the execution of program activities within the regional portfolio, meticulously documenting program results to ensure accountability and impact assessment.

• Played a key role in preparing program deliverables, including comprehensive work plans, quarterly/annual reports, and various program materials, contributing to program success.

• Assumed responsibility for financial management, which includes maintaining meticulous program budget tracking systems, monitoring expenditures, processing payment requests, and delivering financial updates and reports.

• Drafted contracts for consultants and vendors, ensuring the establishment of clear and effective working relationships that support program objectives.

• Actively engaged in program-related research to inform decision-making and strategic planning.

• Organized and participate in events and meetings related to Freedom House programs or regional interests, taking detailed notes and reporting outcomes to the team

Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures - Denver, CO
Project Lead  - January 2022 – July 2022

• Assisted researchers and academics by offering valuable historical and academic contexts through literature reviews presented as annotated bibliographies and concise summaries

• Collaborated in co-authoring an essay for the European Union's annual directory of international organizations, focusing on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing my ability to contribute to authoritative publications

• Took on the responsibility of forming a comprehensive literature base and conducting rigorous information and data analysis for diverse projects in fields such as economy, poverty, health care, education, the environment, and international politics

• Fostered a supportive team dynamic by providing assistance to research aids, aiding them with their assignments, and managing weekly administrative tasks, ensuring smooth project operations.

• Analyzed, reviewed, and summarized scholarly papers to create a database of research focused on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in developing countries, specifically using the $1.9 poverty line, and its implications for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Conducted in-depth analysis, review, and summarization of scholarly papers to produce a comprehensive research database highlighting the economic, political, and developmental effects of COVID-19 in the Republic of Sudan.

Josef Korbel School of International Studies (University of Denver) - Denver, CO
Teaching and Technical Assistant (Emerging issues in Security) - September 2020 – June 2022

• Diligently prepared weekly lecture materials in advance of each class session, ensuring comprehensive coverage of course content and providing valuable input to enhance student engagement.

• Demonstrated proficiency in managing in-class technologies and Zoom calls, offering technical support to both faculty and students, contributing to the seamless execution of virtual and on-site learning experiences.

• Assumed the crucial task of grading student assignments, exams, and projects, providing constructive feedback to aid in their academic growth. Additionally, I offered valuable assistance to students by addressing their research questions and guiding them through the research process, fostering their intellectual development.

The Lelt Foundation - New York, NY
Board Member - August 2020 – Present   

• Collaborated on the planning and implementation of viable solutions to ensure educational and nutritional access for students at community centers in Addis Ababa and near Awassa. These efforts directly impacted the well-being and development of local youth and families during a challenging period.

• Worked diligently to provide economic assistance to parents of the students, contributing to the overall stability and financial resilience of families affected by the pandemic.

• Served as a bridge between the Addis Ababa and New York teams, facilitating seamless communication and coordination across various initiatives and fundraising activities. This role helped streamline operations and strengthen collaboration.

• Utilized my language skills to translate documents and audio/video materials from the Addis Ababa team and program recipients, ensuring clear and effective communication among stakeholders.

• Actively attended board meetings, contributing valuable insights and expertise during discussions related to budget review, operational strategies, and project updates

United Way for Greater Austin - Austin, TX
Corporate Account Manager - June 2019 – June 2020

• Formulated and executed strategies to cultivate and expand relationships with a portfolio of 29 companies, spanning global, national, and local entities. These efforts were aimed at enhancing financial support and collaborative partnershipsSustained and/or increased previous giving history from a portfolio of 29 global, national, and local companies

• Successfully maintained and, in many cases, increased the giving history of these 29 companies, ensuring ongoing financial commitment to United Way's anti-poverty initiatives

• Effectively communicated United Way's mission and acted as an ambassador for the organization's collective fight against poverty in the Austin community, raising awareness and garnering support.Worked on creating new approaches to corporate social responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Played a pivotal role in conceiving, creating, and implementing programs in collaboration with partner corporations. These programs enabled companies to identify and fulfill their social responsibility goals while actively engaging their teams in the fight against poverty in Austin, Texas

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively contributed to the development of innovative approaches to corporate social responsibility, aligning corporate efforts with community needs and demonstrating adaptability and resilience in challenging times

Goucher College Office of Residential Life - Baltimore, MD
Resident Assistant - August 2016 – May 2019      

• Assisted staff members with office administration and program coordination

• Conducted health checks on residents and campus closing walkthroughs

• Served as a point person to residents to go to if they need any help or support and during crisis situations

Goldbug Inc. - Denver, CO
Project Planning and Logistics Intern - June – August 2018

• Shadowed the production planning and supply chain logistics team, one of the largest U.S. distributors of children closing and accessories 

• Audited factory material and facility test results, and attended client meetings; revised and filed client information

• Audited customs paperwork, and created instructions for overseas factories about packaging and shipment

Senator Kirk Watson Campaign Academy - Austin, TX
Fundraising Manager - July 2016

• Coordinated various committees for fundraising events and led onsite coordination of the event

• Secured pledges by making fundraising calls to donors; started with a goal of $2,000 and finished with $26,000

• Hosted and emceed the event, welcoming and networking with guests to raise more money at the event

The Glimmer of Hope Foundation - Austin, TX
Operations Assistant - March – April 2015

• Created a comprehensive conversational Amharic (Ethiopian national language) document for donors visiting sites

• Revised budget documents from the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia office

• Translated and identified photographs from Ethiopian project sites for us in impact stories

Research Experience

Goucher College International Relations Department - Baltimore, MD          
Research Assistant- January – March 2019

• Contributed to research papers and supported supervising professor in collecting relevant material for a co-written paper in the international relations field

 Goucher College History Department  Baltimore, MD          
 Research Assistant -Jan - Feb 2017, Jan - May 2018

• Conducted Independent research using archived newspapers from the 17 and 1800s and wrote a descriptive summary of findings

• Managed data searching, analysis, and storage