Courtney Presley

Served as an Office Clerk for the Fire Department at NAS Jacksonville, providing essential administrative support. Responsibilities included managing files, processing communications, and maintaining departmental records. Contributed to the preparation of reports and ensured the accurate organization of documents. The role required strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards. This experience offered valuable insight into the operational support necessary for the efficient functioning of a government department.

Served as a Sales Associate at Forever 21, delivering exceptional customer service in a fast-paced retail setting. Responsibilities included assisting customers with product selection, managing the cash register, processing transactions, and maintaining store organization. Additionally, handled restocking merchandise, ensuring accurate pricing, and supporting promotional activities. Demonstrated strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team to meet sales targets and enhance the overall customer experience.

Participated in the Mayor's Youth at Work Program, a community initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for young people. This experience included job placements at the Jacksonville Humane Society and Read USA. At the Jacksonville Humane Society, responsibilities included animal care, facility maintenance, and customer service, fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

As a tutor at Read USA, worked closely with elementary school children, delivering tailored reading lessons based on individual reading levels. Focused on improving students' reading comprehension through targeted exercises and engaging activities. This role enhanced instructional skills, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs, contributing to the academic growth and confidence of the students.

• During this time, I dedicated myself to my studies, participated in extracurricular activities, and focused on building a strong foundation for my future endeavors
• In 2022, I graduated from high school and embarked on my journey to pursue higher education at Bethune-Cookman University, a historically black college
• Transitioning to college life, I dedicated myself to my studies and acclimating to a new environment
• Throughout my freshman year at Bethune-Cookman, I focused on immersing myself in my coursework, engaging with campus activities, and building connections within the university community
• While navigating this transition, I did not hold formal employment, as my priority was on adjusting to college life and excelling in my studies.

• As an Apprentice at Groundwork Jacksonville, I've had the opportunity to actively contribute to environmental conservation and community development efforts
• Working closely with experienced professionals, I've been involved in planning and implementing various green infrastructure projects, such as parks, trails, and urban gardens
• Additionally, I've conducted research, analyzed data, and assisted with community outreach events to engage residents in environmental stewardship activities
• This hands-on experience has not only honed my project management and communication skills but has also deepened my commitment to sustainability and community engagement.