Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Timeline
Generic

Karen Watase

Honolulu,HI

Summary

I have a love for children and am a forward-thinking individual with a passion for literacy and a dedication to educating students. Although my background has been mostly in marketing, sales and real estate, the skills I have developed along the way have motivated me to pursue a position whereby I can positively help students engage in reading so they may reach their true potential.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Real Estate Agent (Current Status: Referral Agent)

Coldwell Banker Realty
01.2014 - Current
  • Increased property sales by implementing innovative marketing strategies and utilizing social media platforms.
  • Streamlined communication between all parties involved in transactions, ensuring smooth closings and satisfied clients.
  • Assisted first-time homebuyers in navigating the complex real estate process, guiding them from pre-approval to closing.


Magazine Marketing/Advertising and Marketing Specialist

Hawaii Home And Remodeling Magazine
08.2007 - 12.2014
  • Improved client retention rates through the development of personalized marketing materials and targeted communications.
  • Designed eye-catching print advertisements that captured the attention of target audiences while conveying key brand messaging.
  • Nurtured relationships with influencers within the industry leading to enhanced credibility for the organization.


Advertising Account Executive

The Honolulu Advertiser
03.1998 - 06.2007
  • Secured new business opportunities through proactive outreach, networking events, and industry conferences.
  • Collaborated with creative teams to produce high-quality advertisements that met client objectives and exceeded expectations.
  • Conducted market research to stay up-to-date on industry trends, competitive landscape analysis, and emerging consumer behaviors impacting client campaigns.

Volunteer

Honolulu Christian PreSchool
08.1994 - 05.1997


Served on the Honolulu Christian Preschool Board. Also was active in supporting the school's daily activities and overall mission of the school.


  • Provided exceptional support for event management tasks, resulting in smoothly executed functions.
  • Assisted with special events and programs.
  • Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.


Advertising Sales Representative

RFD Publications
10.1989 - 09.1991
  • Increased advertising revenue by identifying and targeting potential clients within a geographic territory.
  • Developed strong client relationships for long-term success through regular communication and excellent customer service.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by mentoring junior sales representatives, sharing knowledge and expertise to contribute to the team's overall success.

Volunteer

Hawaii Literacy
06.1990 - 05.1991
  • Tutored at various competency levels to help people with reading and writing skills.
  • Participated in volunteer orientations and training sessions to learn about organizational changes and mission updates.
  • Represented organization positively and professionally while providing community with much-needed services.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/English

Drake University
Des Moines, IA
05.1988

Skills

Excellent Communication

Interpersonal

Collaboration

Mentoring

Innovation

Instructional

Organizational

Leadership

Teaching

Certification

  • Hawaii Licensed Real Estate Referral Agent with Coldwell Banker.


PERSONAL STATEMENT

I am a proud mother of two, wife, world traveler and lifelong learner. Born in Korea and adopted when I was 5 years old, English was a second language for me. Thanks to my adopted parents (my father was a high school English teacher and my mother was a Remedial Reading Specialist), I was able to quickly learn and have an excellent command in reading and writing the English language. I have both lived and traveled to places where English was not the dominant language. With a love for the written word and an uncanny ability to build rapport with people, I am excited to 'pay it forward' and to share the gift of literacy with children in an engaging and effective manner. I truly believe that empowering children with strong reading skills will not only transform their lives but also enrich communities and positively impact the world.

Timeline

Real Estate Agent (Current Status: Referral Agent)

Coldwell Banker Realty
01.2014 - Current

Magazine Marketing/Advertising and Marketing Specialist

Hawaii Home And Remodeling Magazine
08.2007 - 12.2014

Advertising Account Executive

The Honolulu Advertiser
03.1998 - 06.2007

Volunteer

Honolulu Christian PreSchool
08.1994 - 05.1997

Volunteer

Hawaii Literacy
06.1990 - 05.1991

Advertising Sales Representative

RFD Publications
10.1989 - 09.1991

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/English

Drake University
  • Hawaii Licensed Real Estate Referral Agent with Coldwell Banker.


Karen Watase