Resume

Imani Jean-Gilles

imanijeangilles@gmail.com

 Technological Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro X, and Hootsuite for productivity, design, video editing, and social media management.

Legal & Professional Skills: Client and Community Advocacy, Cross-Cultural Communication, Legal Translation (Haitian Creole),DEI Facilitation and Training, Public Speaking and Workshop Development, Research and Policy Outreach

Language Proficiency: Fluent in English and Haitian Creole; conversational in French; beginner level in Arabic and Hiwatahia Taino

Honors & Fellowships:

Community Leadership Program (CLP)– CLP 33 Cohort Essential -Fellow 2024-2025

Rose PanAfrican Residency- Writer’s Immersion Resident-Dakar Senegal 2025

Liberating Language Pop-Up Museum (NYU)- Showcased Artwork- April 2025

Colgate University Writers Conference-Poetry Workshop- June 2025

Education: 

University of Connecticut —Storrs, CT BA: Journalism   

Sacred Heart University- MA: Film, Television & Media

Nou La Nou Pare  (We’re Here We’re Ready)

Founded Aug 2020/ Launched Operations 2024- Current

Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director

  • Nou La, Nou Pare is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving and sharing Haitian culture and history through a research database and independent media platform.
  • Co-launched a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Haitian culture and history through a research database and independent media platform.
  • Develop and publish culturally rich content that fosters awareness and appreciation of Ayisyen (Haitian) heritage among the diaspora and broader communities.
  • Forge partnerships with academic institutions like Southern Connecticut State University’s Integrated Justice & Social Change Collaborative to advance the organization’s mission

Hiwatahia Taino (Revitalized Language Learning)-Participant/ Teacher Assistant- Wuru Taino – 2023-Current

  • Participant of the Language Revitalization Program (learning Taino language that was once spoken by the Arawak population that dominated the Caribbean pre-colonization)
  • Develop and teach lesson plans to small groups of participants once a month

I.R.I.S (Integrated Refugees & Immigrant Services -New Haven, CT June 2021- May 2024

Manager of Youth Services & Education Advocacy (M.Y.S.E.A.)

  • Professionally trained in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Restorative Justice, implementing these principles across all youth programs to foster inclusivity and equity.
  • Directed the Summer Learning Program (SLP), providing school readiness to 100 recently arrived students with limited English proficiency, ensuring measurable progress in language and academic skills.
  • Coordinated and led In-School Tutoring and Summer Learning Programs, managing program logistics and ensuring alignment with educational goals.
  • Recruited, interviewed, and assigned teachers, volunteers, and interns to key roles within the SLP, maximizing program efficiency and student outcomes.
  • Facilitated a Creative Writing/Storytelling Club in After School Programs, empowering students to express themselves and build language skills.
  • Built and maintained relationships with new community partners to expand program capacity and resources locally.
  • Assisted in the Youth Group Career & College Readiness Program, guiding high school students, including current and former clients, on their paths to higher education and career opportunities.
  • Designed and implemented strategies to train and supervise interns and volunteers throughout the year, fostering a supportive and impactful learning environment.
  • Interviewed and placed volunteers in various schools across the Greater New Haven Area for the In-School Tutoring Program, enhancing support for refugee and immigrant students.
  • Worked with diverse populations, including refugees, asylees, SIVs, APAs, and undocumented clients, demonstrating cultural competency and advocacy for all students regardless of background.

Independent Video Editor -Bridgeport, CT  August 2020-Current 

  • Working simultaneously with Non-Profit Organizations and small businesses to create social media content and videos. 
  • Prioritized tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
  • Build relationships with the community to promote long term growth.
  • Manage and create project deadlines and monitored milestones through the completion stage.
  • Researched clients’ business issues and goals to offer appropriate solutions.

CCCS Refugee Resettlement – New York City, New York

August 2019- August 2020

Community Engagement Coordinator (AmeriCorps Vista Member)

  • Implement effective volunteer management strategies to positively impact volunteer and intern programs.
  • Conduct outreach with members of the community, community partners, faith-based organizations, schools, agencies, civic groups, etc. in coordination with CCCS’ Volunteer Services Department to promote volunteer opportunities and advocate for issues concerning refugees and asylees. Recruit, screen, and track volunteer hours in conjunction with CCCS Volunteer Services Department.
  • Train and supervise office interns and volunteers throughout the year.
  • Oversees Communications Intern who edits photographs for social media. 

Curated and hosted Virtual World Refugee Day Festival which accrued over 2.5k viewers

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