Jessa Valdez Whipple
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Accomplished retail leader with over 14 years of experience driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams in multi-million-dollar stores. Expertise in exceeding sales targets, elevating customer experience, and building future leaders through strategic coaching and mentorship. Skilled in multi-store support, operational execution, and preparing teams for executive-level visits, and recognized for delivering consistent results across diverse retail brands.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
District Impact Leader | Store Team Leader
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc
Ellenton, Florida
03.2023 - Current
- Manage operations of a nearly $4M store, delivering sales growth and operational excellence.
- Lead as District Impact Leader and Regional Call Facilitator, driving credit performance, training, and best practices across multiple stores.
- Partner with store teams to prepare for corporate and VP visit across the district and neighboring district, including supporting New Store Openings (NSOs).
- Honored with Gold & Diamond Award 2024
Store Manager
Victoria's Secret & PINK
West Des Moines, Iowa
11.2021 - 02.2023
- Directed daily operations of a $7M store, ensuring achievement of sales, payroll, and operational goals.
- Recruited, hired, and developed a team of 7 full time leaders, 5 full time senior associates and 50+ service and selling associates, resulting in multiple internal promotions and improved retention rates.
- Achieved recognition for the highest Culture Survey in the district, strengthening team engagement and retention.
DMIT | Store Manager
Garage Clothing Store
West Des Moines, Iowa
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Promoted through progressive store leadership roles, from managing a $500K volume store to a $1M store, and ultimately entrusted with a $3M flagship location.
- Traveled across multiple states, Kansas, Georgia, Mall of America in Minnesota, Indiana, to hire and train new Store Managers and support underperforming stores in staffing, training and sales turnaround, preparing them for visits and sustained performance growth.
- Recognized by the region leadership for turning around non-performing stores and delivering measurable sales and culture growth.
- Nominated Manager of the Year for outstanding leadership, performance, and business impact across the entire company.
- Achieved #1 Email Loyalty Capture company-wide at 98%, driving customer engagement and repeat sales.
Store Manager
Aldo Shoes
San Antonio, Texas
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Developed and trained store teams on selling techniques and customer engagement to consistently exceed KPIs and repeat business.
- Supported the opening of multiple store locations across Texas, ensuring operational readiness, visual standards, and brand compliance, resulting in strong early sales performance.
- Monitored performance metrics across multiple stores and recommended actionable strategies to optimize sales, staffing, and inventory management.
Store Manager
BCBGMAXAZRIA
Las Vegas , NV
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Promoted from Assistant Manager to a Store Manager within 9 months, taking over a $5M store.
- Focused on clientele engagement, attending community and fashion events and developing relationships to drive repeat business and brand loyalty across multiple markets.
- Store awarded for the highest clientele in the region.
Education
Industrial Engineering
Saint Louis College, Philippines
Skills
- Multi-store leadership and district support
- Recruiting, training, and talent development
- Customer experience and engagement strategies
- Sales growth and operational excellence
Timeline
District Impact Leader | Store Team Leader
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc
03.2023 - Current
Store Manager
Victoria's Secret & PINK
11.2021 - 02.2023
DMIT | Store Manager
Garage Clothing Store
11.2018 - 11.2021
Store Manager
Aldo Shoes
01.2015 - 10.2018
Store Manager
BCBGMAXAZRIA
01.2011 - 01.2015
Industrial Engineering
Saint Louis College, Philippines