Mark Otwori

Traveling and exploring different cultures have always been passions of mine, and I believe they align closely with my work in refugee resettlement. Engaging with individuals from various cultural backgrounds has deepened my appreciation for diversity and the nuances of different ways of life. Through my travels, I have gained firsthand experience of customs, traditions, and social norms, which is crucial in building trust and rapport with my clients, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This understanding allows me to connect with them on a more personal level, making my work as a caseworker more effective. Traveling has also enhanced my empathy and compassion. By immersing myself in different cultures, I have developed a greater understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in various contexts. This empathy is essential in my role, as I strive to support clients navigating the complexities of resettlement.

Additionally, my experiences abroad have improved my communication skills. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds has taught me to adapt my language and understand non-verbal cues, which is vital in my interactions with clients. Traveling often presents unexpected challenges that require quick thinking and adaptability. These experiences have sharpened my problem-solving skills, which are crucial in both project management and casework. I frequently need to navigate complex situations and find solutions for my clients, and my travels have prepared me for that.

Finally, traveling has opened up networking opportunities with professionals and organizations in the field of social services and project management around the world. These connections can lead to collaborative efforts and the sharing of best practices that ultimately benefit my work. In summary, my passion for traveling and exploring different cultures enriches my professional capabilities and makes me more effective in my role. It aligns perfectly with my commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.

ANKA Organization (Active Neutral Kenyan Action) - Senior Coordinator (Volunteer)

Nairobi • 04/2025 - Current

• Provided strategic leadership for volunteer programs, growing volunteer capacity by 150% and increasing retention to 75%.
• Supervised Field Engagement, Programs Assistant and MEAL & M&E leads; improved data timeliness to 98% and reduced field issue response time to 24 hours.
• Produced bi-monthly regional updates and a monthly bulletin reaching engaged youths; Increasing member engagement by 20%.
• Reported directly to senior leadership with monthly dashboards and risk briefs; reallocated 15% of resources to high-impact areas.
• Approved 12+ project plans, cut approval cycle from 21 to 7 days and resolved escalations within SLAs, achieving 100% incident resolution.
• Established/maintained mailing list of 250 youth members and facilitated monthly