Katalina Barragan
Las Vegas,Nevada
Summary
Experienced and dependable hospitality professional with a strong background in group housing, front desk services, and guest relations in high-volume resort settings. Recognized for leadership, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in managing room blocks, mentoring teams, and supporting large-scale events. Self-driven leader with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Housing Lead
MGM Resorts International - CORP
02.2024 - Current
- Lead daily operations for six Group Housing teams, mentoring and supporting 18 specialists in managing high-volume group bookings across multiple resort properties.
- Oversee the execution and maintenance of group room blocks, ensuring contractual compliance, inventory accuracy, and adherence to pickup rates and cut-off dates using Opera, Passkey, and Amadeus.
- Serve as a key liaison during planning meetings and pre-convention briefings, facilitating communication between clients and internal departments to ensure seamless event execution.
- Manage multiple complex group bookings simultaneously, demonstrating exceptional organizational and time management skills under high-pressure conditions.
Group Reservations Specialist
MGM Resorts International - CORP
06.2022 - 02.2024
- Manage group room blocks, rates, and booking details using property management systems such as Opera and Passkey for corporate, entertainment, and special event clients.
- Conduct internal audits to ensure accurate billing, contract compliance, and financial reconciliation for groups of all sizes.
- Managed a high volume of group reservations while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in all transactions.
Front Desk Representative
Mandalay Bay - MGM Resorts International
05.2016 - 06.2022
- Consistently delivered excellent service in accordance with the property's core service standards.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, accurately handled cash, credit card transactions, and reconcile discrepancies at the end of each shift.
Server
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
04.2015 - 06.2016
- Created an overall guest experience by taking food and beverage orders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, all while embodying the restaurant's cherished family values.
- Stayed up-to-date with and adhered to all industry-specific health and safety regulations and guidelines.
Team Lead
Forms Direct Inc.
01.2014 - 10.2015
- Periodically adapted strategies to reduce company-wide refund rates.
- Effectively managed and resolved complaints filed with the Attorney General and Better Business Bureau (BBB), demonstrating a commitment to maintaining positive external relationships and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Call Center Representative
Forms Direct Inc.
08.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed a high volume of calls, exceeding performance targets for call handling and customer satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough reviews of client-provided documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Cashier
Target
09.2012 - 11.2013
- Delivered prompt, friendly customer service while accurately processing cash, credit, and mobile transactions.
- Collaborated with internal departments (e.g., inventory, loss prevention, management) to resolve complex return or product issues efficiently.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cimarron Memorial High School
Las Vegas, NV2012
Skills
- Self-Directed
- Organization and time management
- Customer Relation Management
- Detail Oriented
- Hospitality Experience
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Timeline
Group Housing Lead
MGM Resorts International - CORP
02.2024 - Current
Group Reservations Specialist
MGM Resorts International - CORP
06.2022 - 02.2024
Front Desk Representative
Mandalay Bay - MGM Resorts International
05.2016 - 06.2022
Server
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
04.2015 - 06.2016
Team Lead
Forms Direct Inc.
01.2014 - 10.2015
Call Center Representative
Forms Direct Inc.
08.2013 - 01.2014
Cashier
Target
09.2012 - 11.2013
High School Diploma -
Cimarron Memorial High School
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