Gillian Gerst
Bellingham,WA
Summary
Detail-focused retail merchandising professional with experience in leveraging strong organizational and communication skills to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. Skilled at creating product displays and managing inventory for optimum product placement and sales.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Artist
Self-employeed
04.2020 - Current
- Created handmade artwork, both replications and original pieces such as paintings, multimedia collages, jewelry, and apparel.
- Designed custom artwork for clients, meeting their creative vision and ensuring satisfaction with the final product.
- Managed studio operations efficiently, organizing workspace layout while maintaining necessary supplies inventory levels.
- Participated in art exhibitions and shows to showcase work.
Health Insurance Navigator and Marketing Coordinator
Western Washington University Student Health Center
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Worked collaboratively to develop, plan, and implement innovative strategies to improve student healthcare access and insurance navigation such as creating student portal navigation videos.
- Provided students with relevant educational tools and resources for assessing care options and obtaining care.
- Coordinated educational material for students and families to enhance awareness and access to campus and off-campus care.
- Enhanced student well-being by answering questions and helping resolve issues and obstacles.
Wellness Advocate
Counseling and Wellness Center
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Planned and implemented health promotion events, workshops and campaigns.
- Acted as a knowledgeable and supportive resource for friends and peers.
- Advocated for policies, practices, and resources that support the well-being of Western’s campus community.
- Contributed innovative ideas and strategies for advancing the program.
Zumba Instructor
Wade King Student Recreation Center
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Greeted incoming students and answered questions to offer welcoming atmosphere.
- Delivered effective group-based instruction and communication.
- Displayed excellent leadership skills.
- Promoted a positive, inclusive environment that encouraged participants of all skill levels to join classes.
- Improved participants'' fitness levels through engaging and challenging dance moves.
Style Consultant
Target
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Greeted all customers with a warm smile and utilized consultative skills to understand customer needs to recommend relevant products.
- Generated brand awareness and promoted products with positive regard to increase sales.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing work tasks.
- Displayed exceptional efficiency of merchandise replenishment.
- Cultivated leadership skills and aided in new hire trainings.
Online Group Facilitator
Western Washington University
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Organized video-based panel discussions.
- Created a supportive environment by fostering trust, empathy, and mutual respect among participants.
- Provided guidance on goal-setting strategies, empowering participants to take ownership of their personal development journey.
Volunteer Assistant Teacher
Thornton Creek Elementary
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Arranged and led activities for students, including crafts, math, reading, writing, and playground games
- Promoted student learning by providing individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics
- Distributed classroom materials and supplies such as pencils, paper, and art materials
- Tutored and supported students individually and in groups up to three by reteaching and reviewing lesson concepts
- Modeled and taught basic social skills and conflict management techniques
- Organized classroom, placed books back on the shelves, sanitized and swept to keep areas well-maintained, clean and safe.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA06.2024
High School Diploma -
Roosevelt High School
Seattle, WA06.2021
North Seattle Community College
Seattle, WA06.2021
Skills
- Retail Floor Stocking
- Time Management
- Organizing, Prioritizing, and Multitasking
- Retail Employee Training
- Cash Handling
- Inventory Control
- Leadership
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
Awards
Merit Award-for Western Washington University
Timeline
Health Insurance Navigator and Marketing Coordinator
Western Washington University Student Health Center
09.2023 - 06.2024
Zumba Instructor
Wade King Student Recreation Center
01.2023 - 06.2023
Wellness Advocate
Counseling and Wellness Center
09.2022 - 06.2024
Style Consultant
Target
05.2022 - 08.2022
Online Group Facilitator
Western Washington University
01.2022 - 03.2022
Freelance Artist
Self-employeed
04.2020 - Current
Volunteer Assistant Teacher
Thornton Creek Elementary
11.2019 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Western Washington University
High School Diploma -
Roosevelt High School
North Seattle Community College
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