Attn: Director of Human Resources;
I have invested my time heavily on working in humanitarian law and
policy/research analysis, regarding both domestic and international issues. I am
comfortable working in nearly any professional setting that alleviates the difficulties of
the vulnerable and impoverished. Although I have a particular inclination to supporting
the rights of women and children, I certainly do not limit my willingness to contribute to
other cohorts in need by any means.
In the past I have worked with the homeless; victims of human trafficking;
children with disabilities; high school and college students, LGBTQ youth, war veterans;
the elderly; and victims of sexual assault. I have experience in case management;
individual and group work; emergency on-call advocacy; research; report and grant
writing; fundraising and development; as well as economics and law. I am punctual,
meticulous with my work, able to work in a group and on my own, and I am
comfortable traveling as well as public speaking.
Approximately three months ago, I compiled a policy analysis on Arizona SB
1070 regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, family separation, and
deportation on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. I developed an understanding of the
myriad of issues affecting immigrants today, as well as the past. Additionally, a
significant part of my experience rests on my familiarity with the criminal and family
court system in New York State, as well as other states in the nation. It has been through
Columbia University that I acquired the opportunity to work closely with Honorable
Judge Toko Serita as her intern in Prostitution Diversion Court in Queens County
Criminal Court. I evaluated New York City non-governmental organizations working
with the court to strengthen the working relationship between the two entities and
achieve therapeutic jurisprudence.
I also completed a policy analysis regarding the housing crisis in New York in
2008, and the repercussions in past years that have lead to increasing homeless rates and
tenant evictions. The core of this paper examines property rights in conjunction with
human rights and how there are enough vacant lots and buildings in New York City to
house everyone who is homeless today (living in shelters or on the street). By taking a
look at New York’s property laws, or lack thereof, I Have essentially began a
conversation concerning possible mechanisms to eradicate the culture of homelessness. I
found it important to understand the culture of homelessness as it is extremely diverse
and intricate, but also to realize that with a few changes in law or policy, we can see that
not every culture needs to be preserved.
During my internship with End Child Pornography and Trafficking (ECPAT-
USA), I analyzed the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth law for New York State,
as well as other versions of the law throughout the nation. The analysis was an
accumulation of demographics, a legal breakdown on the state, federal, and
international levels, and explained gaps in the law for New York State. I concluded the
evaluative report by providing suggestions moving forward, which factored in the
recently appropriated funds from Congress for sexually exploited youth. Both a writing
sample for my analysis on immigration and human trafficking policies can be provided.
I am a natural problem-solver, motivated by all I have learned in my academic
and professional careers. In review of my resume, you will note my contribution and
experience. What it cannot illustrate, however, is the degree of dedication,
resourcefulness, and professionalism that I can offer to your organization. A personal
conversation will enable us to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your
division. I do hope to pursue this relationship with you in the near future. I thank you
for your time.
Regards,
Chloe Svolakos, MSW
*********@*****.***
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Chloe Svolakos
361 95th Street Apartment 2A
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11209
*********@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Columbia University, Office of Development and Alumni Relations June 2012 - August 2012
Full-Time Fundraising and Development
Individually increased capital gains by raising funds from 2,000 Columbia University Alumni donors.
•
Assumed responsibility in creating powerful, compelling written and oral communications for fundraising.
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Consulted by Director to assist in future planning regarding new hires and efficient development projects.
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Partnered with Director and Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations to acquire new donors,
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establish funding targets, and new approaches for active donors.
End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT-USA) September 2011 - May 2012
Part-Time Social Work Policy Intern
Produced an evaluative report detailing legal and policy gaps in NYS Safe Harbor Act for Sexually Exploited
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Children 2008, and offered solutions based on previous experience with rape-crisis advocacy.
Conducted data analysis of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of LGBTQ and Runaway Homeless Youth (RHY) in
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New York and assisted in coding for the publication of ECPAT-USA report.
Prepared testimony for the New York City Council Hearing on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
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(CSEC) to enhance coalition building within the non-profit organization and legislator spectrum.
Created a training curriculum to work with CSEC Youth Committee at Prospect Heights High School.
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New York City Criminal Court, Queens County May 2011 - September 2011
Summer Research Intern to Hon. Judge Toko Serita, Prostitution Diversion Court
Utilized Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel to organize and manipulate
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aggregate data for Penal Law 230.00 and Penal Law 240.37 offenses from years 2005-2011.
Illustrated graphical representations of data for publication in “2010 NYC Human Trafficking Report.”
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Created standardized needs-based questionnaires to empirically assess court mandated programs.
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Identified needs of victims/defendants and the Specialized Court for improved program implementation.
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Specifically tailored information database for Prostitution Diversion Court to enrich record keeping.
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Queens Community House Senior Center, Rego Park September 2010 - May 2011
Part-Time Social Work Intern
Advocated for elder rights alongside Program Director during meetings held by Department for the Aging
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(DAFTA) by contributing input regarding the effects of newly passed legislation, policies and budget cuts.
Assisted elderly clients by resolving issues with Medicaid, Food Stamps, Social Security Income, and housing.
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Established two new afternoon classes available for elderly clientele and sustained one pre-existing class when
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consulted by Program Director to provide innovative ideas for cost-efficient programming.
Project Happy, Hunter College Activity Program for Parents and Youth June 2010 - August 2010
Volunteer Summer Teacher and Coordinator
Improved significantly the physical health, social skills, and self-confidence of marginalized disabled youth.
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Advocated for, and provided awareness of, the needs of urban children and young adults who have disabilities
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by coordinating a public dance performance with three dance and yoga classes from the program.
Engaged with children and young adults as a dance and yoga instructor for three summer classes to enhance
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blood circulation, flexibility, attention, memory, and self-esteem in attending students.
Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Langone Medical Center November 2009 - September 2011
Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate
Mediated police questioning between victims and law enforcement by providing informational resources.
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Reported feedback for future program implementation and hospital protocol.
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Collaborated with Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) examiner to expedite Emergency Room visits, Crime-
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Victim Units, hospital residents, detectives, and survivors from all walks of life.
Adelphi University, Garden City Campus September 2009 - December 2009
Part-Time Teachers Assistant
Facilitated three separate undergraduate psychology classes seven times a semester to enhance participation
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and preparation for undergraduate studies.
Utilized Motivational Interviewing techniques to establish strong rapport with incoming freshmen students and
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prevent attrition in student cohort.
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John Jay College of Criminal Justice CUNY September 2006 - December 2008
Student Research Assistant
Assisted on research regarding “Racial and Gender Bias in Juror Decision Making.”
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Prepared status updates for comprehensive evaluations during research team meetings.
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Collected informed consent through verbal and written means from research participants.
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Presented and proctored questionnaires for participants, and debriefed research participants.
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Input data into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for transformation and manipulation.
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Presented research findings with team during John Jay College conference.
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ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Columbia University School of Social Work
Master of Science in Social Work; May 2012
Concentration in International Social Welfare Policy
Relevant Coursework: Social Work Research Methods; Legal Foundations; Constitutional Law; Policy
Practice I, II, and III; International Social Welfare Services; Economics for International Affairs:
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
Minor in Law, Columbia University School of Law
Relevant Coursework: International Human Rights Advocacy Seminar;
Human Rights and the Question of Culture
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology; December 2008
LANGUAGES
English – Fluent; Greek – Intermediate; Spanish – Basic
MEMBERSHIPS
International Social Welfare Caucus, Columbia University Member Since 2011
•
Criminal Justice Caucus, Columbia University Member Since 2010
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TRAININGS
Attended workshop at CUSSW for Grant Writing.
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CLE Credit - Defending Prostitution Cases: Best Practices for Identifying Victims of Trafficking in Criminal Court.
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Attended Queens Community House workshops to become better equipped to work with elderly clientele.
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Completed three month training to work in Emergency Room of Bellevue and NYU Hospitals.
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SKILLS
Quickbooks
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SPSS, ECXEL, GBV-IMS
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Microsoft Office
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Power Point, Photoshop CS5
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