Grace Owens-Gaughan
Statesboro,GA
Summary
Event and hospitality professional with hands-on experience planning and coordinating youth programs, camps, and on-campus events. Skilled in organization, guest service, and team collaboration, with a proven ability to deliver engaging and well-executed experiences. Seeking opportunities to contribute and grow in the event, hospitality, or travel industry. Intermediate proficiency in Spanish.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Coordinator
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Ga
11.2023 - Current
- Coordinated internal and external youth camps, community programs, travel programs and on-campus events from planning through execution
- Served as primary liaison between external clients and multiple university departments, including Housing, Dining/Catering, Parking, Security, and Facilities
- Communicated and enforced event policies, including programs involving minors
- Collaborated cross-functionally to secure venues, lodging, dining, and operational resources to support successful events
- Recruited, trained, and supervised student assistants, instructors, and program staff
- Managed event documentation including contracts, schedules, invoices, evaluations, and information systems
- Evaluated programs and services to ensure quality execution and high client satisfaction
- Delivered consistent, high-level customer service in a fast-paced environment, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel
- Division of Continuing & Professional Education
Server
Ruby Tuesday
Statesboro, Ga
04.2021 - 12.2023
- Delivered attentive table service and resolved customer concerns professionally
- Communicated orders to kitchen staff and managed financial transactions
- Supported front-of-house operations, including bussing and cleanup
Program Assistant
Statesboro Parks and Recreation
Statesboro, Ga
08.2022 - 11.2023
- Planned and facilitated youth programs, day camps, and summer camps, supporting seamless event execution
- Coordinated program schedules, activity timelines, and use of rental spaces and facilities
- Prepared, organized, and managed supplies and materials to support daily and weekly programs.
- Assisted with planning and execution of seasonal events, including holiday breaks and summer programming
- Served as a point of contact for parents and guardians, providing clear communication and customer service
- Supervised youth participants and supported safe, engaging, and well-organized program environments
Activity Coordinator
Statesboro Parks and Recreation
Statesboro, Ga
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Supervised 11 youth participants daily and ensured smooth program operations
- Assisted in activity planning, logistics, setup, and cleanup
- Maintained organized materials and activity areas to ensure engaging experiences
Host
Ruby Tuesday
Statesboro, Ga
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Greeted guests, guided seating, and assisted servers for smooth operations
- Maintained cleanliness, organized dining areas, and supported vendors/delivery staff
- Rearranged table layouts to support daily service needs and special events
Education
Bachelor of Science - Recreation and Tourism Management
Georgia Southern University
05.2023
Skills
- Event coordination
- Budget management
- Contract negotiation
- Data analysis
- Project planning
- Customer relationship management
Certification
- Interdisciplinary Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management, 05/01/23, Georgia Southern University
- ServSafe Manager Certified, 05/01/22, ServSafe
- STEM Endorsement, 05/01/20, Effingham County STEM Academy
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Program Coordinator
Georgia Southern University
11.2023 - Current
Program Assistant
Statesboro Parks and Recreation
08.2022 - 11.2023
Activity Coordinator
Statesboro Parks and Recreation
05.2022 - 07.2022
Server
Ruby Tuesday
04.2021 - 12.2023
Host
Ruby Tuesday
01.2021 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Recreation and Tourism Management
Georgia Southern University