Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Heather Varsalona

Kennesaw,GA

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience at Johns Hopkins University in project management and communication. Led community health initiatives that promoted sustainable solutions and improved outreach. Proficient in data analysis and collaboration, achieving notable enhancements in community engagement and health outcomes.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community-based project

Johns Hopkins University
Tasso Island, Sierra Leone
01.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with team to achieve objectives and meet deadlines for community health project.
  • Identified need for 12 wells, freshwater harvesting, and 27 latrines through project findings.
  • Advocated for sustainable menstrual hygiene products using communication and media strategies.
  • Developed and presented media slide deck to US-based community partner, leading to invitations from the US Embassy.
  • Proposed education solutions addressing menstrual health barriers on Tasso Island.

Shift Supervisor

Starbucks Coffee Company
Kennesaw, GA
01.2016 - Current
  • Managed a barista team of 15-18, fostering positive experiences for customers and staff.
  • Facilitated problem-solving discussions with shift supervisors to uphold Starbucks quality standards.
  • Utilized internal digital tools to communicate operational needs and celebrate staff achievements.
  • Championed 'French Press Friday' marketing campaign to enhance customer engagement and education.
  • Led store compost program, reducing landfill waste by 30% through effective training.
  • Applied ACT decision model(Assess, Consider, then Take Action) to balance competing priorities, to evaluate priorities before implementing actions.
  • Empowered barista teams, resulting in a 22% increase in positive customer experience surveys.

Research Intern

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
Tempe, Arizona
08.2021 - 12.2023
  • Obtained certification in ethical human subject research through Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative.
  • Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills for ethnographic and biocultural research across three faculty projects.
  • Collaborated with team members to analyze and clean data in Culture, Health, and Environment Lab-CHELab effects of water access, contributing to academic publication.
  • Prepared research materials, including surveys and questionnaires, for various studies.
  • Organized and maintained accessible research documentation for efficient reference.
  • Participated in team meetings to discuss project progress and provide updates.
  • Maintained organized records of all data collected during research activities.

Co-Director

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
Tempe, Arizona
08.2021 - 12.2023
  • Organized innovative pilot program connecting online students with established peers.
  • Designed monthly meetings addressing online student needs to aid acclimation to higher education.
  • Facilitated biweekly Zoom meetings for mentors and mentees, enhancing dialogue and problem-solving.
  • Guided mentors on ASU and Starbucks scholarships to improve engagement and academic success.
  • Served as liaison for mentoring experience through weekly communications with mentors.
  • Increased mentor-mentee relationship effectiveness by 80% based on exit survey feedback.
  • Applied time management skills to utilize technology in fostering an inclusive educational environment.
  • Developed supportive spaces enabling students to connect and share experiences in online learning.

Outreach Coordinator

Maple Ave United Methodist Church
Marietta, GA
01.2011 - 01.2019
  • Led project focused on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness and overcoming addiction.
  • Organized, trained, and scheduled volunteers to serve weekly dinners for 100-150 guests.
  • Developed yearly menu addressing nutritional requirements of homeless drug rehab program.
  • Communicated weekly menu to church staff for distribution via email and social media.
  • Established annual and weekly budget, ensuring positive cash flow through NGO grants and funding.
  • Implemented teen volunteer program for local middle and high school students needing service hours.
  • Facilitated youth engagement in kitchen activities to foster relationships with underserved populations.
  • Created communication templates for schools and organizations to track youth service hours.

Education

Master of Science - Environmental Health and Engineering

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
05.2026

Bachelor of Science - Communication

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
01.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Global Health

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
01.2023

Skills

  • Risk modeling and Data analysis
  • Project management
  • Effective communication
  • Community outreach
  • Environmental health
  • Analytical thinking
  • MS Office proficiency

Websites

Certification

  • Risk Sciences and Public Policy
  • Food, Environment, and Public Health

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Community-based project

Johns Hopkins University
01.2024 - Current

Research Intern

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
08.2021 - 12.2023

Co-Director

Arizona State University, Tempe Campus
08.2021 - 12.2023

Shift Supervisor

Starbucks Coffee Company
01.2016 - Current

Outreach Coordinator

Maple Ave United Methodist Church
01.2011 - 01.2019

Master of Science - Environmental Health and Engineering

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor of Science - Communication

Arizona State University

Bachelor of Arts - Global Health

Arizona State University

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