Mia Kilmister
Bend,OR
Summary
I am a recent Graduate from The University of Portland with a degree in Communication. I have spent my 4 years at UP on a scholarship for Women's Rowing at the Division 1 level. I am seeking work that is in relation to my degree, including but not limited to media, communication, public relations, news, social media, promotional work, journalism, mediation and coordination. I am currently employed by Deschutes Brewery as a Lead Host nd am looking to expand my work experience as I complete my OPT, (Optional Practical Training).
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Host
Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR
07.2025 - Current
- Coordinate guest seating arrangements to optimize flow and enhance dining experience.
- Manage reservation system, ensuring accuracy and timely updates for peak service periods.
- Train and mentor new hosts on customer service protocols and operational procedures.
- Oversee front-of-house operations, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
- Facilitating smooth transitions between shifts by effectively communicating pertinent information to incoming staff members.
Marketing
University of Portland
Portland, USA
12.2023 - 05.2025
- I was previously employed by the University of Portland as part of the Athletic Department's Sports Marketing team.
- Specifically, working at University of Portland sports games, such as basketball, soccer, and baseball.
- Distributed marketing materials for prospective students.
- Engage with fans and students at athletic events.
Cafe Worker, Retail Sales
Benedicts Cafe, Shorline Cafe
Wellington, New Zealand
- I worked in customer service at two cafes, Shoreline Cafe and Benedict's Cafe, performing a range of tasks such as customer service, working the till, serving food, cleaning and clearing tables, washing dishes, and opening and closing.
- Maintained safe food handling practices to prevent germ spread.
- Operated industrial dishwasher to wash glassware and utensils.
- Completed assigned tasks within designated time frames while adhering to quality standards set by management team.
- I have also sold goods for my family's Honey business and the local market in Wellington, New Zealand
- I have been a Christmas wrapper at my local mall in New Zealand for two consecutive years.
Labouring, Outdoor Maintence
Waglands
Wellington, New Zealand
06.2023 - 08.2025
- I worked at a dog daycare facility as a handyman/groundskeeper.
- My job included heavy lifting, outdoor cleaning, use of scaffolding, use of power tools, operation of water blasters, outdoor painting, and excavating.
- Supported the team with any necessary labouring duties when required.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
- Cleaned work areas after completing repair projects.
Volunteer Youth Leader
Maungaraki Baptist Church
Wellington, New Zealand
2016 - 2020
- Facilitated engaging youth activities promoting teamwork and community involvement.
- Helped to developed and implemented educational programs enhancing personal growth and leadership skills.
- Coordinated events that fostered collaboration among youth members and church community.
- Collaborated with volunteers to execute projects improving youth participation and engagement.
Babysitter
Pet Sitter
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
University of Portland
05-2025
High School Diploma -
St Oran's College
New Zealand12-2020
Primary Education -
Maranatha Christian School
New Zealand12-2013
Skills
- Multicultural communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Task oriented
- Strong leadership
- Drive for results
- Flexibility
- Friendly attitude
- Creative vision
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- Customer service
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- 2024-2025 International Pathway Rowing NZ
- 2023-2024 West Coast Conference Pre-season team
- 2023-2024 All West Coast Conference team
- 2023-2024 Oarswomen of the year Award.
- 2022-2023 3rd place finish at WCC Conference Championship (D1 Women's Rowing)
- MVP 2024-2025 Season
- 2024-2025 Oarswomen of the Year
- WCC All Conference team 2024-2025
Affiliations
- For my Senior Capstone project I created a mini documentary style film titled The Power of Policy. Title IX and the Benefits of Women's Sports.
- The goal of this project was to create a piece of media that utilized anecdotal stories of female athletes and coaches and crafted them to reinforce the power of policy.
- https://youtu.be/cX_KT9FSBCA
Certification
- CPR
- Babysitting License
Languages
German
Limited
Maori
Limited
Awards
- Outstanding Actress Award for 'The Battalion', 05/2018
- Regional winner for the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, 05/2018
- Outstanding Student Regional Director for Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival, 05/2020
- Senior Colors for outstanding achievement in Rowing, 05/2020
- Rookie of the year award for 2021-22 Rowing Season, 05/2022
References
Gulliver Scott (University of Portland Women's Rowing Coach)
+1 (510) 290-6320
scott@up.edu
Ben Adams (Waglands)
+64 22 323 5062
ben@waglands.co.nz
Alejandro Moreno-Vega (Assistant Athletics Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement, University of Portland)
morenove@up.edu
Timeline
Lead Host
Deschutes Brewery
07.2025 - Current
Marketing
University of Portland
12.2023 - 05.2025
Labouring, Outdoor Maintence
Waglands
06.2023 - 08.2025
Cafe Worker, Retail Sales
Benedicts Cafe, Shorline Cafe
High School Diploma -
St Oran's College
Primary Education -
Maranatha Christian School
Volunteer Youth Leader
Maungaraki Baptist Church
2016 - 2020
Babysitter
Pet Sitter
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
University of Portland