MAANIA SPOONER
La'ie,HI
Summary
Cultural ambassador and tour guide at Hawai'i's #1 tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Center. Lead and facilitate immersive cultural tours for thousands of visitors annually across a 45-acre complex. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Finance and Political Science at BYU-Hawai'i, enhancing theoretical knowledge in areas such as financial management, international relations, and political economy.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Tour Guide
Polynesian Culture Center
La'ie, HI
08.2023 - Current
- Displayed strong public speaking and communication skills to facilitate high quality guest tours with parties as intimate as 1 to parties as large as 40+.
- 1 of 2 tour guides within department of 120+ colleagues who uniquely performed shows with a range of singing, dancing and and lecturing in front of 200+ guests a time.
- Developed guest relationships to achieve high level of satisfaction.
- Worked closely with colleagues in order to provide a high level of service throughout 5 hour tours.
- Educated and shared natural, geological and cultural history through story-telling, lectures, and performing arts.
- Developed well-versed tour guides by mentoring and training a department of 120+ colleagues.
Aotearoa New Zealand Demonstrator
Polynesian Cultural Center
La'ie, HI
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Performed live demonstrations of traditional arts, crafts, dances, music, and cultural weaponry.
- Engaged with thousands of visitors daily answering questions and providing insights into culture.
- Learned choreography for 12+ musical numbers.
- Performed solo and group dances in various styles at professional venues.
- Organized and rehearsed routines for performances with 15+ dancers.
- Worked closely with directors to ensure that the final product was up to performance standards.
- Developed relationships with internationally-recognized professionals through networking opportunities.
- Learned choreography quickly and adapted to changes in choreography seamlessly by maintaining physical and mental flexibility.
Training Center Teacher
Auckland New Zealand Missionary Training Center
Auckland, New Zealand
02.2022 - 08.2022
- Created and adapted instructional 5-hour material and lesson plans for each class to teach language, principles, and other relevant topics to prepare for volunteer service.
- Spearheaded coordination efforts within a team of 40+ instructors, ensuring seamless planning and execution of educational strategies to meet the diverse needs of trainees.
- Assessed student performance through tests, interviews, and assignments.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Participated in weekly professional development workshops related to teaching methods.
18 Month Full-Time Volunteer
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Philippines and NZ
11.2019 - 06.2021
- Established meaningful connections with individuals and families across two different countries and from many different cultures.
- Set and accomplished weekly and long-term teaching and personal-improvement goals.
- Taught an average of 16 individuals and groups each week on how to enrich their lives through personal application and study.
- Trained and counseled new missionaries in teaching and adjusting to the rigorous schedule.
- Responsible for motivating, evaluating, reporting the progress of, and caring for 75+ missionaries.
- Lived in the Philippines for 4 months and expanded my knowledge of their culture.
- Taught 5+ local groups for one of the world's largest female organizations.
Education
Bachelor of Business Management - Finance
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
La'ie, HI01.2026
Bachelor of Political Science -
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
La'ie, HI01-2026
Minor in Pacific Studies -
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
La'ie, HI01-2026
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Public Speaking
- Performing Arts (singing, dancing, weaponry, storytelling, guitar)
- Problem-Solving and Collaboration
- Multi-Cultural Communication
- Scheduling and Flexibility
- Self-Regulation and Composure
- Guest Relations
- Customer Engagement
- Social Perceptiveness
- Group Management
- Training and Mentoring
- Presentation Skills
- Strong leadership
Additional Information
GPA: 3.9
Languages
Te Reo Māori
Professional
Tagalog
Elementary
English
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Tour Guide
Polynesian Culture Center
08.2023 - Current
Aotearoa New Zealand Demonstrator
Polynesian Cultural Center
09.2022 - 08.2023
Training Center Teacher
Auckland New Zealand Missionary Training Center
02.2022 - 08.2022
18 Month Full-Time Volunteer
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
11.2019 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Business Management - Finance
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
Bachelor of Political Science -
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
Minor in Pacific Studies -
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
Similar Profiles
Tetoafaiga TofaTetoafaiga Tofa
Custodian at Polynesian Culture Center/Island BuffetCustodian at Polynesian Culture Center/Island Buffet
Lynette LavakaLynette Lavaka
Cultural Performer at Polynesian Cultural Center, PCCCultural Performer at Polynesian Cultural Center, PCC
Havana Leiato LesateleHavana Leiato Lesatele
Demonstration Guide at Polynesian Cultural Center, PCCDemonstration Guide at Polynesian Cultural Center, PCC