Ilona Velasquez
Cornwall-on-Hudson,NY
Summary
Dynamic community-focused professional with extensive experience in public engagement, event coordination, hospitality, communications, administration, and small business management. Strong passion for fostering inclusive recreational opportunities drives a commitment to enrich residents' lives through innovative programming and strategic community partnerships. Certified in CPR, First Aid, and as a NYS Mandated Reporter, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants. Proven ability to connect with diverse populations and enhance community well-being through collaborative initiatives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Waitress
Painter's Tavern
Cornwall
11.2025 - Current
- Delivered high-quality service while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Provided excellent customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Managed multiple tables, prioritizing guest needs efficiently.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
- Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
- Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
Floral Designer
Merritt Florist
Cornwall
09.2025 - Current
- Created custom floral designs and supported daily business operations.
- Designed custom floral arrangements based on client preferences and seasonal availability.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate flowers for events and occasions.
- Maintained inventory of flowers and supplies, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
- Collaborated with team members to execute large-scale event setups efficiently.
- Developed creative displays to enhance product visibility and appeal in-store.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences.
Owner & Creative Director
Ilona Velasquez Photography
Cornwall-on-Hudson
02.2019 - Current
- Managed business operations, scheduling, marketing, client relations, and project coordination.
- Managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
- Developed marketing strategies utilizing social media platforms to enhance brand visibility.
- Oversaw all aspects of photography projects, from planning to execution and delivery.
- Mentored junior photographers in technical skills and customer service best practices.
- Implemented streamlined workflows to improve project turnaround times and efficiency.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and adapt services accordingly.
- Collaborated with clients to create customized photography packages that meet specific needs.
- Maintained high standards of quality control during editing and post-production processes.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
Store Clerk & Guest Services
Storm King Art Center
New Windsor
05.2024 - 12.2025
- Provided exceptional visitor service, supported events, admissions, memberships, retail operations, and public engagement.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and product selection to enhance shopping experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of sales floor to promote efficient customer navigation.
- Processed transactions accurately using point-of-sale system, ensuring smooth checkout procedures.
- Restocked merchandise regularly, optimizing inventory levels and presentation on sales floor.
- Collaborated with team members to create engaging displays that attracted customer interest.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and customer service best practices for consistency.
- Monitored stock levels and reported discrepancies to management for timely replenishment actions.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to improve service quality and customer satisfaction initiatives.
- Assisted customers by answering questions and fulfilling requests.
- Replenished sales floor merchandise and organized shelves, racks, and bins for optimal appearance.
- Assisted in maintaining a welcoming store atmosphere by keeping common areas clean, well-lit, and inviting for customers.
Social Media Intern
SUNY Orange
Middletown
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Produced outreach campaigns supporting campus and community events.
- Assisted in creating engaging content for social media platforms, enhancing audience interaction.
- Monitored social media trends, providing insights to improve campaign effectiveness.
- Collaborated with team members on content calendars, ensuring timely postings across channels.
- Conducted research on target demographics to tailor messaging strategies effectively.
- Supported analytics tracking by compiling data on post performance and engagement metrics.
- Developed graphic content using design tools to enhance visual appeal of posts.
- Engaged with followers, responding to inquiries and comments to foster community relationships.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions, contributing ideas for innovative campaigns and promotions.
- Boosted brand awareness by creating and scheduling engaging content across various social media platforms.
- Developed and executed social media campaigns for optimal reach, engagement, and growth.
Circulation Clerk
Cornwall Public Library
Cornwall
06.2021 - 10.2023
- Served patrons and assisted with community programming and circulation services.
- Processed library materials for circulation, ensuring accurate inventory management.
- Assisted patrons with inquiries and provided guidance on library resources.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of circulation desk and surrounding areas.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance customer service experiences.
- Utilized integrated library systems for tracking checkouts and returns efficiently.
- Developed an understanding of cataloging procedures to support staff as needed.
- Coordinated special events, promoting community engagement through library programs.
- Trained new staff on circulation policies and procedures to ensure consistency in operations.
- Facilitated improved communication between departments by actively participating in team meetings and sharing relevant updates from the circulation area.
- Processed and shelved returned materials after evaluating for general condition and cleanliness.
- Engaged in customer service by conducting searches of available materials, pointing out library resources and answering general questions.
- Served as a reliable point of contact for both staff members and patrons seeking information about circulation policies or specific items within the collection.
Education
Associate of Arts - Humanities
Suny Orange
Middletown, NY08.2025
Associate of Arts - Visual Communication
Middletown, NY05.2025
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Recreation Programming
- Event Coordination
- Administrative Operations
- Public Relations
- Volunteer Collaboration
- Social Media Outreach
- Customer & Resident Services
- Leadership
- Risk Awareness & Safety
- Customer service
- Strong multitasking
- Greeting guests
- Cleanliness
- Order taking
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Cash handling
- Decision-making
- Hospitality service expertise
- Handling complaints
- Payment processing
- Memory retention
- Complex Problem-solving
- Accurate money handling
- Complaint resolution
- Active listening
- Menu memorization
- Time management
Certification
- CPR Certified
- First Aid Certified
- NYS Mandated Reporter
Timeline
Waitress
Painter's Tavern
11.2025 - Current
Floral Designer
Merritt Florist
09.2025 - Current
Social Media Intern
SUNY Orange
02.2025 - 05.2025
Store Clerk & Guest Services
Storm King Art Center
05.2024 - 12.2025
Circulation Clerk
Cornwall Public Library
06.2021 - 10.2023
Owner & Creative Director
Ilona Velasquez Photography
02.2019 - Current
Associate of Arts - Humanities
Suny Orange