Laila Thornton-Diaz
Richmond,VA
Summary
Bilingual English–Spanish student with experience in translation, mentoring, and community-based work. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills developed through leadership and volunteer roles. Eager to contribute to collaborative teams and gain professional experience across a variety of fields.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Communities In Schools, Cis
Richmond, VA
02.2026 - Current
- Work with three students one-on-one in underserved school communities to provide mentorship and academic support.
- Foster positive learning environments by building relationships and encouraging student growth.
- Assist in programs designed to address barriers to educational success.
- Provide students with a safe space to express themselves in their language of origin and foster bilingualism
Catering Server
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA
01.2026 - Current
- Provided exceptional customer service to events of 100+ guests during high-volume catering events.
- Assisted in the setup and breakdown of event spaces, ensuring cleanliness and organization.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to deliver timely food service for various functions.
- Monitored supply inventory, facilitating efficient resource management for events.
Volunteer
VCU Health
Richmond, VA
10.2025 - Current
- Assist healthcare professionals in providing patient care and support during treatment
- Provide interpretation services to five + patients per day on a mobile medical van serving Richmond’s Southside Spanish-speaking community.
- Bridge linguistic and cultural gaps between patients and healthcare providers.
- Strengthen community trust and access to medical care through bilingual support.
Hostess/Head Food Runner
New York Deli
Richmond, VA
11.2023 - Current
- Greet and seat 300+ guests a week promptly, ensuring an optimal dining experience.
- Manage the reservation system, optimizing table turnover and guest flow.
- Collaborate with kitchen and waitstaff to coordinate timely service delivery.
- Train five plus new host staff on best practices for customer engagement and service standards.
- Serve as a crucial link between front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) staff for smooth service
Volunteer
Virginia Poverty Law Center
Richmond, VA
09.2025 - 12.2026
- Translated five plus legal aid documents and informational materials to increase accessibility for Spanish-speaking clients.
- Assisted in making critical legal information understandable for individuals navigating Immigration and Power of Attorney issues.
- Contributed to efforts that promote equitable access to legal support
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Undecided
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA05-2029
High School Diploma -
Open High School
Richmond, VA05-2025
Skills
- Community engagement
- Verbal and written communication
- Foreign language proficiency
- Academic Writing
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Outdoor Recreation
- Volunteer Work
- Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays
- Team Sports
- Avid Reader
- Knitting and Crocheting
Awards
- Deans List and All A's for Fall 2025
Timeline
Volunteer
Communities In Schools, Cis
02.2026 - Current
Catering Server
University of Richmond
01.2026 - Current
Volunteer
VCU Health
10.2025 - Current
Volunteer
Virginia Poverty Law Center
09.2025 - 12.2026
Hostess/Head Food Runner
New York Deli
11.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Undecided
University of Richmond
High School Diploma -
Open High School