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:

  • SWNA Technology Task Force: Leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide, I sat on the Technology Task Force for the SW Neighborhood Association (SWNA) with the aim of dramatically improving the quality of life for residents of Southwest and near-Southeast DC. SWNA plays a crucial role in collecting and supplying refurbished computers to families and students and during my time there we ensured that over 30 senior citizens and over 120 students and families, those most in need have access to essential technology, enabling them to thrive in today’s digital society.
  • SWNA Transportation Task Force: My involvement with the Transportation Task Force was centered around collaborating closely with community members, public officials, and key stakeholders in Southwest (SW) DC to address pressing transportation issues that significantly impact residents’ quality of life. Through diligent analysis and effective communication, we identified critical concerns such as accessibility, safety, and efficiency within the SW transportation network. Our efforts led to an enhanced dialogue between the community and decision-makers, ensuring that the voices of SW residents were heard and considered in the planning and implementation of transportation projects. This initiative not only informed the community about ongoing transportation challenges but also played a crucial role in the development of solutions, thereby improving overall connectivity and accessibility within SW DC.
  • Amidon-Bowen Elementary School PTA and Local School Advisory Team: My commitment to fostering progressive change is deeply rooted in my contributions to educational resources within the community, particularly through my involvement with Amidon-Bowen Elementary School. With a focus on increasing funding, I led the advisory team and a group of parents from the PTA to a DCPS Public Budgetry Hearing to testify to Superintendent Dr. Lewis Farabee. As a result. our passionate requests for additional funding for the school year to ensure that we could complete a few capital improvement projects and essential improvements that directly benefited students’ learning environments and overall academic experience..
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

 

Graduation Date

May 4, 2009

School

Northeastern University

Degree

Masters of Science in International Relations

Graduation Date

December 14, 2018