Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Service
Extracurricular Activities
Awards
Leadership Positions
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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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, GA
04-2029

High School -

Norview High School
Norfolk, VA
05.2025

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