Elsa Harris
Riverview,FL
Summary
Accomplished professional with a strong record of driving strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and delivering impactful results across sectors. Skilled in navigating challenges, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and maximizing resources to enhance growth and success. A dedicated leader focused on innovation and excellence, I’m committed to making a meaningful, measurable impact aligned with the national interest.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director / CEO
Café Gustoso
10.2020 - Current
- Spearheaded the development and execution of operational strategies that aligned with the company’s vision, resulting in an increase in revenue and successful market penetration
- Led initiatives for process optimization, streamlining workflows and improving productivity across departments, reducing operational inefficiencies
- Forged strategic partnerships with suppliers and vendors, securing favorable contracts that reduced operational costs and increased profitability
- Managed overall operations, including staff performance, customer relations, and product/service delivery, consistently meeting or exceeding revenue and service targets
- Introduced accountability measures to improve employee performance, resulting in increased staff reliability and retention
Professor - Front Office Operations
Monroe College
02.2020 - Current
- Developed and delivered comprehensive, interactive course syllabi focused on the intricacies of front office operations, providing students with practical knowledge and career guidance
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by integrating diverse teaching methods and creating supplemental instructional materials to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes
- Mentored students through academic advising and career development, strengthening the department’s reputation for student success and professional growth
- Actively contributed to faculty development through participation in professional conferences and academic committees, helping advance institutional goals
Catering Manager
Mo's Caribbean Café
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Successfully managed a team of catering staff, executing events with precision and ensuring high customer satisfaction through meticulous planning and service delivery
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, improving profitability and maintaining accurate records for payroll and accounts
- Established and nurtured vendor relationships, securing competitive contracts that improved service quality and reduced operational costs
- Played a pivotal role in the company’s marketing efforts by creating promotional materials to effectively showcase catering services to prospective clients
Human Resource Assistant Manager
Harris Custom Brokerage
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Streamlined HR operations by maintaining comprehensive employee records, conducting interviews, and managing recruitment processes
- Coordinated training programs to enhance employee skill sets, ensuring optimal job performance and reducing staff turnover
- Supported HR management in fostering a positive work environment, contributing to increased employee satisfaction and retention
General Manager
L'Escape Guest House, Restaurant & Bar
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed all aspects of day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless coordination between front-of-house and kitchen staff to meet customer expectations
- Developed and implemented strategic growth initiatives, leading to increased market share and customer retention
- Provided leadership and mentoring to a diverse team, optimizing operational workflows and ensuring excellent service delivery
Front Desk Agent (Internship)
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
06.2015 - 08.2015
- Managed guest check-ins, reservations, and room assignments with precision, ensuring a seamless experience for guests
- Assisted in cross-departmental tasks, building a comprehensive understanding of hospitality operations and strengthening relationships across various teams
- Oversaw room inventory and occupancy rates, contributing to effective revenue management and guest satisfaction
Education
Master of Science - Global Hospitality Management
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Hotel Lodging and Management
Johnson & Wales University
Miami, FL07.2017
Skills
- Staff Management
- Microsoft Office
- Client Relationships
- Customer Service
- Strategic Planning
- Communication
- Motivating
- Professionalism
- Partnership Development
- Effective leader
- Organizational Skills
- Goal Setting
References
- Korina Hippolyte, Reservations Manager, Sugar Beach Resort, Not Provided, Soufriere, Not Provided, Not Provided, (758) 485-9348, korina.hippolyte@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
- Angel Labadie, CEO, Nerv's Taxi and Auto Rental Services Inc, Not Provided, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, Not Provided, (758) 716-1857, angellabadie@hotmail.com
- Maria Robles, Office Manager, Not Provided, Not Provided, Pembroke Pines, FL, Not Provided, (954) 816-6098, mdaneliarg@gmail.com
- Dr. Soon-Ho Kim, Graduate Faculty Director, Regynald G. Washington Master of Global Hospitality Management, Georgia State University, Not Provided, Not Provided, Not Provided, Not Provided, (404) 413-7619, skim@gsu.edu
Projectexperience
- Led the planning and execution of multiple events, including weddings, corporate events, and formal ceremonies, ensuring exceptional service and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with a team to deliver a successful hospitality curriculum for students, incorporating real-world industry practices into coursework.
Timeline
Managing Director / CEO
Café Gustoso
10.2020 - Current
Professor - Front Office Operations
Monroe College
02.2020 - Current
Catering Manager
Mo's Caribbean Café
01.2018 - 01.2020
Human Resource Assistant Manager
Harris Custom Brokerage
01.2016 - 01.2017
General Manager
L'Escape Guest House, Restaurant & Bar
01.2016 - 12.2016
Front Desk Agent (Internship)
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
06.2015 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Hotel Lodging and Management
Johnson & Wales University
Master of Science - Global Hospitality Management
Georgia State University
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