Shakir Ali

Awarded scholarship through the National Security Education Program (NSEP) to gain experience with skills required to work with federal government agencies. This specifically includes the ability to conduct open-source research to issues of National Security interest, exercise news analysis, and practice professional oral and written communications.

EHLS Program Scholar - National Security Education Program (NSEP)

(2024)

Awarded scholarship through the National Security Education Program (NSEP) to gain experience with skills required to work with federal government agencies. This specifically includes the ability to conduct open-source research to issues of National Security interest, exercise news analysis, and practice professional oral and written communications.

• Conducted research on a topic of national security importance for the Open-Source Analysis Project (OSAP), the capstone project of the EHLS program, under the guidance of a mentor from the USCIS
• Findings from research on ISIS Presence and Governance in Iraq's Multi-ethnic Communities were presented at a formal symposium at Georgetown University in June 2023
• Research involves transcription from Arabic and Kurdish texts

Substitute Teacher (general studies) - Newcomer Academy - Louisville, KY

(2021 - 2023)

• Translated flyers, brochures, and instructions for Arabic Students
• Coordinated communications with families

Cultural Consultant - Bellarmine University - Louisville, KY

(2016 - 2016)

• Translated, reviewed, and edited Handbook for Immigrant Newcomers to adjust for cultural relevance and sensitivity
• Co-presented at a university exhibition

Interpreter of Arabic, Kurdish, and English - Catholic Charities - Louisville, KY

(2014 - 2023)

Interpreted for Arabic and Kurdish speakers at hospitals, clinics, and schools

Instructor - Duhok Polytechnic University - Iraq

(2012 - 2013)

Taught English Grammar and Business English to post-secondary students

General Manager, Retail - Jabbar Company - Qayarah, Iraq

(2005 - 2010)

• Managed accounts and financial records for two forward Operating Base retail outlets
• Provided services, retail items, and materials to the U.S. Army and Coalition Forces
• Monitored $10+ m contracts with the U.S. Army for materials and goods

Interpreter and Liaison Officer in the Contingency Contracting Office - U.S. Army (with Titan Co.) - Mosul, Iraq

(2003 - 2005)

• Translated English, Kurdish, and Arabic documents
• Managed appointments and translated Scope of Works Transcripts from English to Arabic for local vendors
• Served as a translator of Arabic and Kurdish invoices for the US Army in the Contracting Office to ensure translation accuracy
• Coordinated between local vendors and Army units
• Coordinated more than $200m in contracts awarded to Iraqi vendors

Retailer - Family-owned shops - Mosul, Iraq

(1994 - 2003)

Two shops in beauty and clothes. Purchased products at wholesale prices to sell

English Teacher - Alhurry High School - Kirkuk, Iraq

(1991 - 1993)

Taught English to high school students. This entailed a level of translation and interpretation for effective teaching.

PhD - Education and Social Change - Bellarmine University (2015 - 2020)

Education and Social Change - Bellarmine University (2021 - 2021)

Master of Arts - English Philology - Voronezh University (2008 - 2010)

Bachelor of Arts - English - Salahaddin University (1986 - 1990)