Ferila Mata'u
La'ie
Summary
An energetic cultural individual, possessing strong understanding of leadership development, recruitment and integration of diversity practices. Skillful in coaching and training teachers and administrators in effective cultural diversity practices. Outgoing and reliable individual with outstanding multitasking, time management and communication skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Cultural Assistant - PCC Islands Office Department
Polynesian Cultural Center, PCC
12.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with school leadership team to create and manage safe, welcoming learning environment for students.
- Integrated new programs and resources and reinvigorated existing ones to support positive school culture.
- Coordinated school-wide meetings and developed lesson plans to implement effective and valuable cultural programs.
- Developed programming to promote skills, talent and high achievement among minority populations.
- Researched and implemented new initiatives to further develop cultural perspectives.
- Mentored minority talent among staff to promote minority leadership.
- Coordinated and managed volunteer activities for community service projects.
- Approached issues proactively to best meet current and future community needs.
- Educated young people about strategies for driving discussions and promoting social changes.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
- Cultivated strong network of providers delivering necessary assistance to community.
Reservation Agent
Polynesian Cultural Center
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Managed walk-in booking inquiries and assisted guests and travel partners with questions throughout the entire booking cycle
- Arranged last-minute order cancellations or add-on orders upon arrival
- Informed clients of essential travel information, such as travel times, transportation connections, medical and visa requirements to facilitate quality service
- Checked in guests upon arrival and re-confirm their group orders
- Introduced guests to what the center offers and suggested various packages upon availability
- Serve with Aloha and with a Positive mindset.
- Provided customers with information about availability and pricing.
- Answered incoming phone calls and developed friendly rapport with callers while answering questions, making recommendations, and leading conversations to bookings.
- Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
- Resolved various issues and discrepancies for customers.
- Handled billing information over phone.
Guide
Polynesian Cultural Center
12.2017 - 01.2021
- PCC - Demo-, Entertained tour guests with various props and signs for maximum engagement, fun, and lasting memories
- Answered questions, pointed out important features, and offered further details about special exhibits to educate visitors
- Performed on stage and on canoes as a multicultural dancer and entertainer
- Taught groups of about 20+ a day about cultural activities and songs
- Provided information through narratives on various sites throughout the New Zealand (Aotearoa) area
- Served with respect and much Aloha
Assistant Travel Agent
Southseaspac Agency, College
05.2015 - 11.2017
- Got hired back after my mission
- Provided customers with the best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings
- Maintained operational proficiency in coordinating both international and domestic travel accommodations for customers, arranging for airfare as well as hotel and rental car reservations
- Strengthened quality controls to enhance revenue and control downtime
- Certificate in Nursing: Science Nursing
- Pesega
News Presenter /Assistant News Editor
Apia Broadcasting Television Ltd
05.2015 - 09.2017
- Worked with graphic artists, post-production team members, and other specialists to produce captivating and successful content
- Handled internal staff correspondence through emails and scheduling
- Determining readiness of written pieces, made changes, and helped approve final versions for publication
- Pitched content strategies and managed useful asset acquisition
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards
- Presented news with great posture and was well-spoken in both
- Samoan and English.
Missionary
Nevada Las Vegas
08.2013 - 03.2015
- Proselyting and street contacting
- Socialized and talked with everyone
- Called to be a Senior Companion
- Planned lessons and district training
- Initiate companion studies
- Called to be a Sister Training Leader; in charge of four sister companions
- Planned lessons and activities for Personal Days (P-Days)
- Gave training at zone conferences and district meetings
- Served wholeheartedly and finished strong.
Assistant Travel Agent
Southseaspac Agency, Apia
03.2011 - 06.2013
- Maintained operational proficiency in coordinating both international and domestic travel accommodations for customers, arranging for airfare as well as hotel and rental car reservations
- Provided customers with the best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings
- Developed a loyal clientele base due to excellent listening and research skills and a keen understanding of travel budgets
- Arranged travel accommodations for groups, couples, executives, and special needs clients
- Organized and planned events for groups of about 200+ people.
01.2009 - 01.2011
- High School Diploma
- HOBBIES
- Dancing and Singing (multicultural dance - specifically Samoa)
- Maintained a consistent record of completing projects in accordance with schedule and budget requirements.
Education
Bachelor of English Literature - English Language And Literature
Brigham Young University
04.2022
Bachelor of Computer Science - Computer Science And Programming
University of The South Pacific
09.2017
National University of Samoa
12.2010
Skills
- Fast typist
- People person
- Computer skills (MS Software
- Programs)
- Cultural Diversity
- Guest Teaching
- Customer Experience
- Multi-Tasking and Prioritization
- Partnership Building
- Customer Loyalty
- Cash Handling
- Choreographer
singing, dancing, reading
I love singing and dancing - These help me connect to my inner self whenever I feel down or frustrated. These help calm my soul in most ways.
Timeline
Cultural Assistant - PCC Islands Office Department
Polynesian Cultural Center, PCC
12.2021 - Current
Reservation Agent
Polynesian Cultural Center
01.2021 - 12.2021
Guide
Polynesian Cultural Center
12.2017 - 01.2021
Assistant Travel Agent
Southseaspac Agency, College
05.2015 - 11.2017
News Presenter /Assistant News Editor
Apia Broadcasting Television Ltd
05.2015 - 09.2017
Missionary
Nevada Las Vegas
08.2013 - 03.2015
Assistant Travel Agent
Southseaspac Agency, Apia
03.2011 - 06.2013
01.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of English Literature - English Language And Literature
Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Computer Science - Computer Science And Programming
University of The South Pacific
National University of Samoa
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