Rika Leahy
New York,New York
Summary
Professional travel specialist equipped to excel in this role. Proven track record in arranging seamless travel experiences, leveraging expertise in itinerary planning, destination knowledge, and client relations. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving results. Known for exceptional communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and client-first approach.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1987
1987
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Independent Travel Agent
JTBA USA
01.1997 - 04.2000
- Traveling and Booking: Create customized travel itineraries including flights, accommodations, rail passes, and local tours
- Coordinate special travel needs such as visas, insurance, and accessibility requests.
- Handle travel changes, cancellations, or emergencies professionally and promptly.
- Sales and Business Development: Promote JTBA USA's travel packages, seasonal promotions, and Japan-specific tours.
- Build a network of recurring clients through personalized service and follow-ups.
- Upsell services such as travel insurance, guided tours, and luxury accommodations.
- Administrative Tasks: Maintain accurate client records and booking documentation.
- Use reservation systems and travel software to manage itineraries and bookings.
- Process payments and ensure compliance with travel policies and regulations.
Secretary and Receptionist
Tokyo Advertising Agency
01.1985 - 01.1997
- Administrative Support: Managing schedules, organizing meetings, booking appointments, and making travel arrangements for senior staff or departments.
- Communication Management: Drafting emails, translating documents (especially between Japanese and English), and handling internal and external correspondence.
- Document Preparation: Creating presentations, meeting agendas, minutes, and reports; assisting in the preparation of pitches or proposals.
- Project Coordination: Assisting in coordinating advertising campaigns by tracking timelines, deliverables, and feedback between teams.
- Confidentiality: Handling sensitive information related to clients, contracts, or internal agency decisions.
- Front Desk Duties: Greeting clients, visitors, and partners; answering and directing phone calls.
- Visitor Management: Handling visitor logs, providing security badges if required, and ensuring guests are comfortable while waiting.
- Office Coordination: Receiving and distributing mail/packages, managing meeting room bookings, and maintaining the cleanliness and order of common areas.
- Basic Administrative Work: Assisting with data entry, photocopying, and inventory management of office supplies.
- Bilingual Communication: In Tokyo, many receptionist roles require fluency in both Japanese and English to serve international clients and partners.
Hostessing
05.1983 - 01.1997
- Experienced hostess and waitress, demonstrating exceptional customer service and organization skills.
- Committed to creating a welcoming environment for customers.
- Marketing and Social Media Advertising.
- Efficient time management and multitasking managing reservations.
Sales Associate
Gucci
05.1983 - 01.1986
- Brand Representation: Achieve and exceed individual and store sales targets.
- Sales Performance: Upsell and cross-sell products by understanding the full collection (RTW, accessories, shoes, handbags, etc.).
- Visual Merchandising & Store Presentation: Support in the setup of seasonal floor changes and promotional displays.
- Customer Service & Client Experience: Offer personalized assistance and styling advice tailored to client preferences.
- Handle returns, exchanges, and complaints professionally, maintaining Gucci's high service standards.
- Build long-term relationships with clients through follow-ups and clienteling techniques (e.g. sending thank-you notes, updates on new collections).
Education
B.A. - Economics
Otsuma University
Skills
Airline reservation systems
Locations
- New York, New York
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Accomplishments
- Marketed travel deals, special promotions and valuable discounts to clients through email, phone call, and monthly newsletters, which helped to boost sales volumes by 60%.
- Has been the top booking agent at JTBA USA since 1997 due to exceptional service and customer relationship building skills.
- Researched and booked new travel destinations for honeymooners which were so widely embraced that the agency was named #1 Honeymoon Travel Agency by JTBA
Timeline
Independent Travel Agent
JTBA USA
01.1997 - 04.2000
Secretary and Receptionist
Tokyo Advertising Agency
01.1985 - 01.1997
Hostessing
05.1983 - 01.1997
Sales Associate
Gucci
05.1983 - 01.1986
B.A. - Economics
Otsuma University
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