Jolana Thirkill
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Norview NJROTC, excelling in staff development and public speaking. Successfully enhanced cadet training programs, fostering teamwork and discipline. Adept at event planning and customer service, with a strong ability to build relationships and advocate for youth initiatives.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer/Mentor
Commonwealth Youth Challenge
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Guided youth in developing leadership and life skills through personalized mentorship.
- Organized events that fostered collaboration and networking among young leaders in the community.
- Advocated for youth voices in program development and decision-making processes within the organization.
Hostess
RZ Restaurants
01.2024 - 08.2025
- Greeted guests warmly and managed reservations efficiently.
- Handled guest inquiries and resolved seating issues promptly.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service during peak hours.
- Trained new hostesses on company procedures and customer service standards.
Waitress/Server
Waffle House
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Processed payments and handled cash transactions efficiently.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally to enhance dining experience.
- Developed positive relationships with regular customers through friendly conversation.
NJROTC Commanding Officer
Norview NJROTC
Norfolk
06.2024 - 06.2025
- Led training programs for cadets, enhancing leadership and teamwork skills.
- Supervised drill practices, promoting discipline and precision among participants.
- Facilitated community outreach initiatives, fostering relationships with local organizations.
- Organized fundraising activities, supporting program sustainability and growth efforts.
- Evaluated performance of subordinates in order to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Hostess
Brick Anchor
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Managed the waiting list, ensuring that all parties were seated in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills when interacting with customers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Economics Major Political Science Minor
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA04-2029
High School -
Norview High School
Norfolk, VA05.2025
Skills
- Data analysis
- Staff development
- Public speaking
- Event planning
- Customer service
- Team management
Community Service
- Mobile food pantries 2021-2025
- NJROTC drill instructor for over 50 first year cadets 2022-2025
- Kings Dominion amusement park volunteer 2022-2025
- Color Guard for retirements and ceremonies 2024-2025
- Concessions for Norview Football games 2021-2022
- Fed homeless with church 2020-2022
Extracurricular Activities
NJROTC Cadet Staff 2022-2025
NJROTC PT Team 2021-2025
NJROTC Academics Team 2022-2025
NJROTC Drill Team 2021-2025
Cross Country 2022-2023
G.I.R.L.S Club 2021-2022
Awards
- AP Scholar Award, 11
- Most Outstanding Naval Science III Cadet, 11
- Commander of 2024 drill team that ranked 5th in the nation, 11
- Commander/Choreographer of Unarmed Exhibition team that ranked 7th in nation, 11
- NPS Certificate of Distinction for leading drill team to nationals, 11
- Fleet Reserve Association (Honor Cadet), Awarded to one cadet, per grade level, with highest overall academic achievement, 11
- 2024 Ms. NJROTC, 11
- Most Outstanding Naval Science II Cadet, 10
- Most Outstanding Naval Science I Cadet, 09
- Veteran of Foreign Wars Award, 09
Leadership Positions
- Commanding Officer, 2nd Most Outstanding Unit in the Nation out of 700
- Drill Team Commander and Choreographer, Ranked 5th Place in the Nation out of 700
- Kings Dominion Amusement Park Volunteer Coordinator, Supervised and selected 30+ cadets to work concessions, food stands, and diners
- Norview NJROTC Alumni Board Member, Student Representative
- Area 5 Leadership Administrative Officer, (DC,MD,VA)
- Norfolk 5 Basic Leadership Training Administrative Officer
- Class Leader in NJROTC Classes, Responsible for managing attendance, inputting grades, and awarding ribbons and rank to cadets when earned
- Basic Leadership Training Platoon Commander
- Cross Country Participant/Manager
Accomplishments
- NPS Certificate of Distinction
- Cadet Achievement Award
- AP Scholar
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Volunteer/Mentor
Commonwealth Youth Challenge
06.2024 - 08.2025
NJROTC Commanding Officer
Norview NJROTC
06.2024 - 06.2025
Hostess
RZ Restaurants
01.2024 - 08.2025
Waitress/Server
Waffle House
08.2023 - 08.2025
Hostess
Brick Anchor
08.2022 - 04.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Economics Major Political Science Minor
Spelman College
High School -
Norview High School