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Louise Charles

1x

Finalist

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Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Foreign Languages
  • Journaling

Reading

  • Cultural

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

I am a first-generation college student and former refugee born in Tanzania to a family displaced by civil war in Burundi, raised in a household deeply shaped by resilience, sacrifice, and barriers to education. After the loss of my father during my teenage years, my mother raised my siblings and me on her own while continuing to prioritize our education despite financial and personal challenges. My journey has taken me from adapting to life in the United States as a student learning English to working in refugee services, local government, and international education. I have supported immigrant and refugee families navigating complex systems and later served as an English Teaching Assistant in France through the TAPIF program. Through these experiences, I developed a strong commitment to public service, community engagement, and equitable access to opportunity. I am currently preparing to pursue a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, with the goal of strengthening nonprofit and public systems that better serve underserved and immigrant communities. I am committed to using my education and experiences to create more accessible, inclusive, and equitable systems of support.

Education

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Master's degree program

2026 – 2028

Majors:
  • Public Administration

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Bachelor's degree program

2020 – 2024

Majors:
  • Political Science and Government

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Majors of interest:
Public Administration
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Intern (Local Government Internship Program): Supported local government community engagement and gained exposure to public accountability, policy review, and civic processes.

    Government Administration · City of Knoxville

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Legal Research Intern: Conducted immigration-related legal and policy research while supporting case preparation and analysis related to regulatory processes.

    Research · EpiBuild

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • English Teaching Assistant: Worked alongside teachers in French public schools supporting English instruction for students ages 5–12 while adapting to a new cultural and administrative environment abroad.

    Education · TAPIF / France Éducation International 2025–2026

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2026

  • Supported newly arrived refugee and immigrant families navigating housing, healthcare, employment, and immigration-related systems. Coordinated case management services while helping clients overcome language, documentation, and resource-access barriers.

    Non-Profit Organization Management · Bridge Refugee Services

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Program Development
Dream career goals:
My long-term goal is to work in nonprofit and public administration roles focused on immigrant integration, equitable service delivery, and community-based program development. I hope to strengthen nonprofit and public systems that improve access to resources, education, and opportunities for underserved communities.
Work experience:
3 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
Louise Charles Student Profile | Bold.org