Kathryn Cao
Springfield,VA
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Starbucks Barista Team Member
Starbucks
Springfield, VA
06.2023 - 07.2025
- Delivered fast, accurate customer service in a high-volume Starbucks setting by managing beverage production, point-of-sale transactions, food preparation, and mobile order fulfillment during peak hours.
- Provided exceptional customer experiences by building rapport with regular customers, memorizing frequent orders and preferences, and delivering personalized service that encouraged repeat business and customer loyalty
- Played a key role in supporting and developing new hires by teaching operational workflows, drink station organization, multitasking techniques, and efficiency strategies to help strengthen overall team performance.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by handling beverage preparation, customer service, mobile orders, restocking, cleaning tasks, and supporting coworkers in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained high operational and cleanliness standards by supporting opening procedures, preparing inventory and supplies, and organizing workstations.
- Contributed to increased sales performance by confidently recommending beverage and food pairings, upselling menu items, and providing personalized product suggestions tailored to customer preferences.
Visual Merchandising & Promotions Associate
Starbucks
Springfield, VA
06.2023 - 07.2025
- Selected to independently design and hand-paint promotional boards, seasonal campaign displays, and large-scale in-store marketing signage for major beverage launches, limited-time releases, and company promotions.
- Created visually engaging promotional materials that elevated store presentation, strengthened brand image, increased customer attention toward featured products, and enhanced overall guest experience.
- Collaborated closely with store leadership to execute seasonal marketing concepts, maintain Starbucks visual merchandising standards, and deliver polished promotional displays under strict launch deadlines.
- Recognized for creativity, attention to detail, and artistic execution by consistently producing high-quality promotional artwork used throughout the store during high-traffic campaigns and launch events.
- Improved customer engagement and product visibility by creating eye-catching promotional displays that attracted attention, strengthened store presentation, and increased interest in featured drinks and seasonal menu items.
Guest Fulfillment Specialist
Target
Springfield, VA
11.2021 - 06.2023
- Managed high-volume fulfillment operations by efficiently processing mobile and ship-from-store orders while maintaining speed and accuracy.
- Consistently picked, packed, and prepared 100+ items per hour while meeting productivity targets and supporting same-day fulfillment demands.
- Maintained one of the department's lowest INF (Item Not Found) rates through strong product knowledge, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving.
- Delivered outstanding guest service by assisting customers, recommending product alternatives, and resolving inventory-related concerns.
- Adapted quickly between order picking, backroom packing, sorting, and shipping preparation to support efficient fulfillment operations.
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily performance goals and maintain strong fulfillment metrics in a high-volume environment.
- Cross-trained across multiple store departments and assisted with stocking, zoning, inventory, and guest service functions to support overall store operations.
Team Leader
Chick-Fil-A
Springfield, VA
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Earned promotion to Team Leader in recognition of strong performance, leadership, and commitment to operational excellence.
- Led closing shifts by supervising a team of 7+ employees, inspecting side work, enforcing cleaning standards, and ensuring the restaurant was secured and prepared for the next business day.
- Trained and mentored new team members across multiple positions, helping develop a versatile and high-performing staff.
- Maintained strict health, safety, and sanitation standards during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring compliance with company protocols and guest safety requirements.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by resolving concerns, providing personalized recommendations, and supporting efficient restaurant operations during peak hours.
- Fostered a positive team culture through effective communication, dependable shift coverage, and collaborative leadership.
- Improved shift efficiency and speed of service by implementing feedback, coaching team members, and continuously refining operational processes.
Education
High School Diploma -
John R Lewis High School
Springfield, VA06-2023
Health Sciences Coursework - Pre-Dental Track
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA06-2026
Dual Enrollment - undefined
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA01-2026
Skills
- Customer Service
- Guest Experience
- POS Systems & Cash Handling
- Mobile & Online Order Fulfillment
- Order Accuracy
- Inventory Management
- Stocking & Merchandising
- Food & Beverage Operations
- Retail Operations
- Team Leadership
- Training & Onboarding
- Sales & Upselling
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Cleaning, Safety & Sanitation Standards
Languages
English - Fluent
Vietnamese - Semi Fluent
Spanish - Limited
Honors & Awards
-Employee of the Quarter - Starbucks, 2025-04,
Recognized as Employee of the Quarter for strong performance, reliability, and customer service in a high-volume Starbucks environment while continuing to work through a foot injury.
-Student Government Association Member,
Contributed to school leadership initiatives, student engagement activities, and event planning to improve school culture and student involvement.
-Asian Student Association Member,
Engaged in cultural organization activities promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness within the school community.
-Key Club Member,
Participated in community service initiatives focused on volunteering, leadership development, and school/community support programs.
-Varsity Lacrosse Athlete
-Varsity Basketball Athlete
Timeline
Starbucks Barista Team Member
Starbucks
06.2023 - 07.2025
Visual Merchandising & Promotions Associate
Starbucks
06.2023 - 07.2025
Guest Fulfillment Specialist
Target
11.2021 - 06.2023
Team Leader
Chick-Fil-A
05.2021 - 11.2021
Dual Enrollment - undefined
Northern Virginia Community College
High School Diploma -
John R Lewis High School
Health Sciences Coursework - Pre-Dental Track
Northern Virginia Community College