Eldana Derese
Richmond,Virginia
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at Panda Restaurant Group, excelling in staff training and process optimization. Proven ability to enhance customer relations and streamline operations, resulting in improved efficiency. Skilled in cash handling and effective communication, dedicated to fostering team collaboration and driving business success. Responsible retailing professional with excellent sales, service, and interpersonal skills. Committed to making every customer feel welcome and assisting with any need. Advanced knowledge of fashion trends and popular looks. Team-oriented Retail Sales Associate recognized for generating consistent personal sales accomplishments. Dedicated to listening to customer needs and preferences, expertly matching products and driving loyalty. Brings in-depth knowledge of product use and care requirements. Hardworking and motivated professional with several years of experience and record of success in industry. Solid history balancing team performance, customer service targets and business objectives. Dedicated to working closely with employees to maximize productivity and optimize procedures. Decisive leader with good planning and organizational skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Warehouse Worker
Amazon
Richmond, Virginia
11.2025 - Current
- Prepared and completed warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to schedule.
- Kept shelves, workstations and pallet areas neat and tidy to maintain safe work environment.
- Assembled orders according to customer requests.
- Maintained stock levels in accordance with company policies.
- Performed cycle counts to maintain accurate inventory records.
- Packaged items carefully using protective materials like bubble wrap or foam sheets.
- Organized warehouse space for efficient storage of products.
- Operated scanners, computers, and other equipment to track orders.
driver
Medical Transportation Management
Richmond, Virginia
09.2025 - Current
- Provided safe and timely transportation for patients to medical appointments.
- Communicated effectively with dispatch to receive updated information about trip assignments.
- Assisted passengers with mobility issues into and out of vehicles when necessary.
- Complied with all applicable traffic laws while operating a company vehicle.
- Inspected vehicle daily to ensure safety and cleanliness standards were met.
- Reported any incidents or accidents involving vehicles immediately after they occurred.
- Checked vehicle fluid levels before and after each shift, topping off coolant, gasoline, and oil.
Driver
uber and doordash
Richmond, VA
01.2023 - Current
- Utilized GPS and mapping software to determine the most efficient routes for transportation.
- Engaged with passengers to foster a friendly atmosphere and enhance the overall travel experience.
- Picked up clients from specific locations to transport and drop off at destinations.
Retail Sales Associate
Verizon
McLean, VA
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Engaged customers in conversation to understand their needs and preferences, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
- Utilized effective communication skills to explain product features and benefits, assisting customers in making informed decisions.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure optimal store presentation and merchandise organization.
Manager
Panda Restaurant Group
Northern Virginia
09.2021 - 08.2024
- Diligent and responsible assistant manager with excellent history of running smooth, accurate registers, keeping merchandise stocked and maintaining cleanliness.
- Offering experience in FOH and BOH roles.
- Well-organized and dependable with unparalleled dedication to team success, business operations and customer loyalty.
- Versatile Clerk with reputation of balancing productivity and exceptional customer service.
- Committed to resolving issues and promoting customer loyalty to drive business success.
- Solid experience in cash handling, bookkeeping and computations.
- Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills.
- Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
- Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
- Proactive manager with demonstrated leadership abilities, strategic planning expertise and problem-solving acumen.
- Assists senior managers with accomplishing demanding targets by encouraging staff and coordinating resources.
- Methodical and well-organized in optimizing coverage to meet operational demands.
- Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency.
- Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Cashier
McDonald's Restaurant
Alexandria, VA
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Processed cash register transactions on POS and provided correct change.
- Provided customers with outstanding customer service exceeding store expectations.
- Assisted customers with locating hard-to-find items.
- Paid attention to surroundings to best serve customers and prevent shrink.
Cashier
Tropical Smoothie
Springfield, VA
04.2019 - 02.2021
- Evaluated customer needs and made appropriate product recommendations.
- Resolved customer issues using listening skills, professional attitude and problem-solving techniques.
- Uphold company standards for brand and merchandise presentation.
Cashier
Taco Bell
Alexandria
01.2018 - 08.2019
- Assisted cashiers with resolving customer complaints and inquiries.
- Performed daily opening and closing procedures for the register area.
- Maintained a clean work environment by sweeping floors and wiping down counters regularly.
- Assisted with training new cashiers and customer service team members to increase speed of onboarding.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Developed strong working relationships with team members to foster collaboration.
- Resolved discrepancies between POS system and physical money amounts in drawers at end of shift.
- Authorized discounts and special actions to resolve customer disputes and maintain satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Professional Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA01.2023
High School Diploma -
Northern Virginia Community College
Fairfax Station, VA05-2019
High School Diploma -
Rober E Lee High School
Virginia 05-2019
Skills
- Staff training
- Process optimization
- negotiation
- Cost reduction
- Order taking
- Cash drawer management
- Refund handling
- Cash handling
- Customer relations
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Greet guests
- Avid Pro Tools
- Cost control
- Health and safety regulations
- Sales activities
- Corporate social responsibility
- Staff development
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Leadership development
- Inventory management
- GPS navigation
Certification
Servsafe
Community Service
- I volunteered in the Ethiopia community by teaching kids and coaching.
- I volunteered in Ethiopia churches.
Hobbies and Interests
- Playing piano
- Going to the gym
- Playing soccer
- Reading books
Languages
Amharic, Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Warehouse Worker
Amazon
11.2025 - Current
driver
Medical Transportation Management
09.2025 - Current
Retail Sales Associate
Verizon
09.2024 - 12.2024
Driver
uber and doordash
01.2023 - Current
Manager
Panda Restaurant Group
09.2021 - 08.2024
Cashier
Tropical Smoothie
04.2019 - 02.2021
Cashier
McDonald's Restaurant
01.2019 - 05.2021
Cashier
Taco Bell
01.2018 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Professional Science
Virginia Commonwealth University
High School Diploma -
Northern Virginia Community College
High School Diploma -
Rober E Lee High School