Neo Morake
Basic Info
First Name | Neo |
Last Name | Morake |
Username | NeoM. |
Progressive Profile
Tagline | Strategic communications professional with over a decade of professional work experience, including 4 years specializing in communications, possessing an extensive record of supporting public and private sector clients in using data and innovative storytelling to develop engaging campaigns. |
Bio | From my earliest memories, my values have been deeply influenced by the legacy of progressivism within my family. A foundational aspect of this influence was my grandmother’s friendship with Mrs. Brown, who is Dr. Reverend Jesse Jackson’s mother-in-law. This connection gifted me countless hours of absorbing stories from civil rights movements, shared by these formidable women, about the distinguished visitors to Reverend Jackson and their impactful work with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. These narratives didn’t just entertain; they instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and dedication to advancing progressive causes—a commitment that has defined my life’s work. Spurred by my father’s community service through our local Lutheran Church, I was propelled into community activism and outreach. I took part in numerous volunteer efforts, including organizing drives for food, clothing, and school supplies, providing childcare during community events, and assisting in meal preparations for holiday festivities. My resolve to make a difference only grew stronger in the face of adversity; during my freshman year of college, as Hurricane Katrina ravaged parts of New Orleans, I led student groups from campus in coordination with the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana to participate in the rebuilding efforts in the most affected areas. Pursuing a political science degree further honed my advocacy skills—during which I served as the Student Government Association President, championing progressive policies. These included advocating for more comprehensive contraception options on campus, diversifying the range of guest speakers and artists, and ensuring equitable funding and representation for student groups. My activism didn’t cease with graduation; it followed me across the United States, from Portland, OR to Washington, DC, as I continued to engage with and contribute to each community I became a part of. This lifelong dedication to progressive action and inclusive community engagement forms the bedrock of my candidacy. I offer not just a resume of accomplishments, but a testament to a life lived in pursuit of justice, equality, and the betterment of society at large. |
Impact | In the last five years, I have been heavily involved in a number of progressive community organization initiatives to better the lives of my community members:
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Mission | My penultimate dream is to become an elected official’s chief of staff. I want to contribute to a movement that not only challenges the status quo but also provides a concrete, positive vision for the future. By utilizing my experience in strategic planning and community engagement, I aim to build platforms that amplify emerging voices and empower leaders who represent the true diversity of our society. Ultimately, it’s about creating an ecosystem that nurtures progressive ideals and fosters leadership that can enact real change. In the rapidly changing landscape of political advocacy and campaigning, I want to lead the charge in employing innovative, digital-first strategies that resonate with a broader voter base. I aim to improve my data analytics skills not only to run more effective campaigns but also to use the data to better understand and address the concerns of constituents. |
Work History
Employer | VOX Global |
Occupation | Senior Account Executive |
Employer | Fisher College |
Occupation | Senior Financial Aid Counselor |
Education
School | Grinnell College |
Degree | Bachelor's of Science in Political Science |
Honors and Achievements | Student Government Association, President; Grinnell Student Resident Assistant, POSSE Scholar, Grinnell Softball Team Manager, Black Student Union Secretary
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Graduation Date | May 4, 2009 |
School | Northeastern University |
Degree | Masters of Science in International Relations |
Graduation Date | December 14, 2018 |