Madeline Firestone
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Johnson & Wales University, excelling in customer service and event coordination. Leveraged active listening and technical support skills to enhance visitor experiences and streamline operations. Recognized for fostering team collaboration and delivering impactful culinary instruction, driving student engagement and satisfaction.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Collegiate Ambassador
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Applied active listening and sales techniques during campus tours to identify visitor priorities, and persuasively match university strengths to their goals.
- Communicated key university and admissions information, reducing follow-up by answering diverse questions clearly.
- Assisted with event logistics for over 100 attendees, supporting staffing, signage, and crowd flow.
Provided overnight orientation support, ensuring student safety, and a calm environment. - Represented college at events to promote programs and engage prospective students.
- Assisted in organizing campus tours for visitors to showcase facilities and resources.
- Supported social media campaigns to advertise college events and opportunities.
- Delivered visitor services with a hospitality-first approach, resolving issues, and creating a welcoming experience.
IT Help Desk Student Assistant
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Organized and maintained files, records, and resources to improve office efficiency. Delivered friendly, solution-focused customer support, ensuring high satisfaction.
- Provided technical assistance for Windows, macOS, Wi-Fi, and Blackboard login issues, guiding users step by step.
- Handled multiple live calls and on-site troubleshooting, diagnosing software and connectivity problems.
- Escalated complex issues to senior IT, and created standardized email templates to streamline communication.
Special Education Culinary Class Instructor
Plan Bee Academy
Chesapeake, VA
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Customized training content to meet diverse learner needs and enhance onboarding processes.
- Facilitated experiential culinary projects to develop confidence and collaboration skills.
- Utilized coaching techniques and positive reinforcement to improve group dynamics and engagement.
- Maintained composure during crises, employing de-escalation strategies to resolve conflicts effectively.
- Delivered timely feedback on student performance, enabling targeted support for improvement.
- Cultivated a positive classroom culture promoting respect, inclusivity, and growth mindset among students.
- Attended professional development workshops related to teaching practices.
Showcase Line Cook / General Shop Worker
Lamia’s Crepes
Norfolk, Virginia
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Simultaneously prepared and plated multiple orders during peak periods with speed and accuracy.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards, ensuring a clean workspace free from cross-contamination risks.
- Recommended unique flavor combinations and menu items to enhance guest experience and drive upsells.
- Adapted swiftly to new recipes and menu changes, demonstrating attention to detail and eagerness to learn.
- Operated POS system and processed cash/credit transactions accurately for smooth front-of-house operations.
- Delivered personalized customer service by actively listening to patrons and promptly resolving requests.
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Trained and onboarded new team members, taking on leadership roles to strengthen team performance.
Culinary Classroom Student Assistant
Tidewater Community College - Norfolk Campus
Norfolk, Virginia
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Demonstrated classical French techniques (knife cuts, chicken fabrication, mother sauces) to support student learning
- Guided peers through hands-on practice, providing feedback and modeling proper technique
Streamlined ingredient access by applying FIFO standards and reorganizing spice cabinets - Maintained a safe, sanitary kitchen environment by enforcing health codes and prepping equipment
- Supported lesson flow with mise en place setup and smooth transitions between demos and labs
- Practiced core culinary methods across disciplines, strengthening adaptability and precision
Education
Bachelor of Science - Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI05-2025
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA12-2022
Skills
- Active listening
- Customer service
- Event coordination
- Technical support
- Culinary instruction
- Team building
- Problem resolution
- Brand awareness
- Marketing and sales
Affiliations
- Bun Buds — Volunteer Prep & Service
Providence, RI | Jun 2023 – Present
- Prepped ingredients and packed equipment under tight timelines for mobile food service.
- Operated mobile register/ticketing systems and guided customers through menu choices.
- Cooked and plated orders efficiently during peak service, maintaining standards under pressure.
Accomplishments
- Graduated from JWU With Honors May 2025
- Dean's list at JWU Spring Semester 2023 and Fall 2023
- Dean's list at JWU Spring Semester 2024 and Fall 2024
- 3.85 GPA
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member
- President's Honor Roll at Tidewater Community College for the Fall Semester 2021, Summer Semester 2021, Spring Semester 2021, and for the Fall Semester 2022.
Timeline
Collegiate Ambassador
Johnson & Wales University
05.2024 - 08.2024
IT Help Desk Student Assistant
Johnson & Wales University
05.2023 - 08.2023
Special Education Culinary Class Instructor
Plan Bee Academy
04.2022 - 12.2022
Showcase Line Cook / General Shop Worker
Lamia’s Crepes
01.2022 - 03.2022
Culinary Classroom Student Assistant
Tidewater Community College - Norfolk Campus
01.2021 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
Johnson & Wales University
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Tidewater Community College
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