Azad Berwari, PhD

I'm Sociologist

About

I first came to the U.S. in 1997 as an international student from Sweden to pursue my education, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology, followed by a PhD in emergency management, all from NDSU. My decision to run for the Moorhead School Board stems from my experience as a parent with a daughter in the Moorhead Area Public Schools. But my passion extends far beyond that. I believe that students from all backgrounds, especially those from diverse communities like my own, deserve strong representation on the school board. I am committed to being a voice for every child, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

Teaching & Philosophy.

I believe in fostering critical thinking and curiosity in students. My goal is to equip learners with the tools to question societal norms, analyze data effectively, and become active participants in their communities.

My Passion:

Growing up as a Kurd in Iraq, access to education was nearly impossible. Under Saddam Hussein's regime, you had to belong to the Ba'athist Party to attend school, and even then, the constant threat of being drafted into a senseless war loomed over those who sought education. Coming to America and having the opportunity to further my education was a blessing for me and my family. Experiencing the systematic denial of education ignited a deep passion in me to ensure no one faces the same barriers I did. As a candidate for the school board, my top priority is to give all students a voice for diversity—not just for New American groups, but for every student, regardless of background. I want to ensure that every child has the best platform to succeed, embracing diversity in its many forms as a strength that benefits us all.

    Fluent in the following languages:

    English, Swedish, Kurdish, and Arabic

My Priority List

Enhance Educational Opportunities:
Ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and resources that prepare them for college, vocational training, or careers in growing industries.

Support for Teachers and Staff:
Advocate for competitive salaries, professional development, and mental health resources for educators to retain and attract top talent in our schools.

Student Safety and Well-being:
Prioritize the safety of students by promoting secure school environments, improving mental health resources, and implementing effective anti-bullying programs.

Equity and Inclusion:
Promote equitable access to educational resources and opportunities for all students, with a focus on reducing disparities and fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.

Community and Family Engagement:
Encourage increased communication and collaboration between schools, parents, and community organizations to create a strong support system for students' academic and personal development.

Resume

Highly skilled professional with the ability to establish positive and productive relationships with others, utilize various teaching methods, provide flexibility and adapt to individual levels while working with peers and clients.

Sumary

Assistant Team Leader

Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc

  • Supervised navigators
  • Promoted program benefits and recruit for P2P program
  • Moorhead, MN

Education

Ph.D. in Emergency Management & North Dakota State University

2012


HONORS & AWARDS

The Library of Congress accepted to add a copy of my thesis to its collection - 2006

Excellence in Teaching Award, NDSU Sociology Department - 2005

Who’s Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities - 2002

Employment Counselor

Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc

2014 - 2018

Moorhead, MN

  • Managed and maintain a caseload of over 50 participants
  • Guided participants in meeting training and employment goals to move toward self-sufficiency
  • Presented program requirements and job search techniques in various languages

Interpreting 4 All LLC - Self Employment

2013 - Present

Moorhead, MN

  • Implemented high levels of communication to ensure mutual understanding between agencies and individuals with “limited English proficiency--LEP” people
  • Maintained confidentiality and respect the privacy of all involved parties