LAKESIA A. GARDNER
Sahuarita,AZ
Summary
Dedicated Hospitality Professional with 20 years of experience managing fast-paced, high-volume environments. Proven track record in passenger safety, conflict resolution, and delivering exceptional guest service under pressure. Adept at handling emergencies, maintaining strict regulatory compliance, and working seamlessly with diverse teams. Eager to bring two decades of premium service expertise to the Front Desk Receptionist role with Dr. Reeferalz.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Travel and Cultural Exploration Sabbatical
12.2023 - 08.2026
- Planned, budgeted and executed long-term independent travels across diverse regions.
- Navigated complex transit schedules, language barriers, and changing local guidelines with high adaptability.
- Developed strong cross-cultural communication skills by interacting with diverse populations worldwide.
- Actively prepared for a professional transition into the aviation industry by strengthening core competencies in communication, crisis management, and situational awareness.
Cocktail Server
Del Sol Casino Resort
Tucson, AZ
07.2015 - 12.2023
- Strictly enforced age verification and state compliance laws to ensure a pleasant safe, and legal environment for hundreds of nightly guests.
- Maintained a calm demeanor during medical emergencies, overcrowding, and high-stress situations, coordinating quickly with management and security.
- Expertly de-escalated tense situations with impaired or difficult guests, using tact and professionalism to protect the casino environment.
Beverage Server
Dessert Diamond Casino and Hotel
Tucson, Arizona
05.2010 - 06.2014
- Collaborated closely with bar staff, kitchen teams, and security personnel to manage fast-moving crowds and ensure smooth operations.
- Thrived in a dynamic, loud, and constantly changing workspace while standing for long 8 to 12-hour shifts.
- Efficiently obtain guest beverage requests, while anticipating customer needs and checking for satisfaction.
Education
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05-2012
Associate of Science - Biology
Pima Community College
Tucson, ArizonaSkills
- Leadership and operations management
- Training and mentoring
- Daily operations oversight
- Policy enforcement and safety compliance
- Inventory tracking and supply management
- Crisis management and safety compliance
- Conflict resolution and mediation
- Health and safety adherence
- Hazard monitoring and emergency response
- First aid and basic life support certification
- Guest relations and hospitality expertise
- Customer satisfaction strategies
- Complaint resolution techniques
- Body language interpretation
- Diversity and inclusion engagement
Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Timeline
Travel and Cultural Exploration Sabbatical
12.2023 - 08.2026
Cocktail Server
Del Sol Casino Resort
07.2015 - 12.2023
Beverage Server
Dessert Diamond Casino and Hotel
05.2010 - 06.2014
University of Arizona
Associate of Science - Biology
Pima Community College