Tariq Kenney-Shawa

tksshawa@gmail.com | 1-347-322-9557

EDUCATION

Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs

Master of International Affairs, International Security Policy Concentration, Middle East Regional Specialization   |   2020 - 2022   |   New York, NY

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Rutgers University - School of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Middle East Studies   |   2013 - 2017   |   New Brunswick, NJ

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Awards: Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society, SAS Excellence Award, Henry Rutgers Scholar Award, Winfield Scholarship Award, Senior Honors Thesis in Political Science, Aresty Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Neil McDonald Award, Dean’s List

WORK EXPERIENCE 

The New York Times | Memetica

OSINT Researcher  |  September 2020 - Present  |  New York, NY 

• Researching the emergence of far-right/white supremacist groups throughout the U.S. and identifying threats posed to press freedom, particularly ahead of the 2020 general elections 

• Monitoring for threats to NYT employees/affiliates and coordinating security for journalists/photographers in conflict zones and other hazardous environments 

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MSA Security

Intelligence Analyst  |  September 2017 - October 2020  |  New York, NY 

• Produced daily, weekly, and event-based research and analysis on security developments worldwide. 

• Conducted open-source research on behalf of MSA’s public and private sector clients, determining the range and scope of threats to their interests. Clients include financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and energy industries. 

• Proficient in social media intelligence platforms and responsible for building data streams, geo-fences and filters for clients.

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Council on Foreign Relations

Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Intern  |  January 2017 - May 2017  |  New York, NY

• Conducted research and wrote briefs and literature reviews on global supply chains/corruption for fellow’s congressional testimonies and upcoming book, improving research and analytical writing skills

• Prepared daily news briefings/analysis on issues and regions relevant to CSMD for program meetings and interviews

• Assisted in drafting/editing weekly blog posts, and managed social media accounts, successfully increasing online presence

• Assisted with administrative duties and gained insight by attending CFR meetings and programs on current foreign policy issues

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Ruffalo Noel Levitz - Rutgers Telefund

Fundraiser/Student Ambassador  |  January 2014 - May 2017  |  New Brunswick, NJ

• Raised over $20,000 in alumni funding for university programs/initiatives

• Advocated for Rutgers University and contributed to increasing alumni involvement rate

• Maintained contact/alumni databases, allowing for improved outreach efficiency

• Mentored new callers and fellow student ambassadors

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EastWest Institute

Executive Office Intern   |  September 2016 - December 2016  |  New York, NY 

• Drafted speeches, prepared meeting materials, managed correspondence, organized travel arrangements, and carried out other administrative duties for the CEO/COO

• Conducted research for the CEO/COO on leaders and organizations within the field for official meetings/conferences with government officials and potential donors

• Published multiple articles on the EWI website and presented policy proposals to organization leadership 

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Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs 

Research and Outreach Intern  |  December 2015 - June 2016  |  New York, NY 

• Conducted research on international affairs, economics, and ethical theory, developing advanced research skills

• Researched and contacted potential partners and interviewees, and organized outreach databases

• Promoted Carnegie Council’s Impact podcast and assisted with social media content and strategy       

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ActionAid

Program Inter  |  Summer 2015  |  Amman, Jordan 

• Used quantitative/qualitative research methods to research youth political activity and establish the Activista program that has increased youth political involvement across the Middle East

• Assisted in grant writing/editing and presented budget plans to EU officials

• Designed program framework/structural expectations and presented restructuring initiatives to program leadership

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United Nations (UNDP/UNV)

Program Intern  |  Summer 2014  |  Cairo, Egypt 

• Organized program activities and outreach in conjunction with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

• Contributed to publications and quarterly reports and led social media campaigns to improve youth engagement    

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ADDITIONAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Advanced Arabic, introductory French, proficient in Microsoft Office, research methods, social media, and database management (Salesforce, Raisers Edge, CRM, etc.), Model United Nations, Rutgers Athletics Advisory Board                                       

Multicultural experience from residence abroad in the Middle East and service trip to Tanzania

Photography (landscape, street, architecture) 

See 'Writing' section for publications