Arwen Handel
San Diego,CA
Summary
Adaptable and community-driven student with a strong academic background and a proven track record of leadership and community service. Recognized with multiple honors, including the JD Smith Hammer of Justice Award for excellence in community service and leadership. Demonstrates exceptional work ethic, team collaboration, and the ability to engage with and lead others in impactful projects. Skilled in customer service, administrative tasks, and program coordination, with a focus on environmental education and sustainability. Passionate about making a positive impact in both local and global communities, with a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Receptionist
Amara Yoga
11.2023 - Current
- Provided customer service duties such as answering the phone, checking out merchandise, signing guests in for class, and altering memberships.
- Cleaned, organized, and maintained the studio and store.
- Helped set up for classes by cleaning, changing studio temperature, and organizing materials.
Intern
Uniplace Christian Church
Urbana, IL
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Oversaw and trained volunteers for our weekly community dinner program.
- Worked alongside kitchen staff to cook for upwards of 60 people.
- Collaborated with other interns to create a friendly environment for volunteers, guests, and church members.
- Performed organizational and administrative duties, such as answering calls, helping visitors, and organizing files.
- Helped stock and run the weekly food pantry.
Eco Ambassador
Faith In Place
06.2022 - 08.2023
- Participated in programming and discussion on various environmental justice topics, such as food insecurity, climate change, advocacy, and environmental policy.
- Listened to and discussed with guest speakers and advocates about environmental justice.
- Contributed to environmental justice initiatives in my community through activities like working in a community garden, learning about local clean energy efforts, and connecting with local government officials.
- Independently researched and presented a workshop on green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning to my peers and supervisors.
Farmhand
Sola Gratia
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Worked effectively both independently and as part of a team to efficiently harvest, prepare, and package produce to be sold in CSA programs.
- Worked under various weather and environmental conditions.
- Sold organic produce to customers at the Champaign-Urbana farmer's market, and helped maintain the booth.
Keyholder
Plato's Closet
09.2023 - Current
- Responsible for organizing and maintaining the sales floor, taking inventory, and tagging clothes.
- Performed customer service duties such as cashiering, answering questions, and facilitating customer purchases.
- In charge of closing responsibilities, such as closing registers, handling the safe, and locking up.
- Responsible for overseeing sales associates and creating a productive and positive work environment.
Education
B.S - Geography, Minor in Sustainability And Interdisciplinary Studies
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05-2028
High School Diploma -
Urbana High School
Urbana, IL05.2023
Skills
- Team management
- Community Outreach
- Verbal and written communication
- Environmental education
- Event coordination
- Ecosystem management
- Front desk reception
- Sales proficiency
Accomplishments
Mayoral Recognition Program Award - 50+ hours of community service in one academic year
Academic Monogram Award - 4.0 GPA or higher
JD Smith Hammer of Justice Award - Excellence and leadership in community service
Departmental Award for Research Writing - Excellence in academic research-based writing
National Honor Society
Volunteer Experience
Pink Flamingo Hostel
Worked with a team of volunteers to perform cleaning and housekeeping tasks. Worked both independently and with other volunteers to complete daily upkeep of hostel rooms and facilities. Aided guests with check-ins and check-outs, security, and various needs.
Habitat for Humanity
Traveled to Tutwiler, Mississippi for a week to build a home and volunteer at the SPRING initiative in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Participated in several home builds in Champaign and fostered a welcoming and collaborative work environment. Participated in activities such as raising money for club expenses at the farmers market, and planning volunteer and fundraising opportunities. Engaged in programming and discussion about injustice, history, and civil rights movements in my community and Tutwiler, MS.
Maximo Nivel
Participated in construction work in Antigua, Guatemala and worked with a team of volunteers to repair an animal rescue facility. Aided animal care volunteers when necessary . Lived with a host family and participated in volunteer cultural immersion activities such as cooking and salsa classes, hikes, and Spanish classes.
Camaronel Wildlife Refuge
Participated in environmental conservation work in Camaronel wildlife refuge in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Participated in daily beach cleanups, hatchery work, turtle releases, turtle monitoring. Conducted nightly beach patrols to monitor Sea turtle nests and relocate eggs to protect them from predators. Collected data on sea turtle development, health, behavior, and appearance.
League of Women Voters of Champaign County, Student Ambassador
Worked in my community and school to increase civic engagement by participating in voting drives and providing my peers with voting registration information. Held a workshop with other volunteers on the importance of voting and civic engagement, and encouraged high school students to vote and or register to vote.
Certification
- Heartsaver CPR Certified
Timeline
Receptionist
Amara Yoga
11.2023 - Current
Keyholder
Plato's Closet
09.2023 - Current
Intern
Uniplace Christian Church
07.2023 - 03.2024
Farmhand
Sola Gratia
07.2023 - 11.2023
Eco Ambassador
Faith In Place
06.2022 - 08.2023
B.S - Geography, Minor in Sustainability And Interdisciplinary Studies
San Diego State University
High School Diploma -
Urbana High School