Rachel Zdansky
Houston,TX
Summary
Dedicated American Sign Language/English Interpreting and Translation senior student at the University of Houston, set to graduate in May. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing interpreting skills with plans to obtain BEI certification this fall and RID certification in 2026. Actively seeks opportunities for professional growth and practical experience beyond academic settings.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Greeter/Restaurant Hostess
Balboa Surf Club
Houston, TX
07.2023 - Current
- TABC and Texas Food Handlers Certification
- Addressed inquiries regarding business hours, seating arrangements, and wait times.
- Kept front area immaculate, well-organized, and adequately supplied.
- Offered customer support by directing to designated locations and connecting with specific personnel.
- Greeted customers upon entering the store, providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
- Assisted in training new employees on proper customer service techniques.
Independent Contractor
Self Employed/Freelance
Houston, TX
03.2023 - 01.2025
- Have worked for multiple companies under job titles such as: Brand Ambassador, Product Model, and Talent Agent
- Companies contracted for include: Buick, Methodist Hospital, Capital One, Nespresso, etc.
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance brand reputation.
- Implemented creative strategies to attract attention during public events.
- Organized and carried out promotional events, set up and tore down event sites and interacted with customers.
- Worked promotional events for different products, persuading customers to purchase and documenting sales.
- Gathered customer feedback to inform future marketing strategies and product developments.
Team Lead
Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Katy, TX
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Trained with the corporate team for the opening of a franchise store.
- Achieved professional commendation and recognition for sales techniques in a nationwide competition.
- Offered training and support to keep team members motivated and working toward objectives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - American Sign Language/English Interpretation
University of Houston
Houston, TX05-2025
High School Diploma -
Seven Lakes High School
Katy, TX05-2021
Skills
- Customer conflict de-escalation
- Building rapport
- Detail-Oriented Organization
- Patience and composure
- Professional appearance
- Reliability and punctuality
- Strong work ethic
- Bilingual: Fluency in English and American Sign Language
- Initiative and Self-motivation
Certification
- BEI Test of English Proficiency (TEP) - Pass and Completion
- MHITP Certification of Completion for Ethical Considerations for Mental Health Interpreting Workshop
Accomplishments
- Academic Scholar Awards (2020/2021)
- Honors College Acceptance at the University of Houston (2021)
- Dean List Standing (2021 - Present Semester)
Affiliations
- Musicianship: 7 years of playing Trumpet with accomplishments including State and UIL placements
- Participation in various volunteer work through National Honors Society, Interact, and more
- Personal Invite from University of Houston and attendance at the 2024 a2ru Emerging Creatives Summit held at the Rochester Institute of Technology
Deaf Community Involvement / ASLI Academic Experience
- Attendance at Deaf Events/Socials throughout ASLI academic career
- Networking at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf during a2ru conference
- 15 hours of Interpreter Observation (Fall 2024)
- Class List:
ASL I-III (High School Level), Elementary Sign Language I & II, Intermediate Sign Language I & II,
Advanced ASL, History of Interpreting, History and Culture of Deaf, Privilege & Equity in ASLI, ASL and English Linguistics, ASL Literature, ASL Transliteration & Educational Settings, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting I & II, Advanced Interpreting, Service Learning - ASLI Internship
Timeline
Greeter/Restaurant Hostess
Balboa Surf Club
07.2023 - Current
Independent Contractor
Self Employed/Freelance
03.2023 - 01.2025
Team Lead
Main Squeeze Juice Co.
02.2020 - 06.2021
- BEI Test of English Proficiency (TEP) - Pass and Completion
- MHITP Certification of Completion for Ethical Considerations for Mental Health Interpreting Workshop
Bachelor of Arts - American Sign Language/English Interpretation
University of Houston
High School Diploma -
Seven Lakes High School
Similar Profiles
Tyler ForbesTyler Forbes
Server at Balboa Surf ClubServer at Balboa Surf Club
Nyha KiddNyha Kidd
Hostess at Balboa Surf ClubHostess at Balboa Surf Club
Leila AndersonLeila Anderson
Server and Greeter at Balboa Surf Club & il BraccoServer and Greeter at Balboa Surf Club & il Bracco