Ellie Omori-Sampson

WORK HISTORY

ABOUT ELLIE OMORI-SAMPSON

I am a storyteller who constantly seeks new thought and information. Being a political scientist who researches political apathy and gender is arguably very different from acting, singing, and producing various performing arts projects across various states. However, through my years of experience in both fields from writing my honors thesis to being the Business Manager of a national tour for a college a cappella group, I have come to realize that my core values and life\'s desires overlap in all of these fields: Storytelling. In political science, I have dedicated my research towards highlighting the stories of women who are systemically and culturally discouraged to participate in politics in Japan. As a dual citizen of the US and Japan, I was always eager to find out why my internal obligation to engage in politics is much deeper in the US compared to Japan. After researching this topic using quantitative methods for a year and producing my thesis at the University of Michigan, I am eager to continue researching this area by exploring new methods and expanding that in other East Asian democracies. I also have been singing, acting, and dancing since I was 11 years old and have fallen in love with the intimate experience of theatre where not only the audience, but everyone involved in the show learns something new about humanity. I continue to spend most of my time outside of work and school in the performing arts world. Over time, I have built new skills in this area through performing arts management, marketing, and producing. Currently, I am a Marketing Intern for a performing arts organization dedicated to promoting social justice through theatrical projects. In this way, I have found a professional environment that combines both of my interests in engaging in political topics, human rights, and the performing arts. As my undergraduate career comes to a close in December 2024, I am seeking opportunity to apply these experiences and build on them in my career. I want to continue learning more about the world around me and highlight underrepresented people\'s stories to share with the world. A curious learner, creative storyteller, and a focused artist, researcher, I hope to produce new ideas, stories, and art for the world to see.