Akira McDowell
Davenport,FL
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with extensive experience at Walt Disney World Resort, excelling in world class customer service and conflict resolution. Proven ability to drive sales through strategic upselling and personalized guest interactions. Highly adaptable in fast paced environments, ensuring compliance with safety standards while fostering team collaboration to enhance guest satisfaction.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, FL
04.2018 - Current
- Excelled in delivering exceptional service to 30–80 guests daily, maintaining high standards of comfort and satisfaction in a dynamic setting.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills by engaging with guests from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, effectively anticipating needs and exceeding expectations through proactive service.
- Demonstrated ability to build guest loyalty through effective conflict resolution and empathetic communication.
- Facilitated efficient service operations through teamwork with hosts, culinary staff, and management.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety standards, corporate policies, and emergency procedures.
- Consistently recognized by supervisors and guests for providing above and beyond service. Including personalized attention, clear communication, and a warm, welcoming attitude reflective of premium customer care.
Chocolatier
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, FL
11.2015 - 04.2018
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences by educating guests on artisanal chocolate selections, flavor profiles, and ingredient sourcing. Directly contributing to increased product interest and purchase volume.
- Achieved sales objectives through strategic cross selling and upselling of premium products.
- Handled high volume traffic during holidays and special events, while maintaining excellent service standards and maximizing transaction value through suggestive selling.
- Processed sales transactions quickly and accurately using a POS system, while managing inventory, restocking displays, and performing product quality checks to maintain brand standards.
- Contributed to product launch success and seasonal sales growth through strategic engagement and sampling efforts.
- Received consistent positive feedback from customers and supervisors for product enthusiasm, sales drive, and ability to tailor recommendations to customer needs.
Barista
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, FL
05.2013 - 11.2016
- Delivered exceptional guest service in a fast paced, high volume coffee shop serving hundreds of guests daily.
- Contributed to exceeding sales targets through strategic upselling of seasonal and limited edition items.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of the menu, ingredients, and customization options, enabling tailored product recommendations based on guest preferences, dietary needs, and themed offerings.
- Adapted quickly to fluctuating guest volumes during park rushes and special events. Maintaining high accuracy and speed in beverage preparation and order fulfillment without compromising quality.
- Ensured smooth coordination with team members to manage order queues, maintain stock levels, and restock displays, supporting seamless service flow during peak hours.
- Upheld rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and presentation standards, ensuring full compliance with Disney and health department protocols while enhancing overall guest confidence in product quality.
Education
Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
North Miami, FL02.2013
Skills
- Point of Sale System Operations
- Familiarity with Standard Operating
Procedures - Strong Verbal and Interpersonal
Communication Skills - World Class Customer Service and Guest
Interaction - Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
- Safety Conscious and Detail Oriented
- Time Management and Efficiency Under
Pressure - Experience in Fast Paced and High Volume Environments
- Team Collaboration and Multi Department
Communication - Adaptability to Changing Priorities and
Schedules
Timeline
Server
Walt Disney World Resort
04.2018 - Current
Chocolatier
Walt Disney World Resort
11.2015 - 04.2018
Barista
Walt Disney World Resort
05.2013 - 11.2016
Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University