MY WORKS
ACADEMIC
Chinasa Imo is a Ph.D. student at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago, where she co-lectures select courses under the guidance of a presiding professor. With a strong background in public administration, diplomacy, and international development policy, she brings over nine years of experience in health systems strengthening, governance, and social accountability to her academic work. Her research focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved populations, particularly in low-resource and volatile communities. Through her teaching and scholarship, she integrates political economy analysis and participatory approaches to shape policies that drive social justice and equitable health outcomes.
SSAD 300 - Fall 2024:
Social Intervention: Policies and Programs I.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary social welfare policies affecting low-income families in the U.S. It explores their historical and philosophical foundations, with readings and discussions focusing on the role of the welfare state and government interventions in addressing social welfare challenges.
SSAD 69455 I: Migration Services in Chicago
Kiphart Challenge Experiential Learning Course.
This experiential learning course offers students the opportunity to collaborate with local community-based organizations (CBOs) serving migrants in Chicago. Through team-based work, students will develop a program or policy proposal that directly addresses the needs of these CBOs
SSAD 62912 - Spring Quarter 2025:
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE
The persistence of disparities in social development within and across countries is one of the major problems societies struggle to understand and address. This course will critically examine the major theories of global development along with contemporary debates relating to international social welfare.
Students will assess how political, economic, historical, and environmental factors influence development trajectories of different nations and localities, and compare how alternative models of social intervention and service delivery serve or fail to serve their intended populations. The geographic focus of the course will be Latin America and Africa, though case studies may also be drawn from other regions of the world. The course will be useful for both students who have had previous international experience and students who are interested in international social work or development practice.
The Kiphart Challenge: Migration Services in Chicago
As part of her academic work at the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, Chinasa Imo co-led the Kiphart Challenge Experiential Learning Course alongside Instructional Associate Professor Jessica Darrow, PhD. Held in partnership with local organizations, the course equipped students with hands-on skills to support migrants in Chicago amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Through collaboration with community partners, students developed innovative solutions, including a resource mapping tool, high school welcome guides, and a story bank to enhance migrant support systems. The initiative fostered trust-building, conflict resolution, and policy development skills, allowing students to bridge service gaps while making tangible community impacts.
CONFERENCES ATTENDED
- Imo, C. U. & Bouris, A. (2024). Strengthening Social Health Welfare Policies and Services: A Path to Improving Basic Healthcare Services in Nigeria. SSWR Conference, Seattle, USA. (Accepted)
- Imo, C. U. & Bouris, A. (2024). Nigeria’s Pursuit for Universal Health Coverage: Performance Improvement in Social Worker’s Role. Work Works? Conference, Mexico City, Mexico. (Accepted)
- Zarychta, A., Imo, C.U. & Grillos, T. (2024). The Role of Implementing Actors in Decentralization and Participation. Midwest Political Science Association Conference, Chicago, IL.
- Zarychta, A. & Imo, C.U. (2024). Decentralization and Community Participation in Primary Healthcare Service Delivery. CUGH Conference, Los Angeles, CA. (Accepted)
- Imo, C. & Ogunbambi, T. (2023). Empowering Vulnerable Communities: Fostering Psychosocial Support. Midwest Ecological Conference, Chicago, IL. (Accepted)
- Imo, C. U. et al. (2023). Health Equity in Hard-to-Reach Communities in Abia State, Nigeria. Amref University Primary Healthcare Congress, Kenya. (Accepted)
- Imo, C. U. et al. (2023). Exploring Asset-Based Interventions to Improve Health Equity in Rural Abia State. Social Norms Conference, Abuja, Nigeria. (Accepted)
- Adibeli, J. O. & Imo, C. U. (2022). Climate Change and Its Implication on Cancer Rate: The Women’s Perspective. WCAPS Nigeria
- Imo, C. U. (2022). Assessment of Healthcare Needs in Mid-West Ghana. Global Health Conference Midwest, Omaha, USA. (Accepted)
- Imo, C. U. (2021). Participatory Governance in Nigeria. RAGA 2021, Lead City University, Ibadan. (Accepted)
- Imo, C. U. (2021). Political Participation and Community Development. Nkporo National Youth Summit, Lagos/Abia
- Imo, C. U. (2021). Politics and Public Health. West African Academy of Public Health, Virtual
RESEARCH WORK
July 2024 – Present
Peer Reviewer
Journal of Public Health in Africa
Review and provide feedback on academic papers and research submissions focused on public health issues in Africa.
Contribute to ensuring the quality, relevance, and scientific rigor of the journal’s publications.
Oct 2023 – Present
Research Assistant
The Nexus of Poverty, Place, Race, and Bureaucracy in Child Welfare: A Multi-Method, Multi-Level Examination of Child Welfare Investigation in the United States
Principal Investigator: Melanie Nadon
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, The University of Chicago
Assist with reviewing and coding qualitative interviews using Dadoose software for research on child welfare investigations across the U.S.
Sept 2022 – Present
Doctoral Research Assistant
Health Systems Reform and Decentralization in Honduras
Principal Investigator: Alan Zarychta, Ph.D.
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, The University of Chicago
Contribute to research on community participation in healthcare planning and management in Honduras.
Co-write an article analyzing the effects of health system decentralization and reform in the region.
2020 – 2022
Graduate Research Assistant
Center for Global Health, University of Chicago
Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, USA
Led a community health needs assessment in rural Ghana (Ashanti and Central regions) and Nigeria (Ondo and Ekiti States) using mixed methods.
Identified key health challenges and provided recommendations to improve health programs in UCGH affiliates.
Assessed the six-year impact of the Kiphart Foundation/Center for Global Health Ghana Project, focusing on water sanitation, primary healthcare, and school support.
2021
Summer Research Fellow
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Developed a protocol to assess the Political Economy of the PDIA process in Northern Nigeria.
Designed a strategy to implement a multiyear maternal and newborn healthcare program in conflict settings across Somalia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Niger, and Cameroon.
2020 – 2021
Graduate Research Assistant
Advancing Health Equity – Leading Care, Payment, and Systems Transformation (AHE)
Conducted a case study on Delaware’s AHE team’s use of a health equity approach to improve access to healthcare for Black pediatric populations.
Analyzed data to inform strategies for reducing health disparities in marginalized communities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2017–2020
Niger State Technical Advisor
Options Consultancy Services – Evidence for Action (E4A)-MamaYe Program, Niger, Nigeria
Led the strategic design, delivery, and management of the MamaYe program in Niger State.
Established a state-led advocacy and accountability coalition for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH).
Supported the State Ministry of Health and engaged key stakeholders for program alignment.
Supervised the state implementation team, providing technical and managerial oversight.
Coordinated the 3-year MamaYe sub-grant to CSO coalitions across 9 Nigerian states (funded by Gates Foundation & PAI).
Supported advocacy for PHCUOR implementation, family planning integration in PHCs, and the rollout of Basic Health Care Provision Funds.
Communications Officer
Options Consultancy Services – Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
Developed and implemented the national communications and advocacy strategy for E4A-MamaYe.
Oversaw all program communication activities including content creation for blogs, IEC materials, website, and branding.
Produced creative assets and graphical materials for program visibility and community outreach.
2017
Risk Communication Consultant
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, Nigeria
Created press releases and behavior change materials (e.g., posters, fact sheets, guidelines) during the Hepatitis E outbreak in Borno State.
Served on the technical preparedness team, supporting social mobilization activities.
Developed risk/emergency communication training manuals and content for health emergency response.
2017
Research Consultant
USAID / Johns Hopkins Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3), Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Conducted a baseline evaluation of contraceptive and family planning behaviors in Ebonyi State, using FGDs with women of reproductive age.
Contributed findings to SBCC strategy development for contraceptive uptake.
Led the end-line evaluation of the ICCM program for under-5 illnesses administered by PPMVs in the state.
2015–2016
ONE Champion
ONE Campaign International
Participated in global advocacy campaigns such as #StrongGirl (gender and girl-child empowerment) and #MakeNaijaStronger (health budget advocacy).
Contributed to increased health budget allocations in Nigeria’s 2017 and 2018 federal budgets.
Represented Africa at the 2016 ONE International Summit in Paris, advocating to the OECD for the Global Fund replenishment.
Engaged in U.S. advocacy efforts for PEPFAR reauthorization.
2014–2015
Humanitarian Affairs & Communications Officer (AU Pillar Head)
African Union Support to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa, Sierra Leone
Partnered with international and local agencies to implement WASH and relief programs.
Led psychosocial support activities including counseling, child protection, and community mobilization.
Oversaw distribution of humanitarian supplies, quarantine welfare, and survivor follow-up efforts.
Conducted community sensitization and evaluation for effective outbreak response.
2014
Communications and Social Mobilization Officer
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ebola Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Lagos, Nigeria
Collaborated with media to ensure factual reporting and reduce misinformation during the Ebola outbreak.
Monitored press coverage, flagged misinformation, and compiled daily/weekly/monthly EOC reports.
Worked with partners (WHO, CDC, UNICEF) to develop community education materials and facilitate training/workshops.
Documented lessons learned and best practices for national and international knowledge-sharing.
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE
2022 – Present
Founder
Innovation Hub for Inclusiveness, Empowerment and Social Development (SieDi-Hub), Nigeria
Founded and lead a team of experts implementing inclusive social justice programs focused on youth and women in low-resource communities.
Drive the design and execution of evidence-based policy engagement and direct intervention strategies to enhance social development outcomes.
2022 – Present
Board Committee Member
Keeta’s Place Inc., Chicago, IL, USA
Advise the Board and Strategic Committee on positioning, advocacy, and communications strategies to amplify the organization’s mission and impact.
Provide insights to shape long-term planning and visibility of gender-based violence response programs.
2022
Mentor
World Economic Forum – Global Shapers, Düsseldorf, Germany
Mentored secondary school students across Germany, India, and Nigeria in the Global Shapers Community Development Junior Bootcamp.
Facilitated intercontinental learning and youth-led solutions to local development challenges.
2016 – Present
Co-Founder
African Youth Employment Initiatives (AYEI), Ghana
Provide strategic program direction to country leads across seven African countries (Ghana, CAR, Uganda, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Malawi, and Tanzania).
Guide the design and implementation of sustainable agricultural and youth employment programs for community development.
2016 – 2017
Program Officer (Voluntary)
Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative, Lagos, Nigeria
Designed and implemented community campaigns to combat sexual violence and reduce HIV prevalence.
Coordinated HIV counseling and testing across 8 LGAs in Lagos State, reaching over 3,000 families and directly impacting more than 300 youth.
Secured and managed support funding from AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) for campaign execution.
PROFESSIONAL:
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
2024
Change Collective: Civic Nation
2024
Guardian Nigeria Newspaper Cover:
Feature as a “Guardian Woman,” Saturday 6th, 2024 Issue.
2021
7th Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference on Raising Girls’ Ambition (RAGA 2021), Award of Recognition as Lead Speaker –
Gender and Power: A Driving Force or Hindrance for Progress and Social Change
2017
ONE Campaign International: Award of Appreciation for the Commitment in the Fight Against Extreme Poverty in Africa
2015
African Union:
Medal of Honor/ Certificate of Recognition for outstanding contribution to the fight against Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa
2015
President Ernest Bai Koroma: (President, Sierra Leone) Meritorious Service Award for the dedication and commitment to service as an Ebola Responder during the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Sierra Leone
2014 – 2015
United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER):
A lead player in the eradication of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa.