Heather Leighton
Port Angeles,WA
Summary
Versatile specialist with results-driven and focused approach to completing work. Skilled leader, planner and problem-solver with several-year career in both Finance and Graphic Design. Known for excellent attention to detail and great work ethic.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
DATA ANNOTATION SPECIALIST
Handshake AI
01.2026 - Current
- Annotate, label, and evaluate image and design-based datasets to improve AI model accuracy and performance
- Perform multi-step visual editing and annotation workflows using tools such as Canva and platform-specific annotation systems
- Apply structured reasoning to create precise referring expressions and object identification tasks
- Ensured high-quality, consistent annotations by following detailed project guidelines
- Improved annotation accuracy by maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and incorporating QA feedback
- Collaborated on evolving project guidelines across multiple task types (image, UI, and design-based tasks) to meet project objectives
- Manage time effectively to meet deadlines while maintaining high attention to detail
- Led Project Hedgehog initiative to enhance project outcomes.
Freelance Design & Digital Content Creator
Self-Employed
01.2024 - Current
- Designed custom digital products for online shop, enhancing visual branding and user experience
- Utilized Canva to create and optimize graphics for commercial applications
- Apply visual consistency, spacing, alignment, and formatting principles to ensure high quality outputs
- Adapt designs based on feedback and iterative improvement processes
- Manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines
Loan servicing specialist III
First Fed Bank
Port Angeles, USA
01.2018 - 01.2026
- Executed loan funding/setup, audit support, modification document preparation, and general ledger accounting, while analyzing funding packages for completeness, reviewing reports, processing payments/payoffs, managing customer service inquiries, and maintaining loans throughout their lifecycle.
- Verified servicing activities for compliance with regulatory, investor, and internal policy requirements.
- Delivered loan operation services in a mid-sized community bank, enhancing customer experience and operational effectiveness.
Loan Officer Assistant
WaFd Bank
Sequim, USA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Expertise working directly with borrowers to gather required documentation for loan applications.
- Coordinated communication among borrowers, loan officers, and underwriting teams to facilitate timely loan approvals.
- Verified documentation compliance with bank and regulatory requirements prior to underwriting review.
- Reviewing applications for completeness and accuracy prior to submission to underwriting.
- Assisted loan officers in processing loan applications to streamline workflow.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06-2020
Skills
- Data annotation
- Annotation tools
- Annotation review
- Image evaluation
- Data processing
- Quality assurance
- Data compliance
- Image editing
- Data visualization
- Workflow automation
- Project planning
- User support
- Team collaboration
- Microsoft and Salesforce proficiency
- Adaptability
- Effective communication
Timeline
DATA ANNOTATION SPECIALIST
Handshake AI
01.2026 - Current
Freelance Design & Digital Content Creator
Self-Employed
01.2024 - Current
Loan servicing specialist III
First Fed Bank
01.2018 - 01.2026
Loan Officer Assistant
WaFd Bank
01.2017 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Finance
University of Washington