Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
OVERVIEW
LEADERSHIP
COMMUNICATION
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Dana Dunigan

Bloomingdale,IL

Summary

To obtain a position in a dynamic and innovative organization where I can apply my personal experiences in life, the service industry, hospitality, and healing arts, to achieve a future career, while spreading love, light, mindfulness, efficiency, cleanliness, organization, due diligence, quality control, and customer retention, just as I have done in my previous roles as a cosmetologist, server, bartender, manager, and caretaker. My approach is grounded in adaptability and a genuine passion for hospitality, blending hands-on service experience with a commitment to uplifting both colleagues and guests. By prioritizing attention to detail, fostering teamwork, and embracing new challenges, I have consistently contributed to atmospheres defined by warmth, excellence, and mutual respect—qualities I am eager to bring to any role that values continuous growth and memorable guest experiences. Creating a positive, safe, uplifting and enriching environment for all.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

F/T Personal Assistant/Property Manager/Groundskeeper

Latitude 35 Properties
08.2020 - Current
  • Oversee Three vacation home properties in NC.
  • NC duties included lawn care, garden, brush clean up, landscaping, maintenance, painting, garbage/recycling removal, cooking, housekeeping, and allocating contractors.
  • MI property duties include cleaning, junk removal, and lawncare/landscaping of airplane hanger and vacation home.
  • IL property duties include cleaning, junk removal, and maintenance.
  • Drive vehicles with personal property and transported across states.
  • Implemented sustainable practices such a composting organic waste and using environmentally friendly products in landscaping maintenance.


P/T Cleaning/Special Orders/Billing/Warehouse

Tri-County Office Supply
08.2020 - 08.2025
  • Established a step-by-step training manual on how to execute Special Orders and Billing.
  • Implemented Green Cleaning and Eco Friendly Products.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.

P/T Server/Bartender

Vincent’s Coppertop Restaurant and Pub
03.2024 - 12.2024
  • Developed seasonal craft cocktail and 0-proof mocktail menus, including original recipes.
  • Organized and facilitated private special events, providing set-up, bartending, and serving services.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of the bar and server areas ensuring a pleasant dining experience for guests.

F/T SERVER/BARTENDER

The Crown Brasstown
04.2022 - 04.2023
  • Assisted the head bartender in developing drink recipes for use in bartender training.
  • Assisted management on suitable service tools such as stainless-steel water pitchers, bus pans, and utensils.
  • Implemented all natural cleaning products and essential oils for pest control, along with a weekly spiritual cleanse.

F/T BARTENDER/SERVER/GENERAL MANAGER

Onesti Entertainment/Oshows/Arcada Theater/Club Arcada/Evanston Rocks
09.2016 - 08.2022
  • I began my career bartending at the theater during concerts and was later promoted to the Speakeasy, where I created a training module for servers and set up a server station.
  • Afterward, I transitioned to the bar and managed the introduction of craft specialty cocktails as well as production processes.
  • Promoted to General Manager.
  • Created Production Sheets, Training Modules, and Tip-Out Procedures.
  • Coordinated Seasonal Decor and Costumes.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Assisted in opening a second location in Evanston, IL using the same operational concept as the original venue.
  • After my initial employment, I returned twice to assist with staff training and updating drink menus and recipes. I was offered the role of Beverage Director across several locations. Unfortunately, I was unable to accept the position as my grandmother contracted COVID-19. Upon learning that her recovery was unlikely, I promptly returned to North Carolina to care for her. I spent the following year and a half serving as her caregiver under hospice until her passing, while property managing, bartending and serving.

F/T SERVER/BARTENDER

Bok Choy Asian Kitchen
01.2019 - 08.2020


  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables as a running bartender simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Developed drink menus with recipes and weekly specials
  • Contributed to the launch of a new Hawaiian speakeasy concept, which did not proceed due to the Covid pandemic.
  • Continued working during the pandemic by preparing take-out drink and food orders.

Education

Illinois BASSET
07-2025

ServSafe/Learn2Serve Food Handler
07-2025

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Inner Awakenings
Blairsville, GA
12.2024

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Blueridge School of Herbal Medicine
Asheville, NC
06.2024

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Inner Awakenings
Blairsville, GA
02.2022

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Inner Awakenings
Blairsville, GA
09.2021

Licensed - Cosmetology

Hanover Park College of Beauty
Hanover Park, IL
08.2004

No Degree - General Education/Studied Journalism

Roosevelt University
06-2002

Skills

  • Food Service/ Telemarketing/ Receptionist/ Sales /Advertising /Retail / Nightclubs /Cosmetologist/ Mother /Fine Dining /Sports Bars/Local Pubs/ Country Club /Banquet /Private Events /Hospitality /High Volume Mixologist Craft Cocktail/ Music Venues
  • General Manager Speakeasy/ Event Coordinator/ Bar Operations Manager/ Greek/ Italian/ French/ Cuisine / Sushi /Farm to Table /Casual Dining /Property Management/ Landscaping General Contractor Assistant/ Residential/Commercial Green Cleaning
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Strong work ethic
  • Dedicated team player
  • Attention to detail
  • Detail-oriented mindset
  • Proficient in waste management strategies

Timeline

P/T Server/Bartender

Vincent’s Coppertop Restaurant and Pub
03.2024 - 12.2024

F/T SERVER/BARTENDER

The Crown Brasstown
04.2022 - 04.2023

F/T Personal Assistant/Property Manager/Groundskeeper

Latitude 35 Properties
08.2020 - Current

P/T Cleaning/Special Orders/Billing/Warehouse

Tri-County Office Supply
08.2020 - 08.2025

F/T SERVER/BARTENDER

Bok Choy Asian Kitchen
01.2019 - 08.2020

F/T BARTENDER/SERVER/GENERAL MANAGER

Onesti Entertainment/Oshows/Arcada Theater/Club Arcada/Evanston Rocks
09.2016 - 08.2022

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Inner Awakenings

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Blueridge School of Herbal Medicine

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Inner Awakenings

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Inner Awakenings

Illinois BASSET

ServSafe/Learn2Serve Food Handler

Licensed - Cosmetology

Hanover Park College of Beauty

No Degree - General Education/Studied Journalism

Roosevelt University

OVERVIEW

I have been employed since the age of 14. At 16, I relocated from Illinois to a small town in North Carolina, which was a significant cultural adjustment. I graduated early from high school and returned to Illinois at 17 to be with my high school partner. During this time, I secured a position as a receptionist through a temporary staffing agency to support both my apartment and college expenses. While working full-time as a receptionist, I took on telemarketing roles at night until beginning my college studies. Subsequently, I worked selling roses in Chicago nightclubs, which led to my first cocktail serving position, all while attending Cosmetology School full-time. Upon graduation, I learned I was expecting my first child and continued working at a salon during my pregnancy. Afterward, I chose to become a stay-at-home parent, providing client services from home and working as a server in the evenings. At age 30, I transitioned to bartending and have remained in the industry since. Following a separation during Covid-19 pandemic, I moved back North Carolina to embark on a new chapter focused on helping family, personal growth, and including courses in plant medicine and spirituality. My career in property management has been flexible leaving room for opportunities for travel and supplemented my experience with various gig work, such as Reiki, private event bartending, house cleaning, aiding seniors, professional organizing, meal preparation, and gardening. After the recent passing of my grandmother, I have returned to Illinois to continue my studies in Holistic Bodywork. I am actively seeking a full-time Service/Hospitality Industry Professional role that accommodates my academic commitments. My availability includes select daytime hours, as well as reliable evening and weekend shifts. I am open to innovative ideas and committed to continuous learning and professional development. Honesty, integrity, and dedication are principles I strongly uphold, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team as a future employee.

LEADERSHIP

Leading by example matters to me. Effective leadership is enhanced by the flow state, which improves when we maintain a positive attitude, clean and organized spaces, and professional appearance—helping everyone work seamlessly together, creating a flawless production.

COMMUNICATION

I frequently ask questions to facilitate learning and initiate conversations. My approach is oriented toward teaching and active participation rather than delegation. Working as an industry professional requires managing several conversations simultaneously while performing tasks such as ringing, counting, pouring, and taking orders. I am experienced in maintaining effective communication under these circumstances.