Kyra Aguinaga Samour
Greenville Zoo
Greenville,SC
5
years of professional experience
Proactive and flexible team member with hands-on experience in educational program support and community events. Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively while collaborating across departments to enhance visitor engagement and uphold safety standards.
Dynamic volunteer with experience in public education and animal behavior. Skilled in engaging visitors through interactive presentations, enhancing community involvement, and maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Work History
Zoo Teen Volunteer
2 Months- Assisted zookeepers in daily animal care and feeding routines.
- Maintained cleanliness of animal habitats to ensure a safe environment for animals and guests.
- Contributed ideas for improving visitor engagement through interactive programs and exhibits.
- Enriched visitor experiences through informative talks on specific animals, their habitats, and conservation status.
- Raised awareness for conservation efforts through engaging presentations to zoo visitors.
- Collaborated effectively with staff members across multiple departments to ensure seamless operations in various areas of the zoo.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of special events, increasing community involvement and support for the zoo.
- Maintained a welcoming environment for all guests by adhering to strict safety guidelines when interacting with animals or handling equipment.
- Supported educational programs by preparing materials and assisting instructors, resulting in more engaged participants.
- Upheld a high standard of professionalism, punctuality, and dedication throughout all volunteer activities, contributing to the overall success of the Zoo Teen Volunteer program.
- Developed time-management skills while simultaneously juggling multiple responsibilities such as event set-up, guest relations, and inventory management.
- Empowered fellow volunteers with necessary skills and knowledge by participating in comprehensive training sessions.
Grant Writing Intern
- Drafted grant proposals aligned with organizational goals and donor expectations.
- Reviewed and edited grant applications for clarity and compliance with guidelines.
- Collaborated with team members to gather data for proposal development.
- Assisted in researching funding opportunities to support organizational initiatives.
- Maintained accurate records of submitted grants and funding inquiries.
- Conducted follow-up communications with funders regarding application status and requirements.
- Maintained grants management database and project calendar for timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposal deadlines and reports.
- Enhanced grant approval rates by conducting thorough research on potential funding sources and aligning proposals with funder priorities.
- Researched and identified prospective public, private and corporate funding sources aligned with strategic plan and funding priorities.
- Supported financial sustainability efforts by tracking and reporting on grant progress, outcomes, and budgetary compliance.
- Gained familiarity with the organization's operational and financial challenges and opportunities to improve grant writing knowledge base.
- Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and consistency.
Counselor-in-Training
- Assisted in developing and implementing youth counseling programs for participants.
- Engaged with children and teens to build trust and rapport during sessions.
- Observed and documented participant progress to inform program adjustments.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
- De-escalated conflicts among campers and sought assistance from seniors for permanent resolutions.
- Supported Lead Counselor in lesson plan creation and field trip planning.
- Fostered communication and friendship among group members through team-building activities.
- Carefully learned and upheld camp rules and regulations for safety and behavior management.
- Eagerly provided one-to-one attention to campers for special instruction, personal counseling and self-esteem-building activities.
- Energetically participated in recess, games and physical activities with camp children.
- Contributed ideas for team-building exercises and recreational activities for youth engagement.
Intern
1 Year 2 Months- Participated in team meetings, contributing ideas for process optimization and efficiency gains.
- Ensured ethical practices in all aspects of work, adhering to industry standards and guidelines for animal welfare.
- Provided daily care and feeding for horses, ensuring optimal health and well-being.
- Observed animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercised animals to induce or hasten estrus when necessary.
- Ensured safety of horses by maintaining clean and secure stables at all times.
- Aided insemination processes by inserting artificial equipment and biological samples to produce desired young.
- Developed strong bonds with horses through consistent care and attention, fostering trust between caretaker and animal.
- Ensured proper grooming and care of horses, enhancing their overall health and appearance.
- Monitored horses' behavior and health, reporting any concerns to management promptly.
- Led horses from stables to fields and back to maintain control of animals.
- Improved horse health by implementing proper grooming techniques and daily care routines.
- Assisted with transportation arrangements for horses traveling to off-site events or veterinary appointments.
Education
High School Diploma
No Degree
Skills
Flexibility
Behavior observation
Public education
Professionalism
Teamwork and collaboration
Multitasking Abilities
Boundary setting
Interpersonal communication
Learning disability awareness
Laboratory skills
Herd management
Semen handling
Artificial insemination techniques
Attention to detail
Reliability
Habitat maintenance
Analytical thinking
Interpersonal skills
Timeline
Zoo Teen Volunteer
Greenville Zoo
05.2026 - 07.2026Read More
Grant Writing Intern
Upstate International
07.2025 - 07.2025Read More
Counselor-in-Training
ACAC Sports Club Fiveforks
06.2025 - 06.2025Read More
Intern
Dynasty Arabian for Arabian Horses
02.2021 - 04.2022Read More
Southside High School
High School Diploma
Read More
Canadian International School of Shenyang
No Degree
Read More