Kayla Reyes
Washington,DC
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in customer service and youth development. Proven ability to mediate conflicts and foster teamwork, while effectively implementing behavioral plans. Bilingual communicator skilled in problem-solving and program support, dedicated to enhancing the experiences of diverse communities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Elmina
Washington, District of Columbia
10.2025 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Assisted team members during peak service hours for efficiency.
- Trained new servers on company standards and best practices.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries and special requests.
- Demonstrated strong teamwork skills during busy service periods.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
Dedicated Aide
DC International Public Charter School
Washington, DC
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavioral or special disorders.
- Helping students achieve organizational goals by using self-monitoring checklists and adaptive technology.
- One-on-one check-in with students, overseeing their academic success.
- Managed and supported children with behavioral challenges.
- Participated in team meetings and trainings related to best practices within the field of Youth Development Coordination.
- Attended conferences related to youth development topics such as bullying prevention or substance abuse awareness.
- Collaborated with other professionals in the field of youth development to develop strategies that address issues faced by young people.
- Served as a liaison between school staff and Spanish-speaking families to ensure effective communication and engagement.
- Acted as a mediator in student and staff conflicts, helping both parties express concerns and collaborate on resolutions.
Store Manager
Mangolina
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a diverse team of 15 employees, the majority of whom were new to the workforce and primarily Spanish-speaking.
- Maintained high standards of customer service, effectively resolving escalated issues to ensure a consistently positive customer experience.
- Built strong relationships with suppliers, successfully negotiating improved pricing and terms.
- Managed day-to-day store operations, including scheduling, labor cost control, quality assurance, and daily bank deposits.
Hostess, Server, Busser
Mintwood Place
Washington, DC
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Met goals for fast table turnaround and low customer wait times by controlling guest flow.
- Maintained seating charts to optimize station rotations.
- Moved and arranged tables, chairs, and settings to accommodate large groups or guests with special needs.
- Cleaned tables and arranged settings to comply with sanitation requirements.
- Memorized and promoted menu items, specials, and drink options to maximize revenue.
Basketball Coach Training
Hoops Sagrado-Sacred Hoops
Guatemla
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Selected as 1 of 20+ participants from Washington, D.C. for a competitive, month-long leadership and service program focused on youth development
- Conducted direct outreach and engagement with Indigenous and at-risk youth, building trust and encouraging participation in structured activities
- Led basketball training sessions that promoted positive youth development, mentorship, and teamwork in a supportive environment
- Organized and facilitated community-based events to strengthen relationships among youth, families, and community members
- Collaborated with local stakeholders to support culturally responsive programming and community engagement efforts
- Utilized Spanish language skills and cultural immersion to effectively communicate and build rapport with diverse populations
Recreation Aide II (SYEP)
Department of Parks and Recreation
Washington, DC
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Selected to participate in a competitive workforce development program focused on youth employment and community engagement
- Planned and facilitated structured recreational activities for diverse populations, promoting engagement, teamwork, and positive social interaction
- Led group activities, providing clear instruction, supervision, and guidance to ensure safe and inclusive participation
- Conducted outreach and engagement with participants to encourage involvement in programs and activities
- Set up, organized, and maintained equipment for recreational programming
- Documented and reported on participant engagement, program activities, and outcomes
Education
Associates -
UDC
Washington, DC06-2026
High School -
DC International
Washington, DC01-2021
Skills
- Bilingual
- Youth and family interaction
- Conflict mediation
- Emotional support
- Program support
- Positive reinforcement
- Youth advocacy
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Flexibility in the workplace
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
Languages
- Spanish, Fluent
- English, Native
Timeline
Server
Elmina
10.2025 - Current
Dedicated Aide
DC International Public Charter School
01.2022 - 01.2023
Store Manager
Mangolina
01.2020 - 01.2021
Hostess, Server, Busser
Mintwood Place
01.2020 - 12.2020
Basketball Coach Training
Hoops Sagrado-Sacred Hoops
07.2019 - 08.2020
Recreation Aide II (SYEP)
Department of Parks and Recreation
06.2017 - 08.2017
Associates -
UDC
High School -
DC International