LaSonja Monroe-Polk
Houston,TX
Summary
Proven success in a demanding work environment with a strong knowledge of health insurance and employee benefit experience. Demonstrates excellent coordination and event planning skills, able to accomplish various tasks with minimal supervision. Displays superior communication and professionalism, serving as a proven team leader and providing staff support while effectively solving problems. Highly skilled in creating, implementing, and analyzing work systems to promote continuous improvement. Possesses advanced computer skills in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe, and Internet. Maintains a professional demeanor with exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Proactively anticipates the needs of the team, consistently thinking ahead. Demonstrates expertise in managing and developing staff.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Self Employed Fashion Designer / Sewing Instructor
LaSonjaPolkDesigns.com
01.2013 - Current
- All of the day to day responsibilities of running a fashion design business. Production, Marketing, Collaboration. Communication, Customer Engagement, Sales and followup.
- Teach sewing and creative “Do It Yourself” skills to children and adults
- Speak at public / private schools and Houston Community Recreation Centers on Sewing and DIY Crafting Projects for Teens and Senior Citizens
Executive Assistant to Market President
Cigna
01.2014 - 04.2022
- Plan and coordinate on-boarding and off-boarding of employee
- Secures help desk support as needed to trouble shoot/resolve computer/phone/printer issue, orders equipment and supplies for department using the portal supply system, and manage department space planning in partnership with corporate Real Estate team
- Maintains department organization chart and email distribution lists
- Handle travel arrangements using Cigna's online travel booking tool
- Accurate and timely submission of Principal’s expense reports, as well as, review, rejection, or approval of policy adherent expense reports submitted by team members
- Manage calendar system and look for opportunities to enhance efficiencies
- Make last minute calendaring decisions based on priority and business needs using sound judgment
- Advise of last-minute scheduling changes and communicate via e-mail, telephone and/or text message when appropriate
- Schedules and organizes internal and external meetings including LYNC/webinars/Webex and conference calls and handles any necessary logistics for outside guests
- Coordinate requested employee activities & Volunteer Coordinator
Office Manager, Cigna, Select Sales
Cigna
01.2011 - 07.2013
- Direct Staff Manager over six administrative assistance and all manager duties included
- Direct Assistance to entire Sales Select staff
- Personal Assistance to Sales Select VP Manager
- Arrange detailed travel and itineraries
- Coordinate detailed team and executive meeting plans
- Manage training initiatives for staff
- Run weekly Salesforce reports and update opportunities on a daily and weekly need
- Ensure training needs are met within Sales Office and other Cigna program portals
- Plan, coordinate and oversee customer-facing and Broker events
- Manage office inventory of Client collaterals / marketing materials
- Handle sensitive documents & confidential information to ensure appropriate attention needed
Executive Secretary to Benefits Director
Spring ISD
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Have extensive knowledge of common health insurance terminology and procedures
- Provide specific and general secretarial service
- Compose documents / correspondence to staff, students and parents
- Evaluate situations / take appropriate actions or direct to appropriate personnel
- Ensure compliance with Federal, State and local laws/regulations
- Schedule interviews and appointments for Director(s)
- Prepare supplies and handouts for District Benefits road-trips
- Make necessary benefits changes in HUB Insurance program
- Oversee Spring Assistance for Educators (SAFE) program for the District
- Prepare FMLA forms for staff & Complete medical request of the Attorney General’s Office of Texas
- Assign and coordinate new hire meetings & Publish and update District Staff Handbook
- Oversee exit interviews entered via internet and compile Excel spreadsheet reports
- Compile and update District staff medical benefits records
Receptionist
Spring ISD
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Provides service to patrons by telephone and in person
- Assist with data entry processing and maintaining paperwork on students as needed
- Process department mail and assist with administrative duties
- Work closely with staff, students and parents with all clerical needs
Stay at Home Mother
U.S. Air Force Base
01.2005 - 01.2009
Training Officer, Executive Branch
California Attorney General’s Office
01.1996 - 01.2005
- Training and evaluating the productivity of Staff Analysts, Office Technicians, and Student Assistants
- Developed and organized training manuals, multimedia visual aids and educational materials
- Planned and developed training procedures utilizing knowledge of effectiveness of individual training, classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops
- Processing correspondence, reports and documents for Executive staff, gathering and organizing pertinent data as needed and putting it in a usable form (i.e
- Charts, graphs, spreadsheets and/or databases), maintaining a regular filing system (electronic and confidential), operating and maintaining office machines (i.e
- Computer with appropriate software applications, copier, calculator, fax machine, laminator, scanner and others)
- Tracked state issue write-in campaigns for Executive staff
- Initiated contracts for vendor services, maintained the Unit's shared directory, processed supply and equipment requests, and maintained the Unit's library of publications
- Directed the Unit's telephone response handling system
- Prepared weekly phone employee shift schedule
- Published monthly Line of Business report showing the number and subject matter of all incoming calls
- Managed high volume of complicated and high priority communication from constituents, local, state, and federal law enforcement, state government agencies, the California Legislature, other state’s Attorneys General, and California Members of Congress Referred Communications
Office Manager, Human Resources Administration
Monroe Concrete Construction
01.1991 - 01.1995
Assistant Manager, Fashion Jewelry
Nordstrom
01.1990 - 01.1991
Intern, San Jacinto Mall Marketing Director
San Jacinto Mall
01.1989 - 01.1990
Education
A.A.S. - Paralegal Studies
MTI College
Sacramento, CAA.A.S. - Management-Fashion Merchandising
Lee College
Baytown, TXSkills
Self Motivated
Event Planner
Customer Service
Communications
Executive Team
Presentation
Problem Solving
Creative
Timeline
Executive Assistant to Market President
Cigna
01.2014 - 04.2022
Self Employed Fashion Designer / Sewing Instructor
LaSonjaPolkDesigns.com
01.2013 - Current
Office Manager, Cigna, Select Sales
Cigna
01.2011 - 07.2013
Executive Secretary to Benefits Director
Spring ISD
01.2010 - 01.2011
Receptionist
Spring ISD
01.2009 - 01.2010
Stay at Home Mother
U.S. Air Force Base
01.2005 - 01.2009
Training Officer, Executive Branch
California Attorney General’s Office
01.1996 - 01.2005
Office Manager, Human Resources Administration
Monroe Concrete Construction
01.1991 - 01.1995
Assistant Manager, Fashion Jewelry
Nordstrom
01.1990 - 01.1991
Intern, San Jacinto Mall Marketing Director
San Jacinto Mall
01.1989 - 01.1990
A.A.S. - Management-Fashion Merchandising
Lee College
A.A.S. - Paralegal Studies
MTI College
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