Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

SARAH PARKER

Friendswood,TX

Summary

A results oriented Travel Agent and Independent Contractor with over three decades of customer service and administrative skills, with a strong emphasis on communication, high emotional intelligence, excellent planning, organizational and problem solving ability. Proven track record of being able to handle a diverse customer base, and process transactions quickly and accurately ensuring increased productivity and efficiency.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Travel Agent

Evolution Travel
Durham, North Carolina
07.2021 - Current
  • Trained in all aspects of travel agency, registered with multiple suppliers, certified with several vendors
  • Organized flights, insurance, and accommodations for travelers according to their preferences.
  • Prepared customized itineraries based on customer needs and preferences.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of airline regulations concerning ticketing procedures and restrictions.
  • Developed relationships with suppliers including airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators to secure discounted rates for customers.
  • Suggested additional services such as car rentals or activities that would enhance a customer's trip.
  • Advised customers on necessary documents needed for international travel such as passport applications or visa requirements.
  • Provided detailed information about destinations such as climate conditions or points of interest at requested locations.
  • Planned special events such as honeymoons or destination weddings.
  • Conducted research on new destinations and attractions which may be attractive to potential travelers.
  • Created travel itineraries and made adjustments to meet client specifications.
  • Handled travel arrangements for groups, couples, executives and special needs clients.
  • Researched hotels and airfare options to best meet client needs and expectations.
  • Participated in travel seminars and remained up-to-date on market trends.
  • Anticipated potential schedule conflicts and made alternate arrangements and reservations.
  • Communicated security issues and protocols to clients traveling to unstable countries or locations.
  • Established base of loyal clientele due to excellent listening and research skills and keen understanding of travel budgets.

Independent Contractor

Self Employed Services
Durham, NC
05.2021 - Current
  • Provided services, excellent organizational skills, balanced multiple concurrent deadlines, managed customer expectations, and delivered results for multiple clients in the Triangle area. Worked for Spiffy in the Quality and Assessment department in a fast paced and timed department for accuracy, efficiency, and to help train temp workers on the the Q&A line. Worked for Roth/Ultimate Staffing to help support North Carolina Central University Chancellor's office as the Executive Administrator to the Brand Chief Officer of the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Administrative Specialist

Duke Network Services; Duke Health
Durham, North Carolina
09.2018 - 09.2021
  • Supported Associate VP, Clinical Affiliations & Outreach, Assistant VP, Specialty Affiliation juggling busy calendars, scheduling domestic travel, setting up in person conferences and on-site interviews, scheduling and hosting Webinars, Zoom and Team meetings across several time zones, tracked meetings in Smartsheet
  • Served on Security Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Committee as Chair Elect
  • Assisted with office, property, and maintenance issues as Building Manager
  • Cleared Credit Card receipts and assisted with invoice requests for clearing and tracking financials
  • Supported Executive Leadership Team by setting weekly agenda, hosting meetings in person and via Zoom, taking and distributing minutes, keeping track of action items

Executive Administrator/Personal Assistant

Wylan Energy
Durham, North Carolina
01.2015 - 12.2019
  • Support CEOs of company as a personal assistant by taking care of their bills, moving them from across country, house needs (plumbing, electrical, cleaning lady, lawn care, out of town guests, errands, dinner parties, etc…)
  • Supported CEOs of company as their first hire and getting things off the ground by purchasing office equipment, supplies, and finding office space
  • Researched and implemented Medical and Dental Insurance Benefits for the company
  • Helped move the company from an LLC to a B Corporation
  • Worked on helping to create the company employee handbook
  • Worked with HR matters with new hires
  • Managed busy calendars of CEOs with multiple meetings and travel schedules in different time zones
  • Sorted office mail and scan invoices to company accountant
  • Coordinated client visits with calendar management, travel arrangements, lodging, catered lunches and dinner reservations
  • Coordinated office retreats (local and out of state), with travel arrangements, lodging, calendar management, catered meals and dining reservations
  • Researched and coordinated work travel with family to Cuba, which entailed visas, approved itineraries, tour guides, travel within Cuba, lodging in multiple area of Cuba, food, safety concerns, airfare and payments
  • Managed office space working with building manager on plumbing issues, leaks, trash pick up, lighting, and space rental agreements
  • Supported staff of a current eleven employees
  • Handled all FedEx and UPS office and client mailings

Catering

Multiple Services
Durham, North Carolina
01.1996 - 12.2019
  • Assist with getting food ordered, wrapped, organized and loaded into the working van
  • Help with set-up with food, beverages, serving plates, etc...once on location
  • Serve and take care of guests as server and bartender as needed
  • Assist with cleanup when event ended

Modeling

John Casablanca / Avanti / Maultsby Talent Agency
Cary/Raleigh, North Carolina
08.2016 - 07.2019
  • Runway, Print, Acting, Commercial, Promotional Workshops and Training
  • Photo Shoots, Promotional gigs, Hair Model, Host, Fashion Shows

Assistant

Duke Temporary Services
Durham, North Carolina
06.2018 - 09.2018
  • Supported Vice Pres, Administration in University Offices by providing in person coverage for Office and phones while staff were away
  • Supported Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President in Executive Vice President Clinical Affairs, by providing calendar support, meeting preparation with Powerpoint presentations, scheduling conference room requests for the Chancellor's Suite and the Medical Center Board Room, and helped set up and assist with caterings
  • Support Executives Associate VP, DUHS with calendars, meeting preparations, schedulings, daily agenda/ticklers, help assist with key/car coverage reservations and stocking of supplies in kitchen, and covering phones

Office Administrator

Duke University, Office of the Provost, Budgets, Planning and Institutional Research
Durham, North Carolina
01.2001 - 01.2015
  • Support financial operations by performing complex accounting task including preparation, analysis, review and maintenance of financial statements, records and reports
  • Responsible for all departmental purchase and procurement requisitions (including software acquisitions) through the University's automated purchasing system
  • Also oversee wide variety documentation for reimbursements, travel and different required transactions with vendors and organizations outside the University community
  • Coordinate visits, meetings/workshops, travel and catering for a variety of major university business events
  • Coordinate travel arrangements for upper management and international visitors to Duke
  • Administration, Accounting, Events & Meeting Planning, Budgetary Planning & Tracking, Organizational Communications, Writing & Documentation, Program Coordination, Records Keeping
  • Support the Chair of the University Priorities Committee with communications tasks, including preparation and circulation of minutes and other Committee-related correspondence
  • Schedule and plan meetings for the Committee
  • Work directly with student advisees of the Director of Institutional Research on a variety of tasks including appointments, meetings, records keeping and mailings
  • Also, coordinate travel and conference registration
  • Handle logistics for moves both within the Provost Office and those of the whole department
  • These moves required working directly with moving companies, painters, maintenance, interior design consultants and IT
  • Such moves also require a whole other level of detail including the reprint of business forms, file and office keying
  • And updates of all interoffice and USPS address information
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of all online financial systems
  • Perform ongoing accounting tasks and reconciliation for four University cost centers
  • Perform basic design and document preparation quarterly and annual reports various other documents needed for meetings and reporting
  • Maintain calendars for upper level University management
  • Maintain office supply inventory and assist IT support with printer and technology-related supplies
  • Distribute, collect monies and make deposits for Provost office phone bills
  • Trained as part of a roll out team for the online business systems providing travel assistance, purchasing and check requests
  • Supervise Work-Study students
  • Serve as Notary Public for students and colleagues on campus
  • Track requisite parking permits and placards the department and visitors

Restaurant Manager

Papas Grill
Durham, North Carolina
01.1996 - 01.2001
  • Responsible for overall management of a restaurant family business with daily receipts
  • Supervised a full and part-time staff
  • Responsibilities included menu planning, hosting, and cashier for all forms of tender, reconciled daily receipts, addressed customer complaints and mediated conflicts between staff and family owners
  • Demonstrated poise and a clear head in a fast-paced, high-stress work environment
  • Coordinated reservations and floor plans for both daily service and special events

Modeling Instructor and Public Relations Specialist

John Robert Powers Finishing School
Raleigh, North Carolina
01.1994 - 01.1996
  • Prepared girls (ages 10-18) for agencies in Los Angeles and New York in areas of runway skills, print work, and advertising for the promotion of clothing, jewelry, makeup, perfume and vehicles through modeling assignments

Assistant to Director of Community Education

Board of Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.1988 - 01.1992
  • Demonstrated flexibility to assist five department heads in achieving individual and team needs
  • Responsible for handling reservations and monies relating to class schedules
  • Trained staff on new computer programs
  • Assisted in developing and implementing new educational programs for adults and children in coordination with local museums and universities
  • Designed program brochures for the Horizons and Community Education classes using Microsoft Word

Secretary / Receptionist

Kelly Girl Temporary Agency
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.1986 - 01.1988
  • Served as receptionist and provided general administrative support for several companies
  • Duties included scheduling, typing and filing and the preparation and revision of legal reports
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced work environment

Education

Specialist - Travel Specialist

Travel Agent University
New York, NY
01-2022

Cairo American College

Royal of Academy of Music

XX credit hours toward a BA in Music -

Brigham Young University

Skills

  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Special Needs Travelers
  • Administrative Tasks
  • International Reservations
  • Leisure Travel
  • Travel Arrangements
  • Executive Travel
  • Client Consultations
  • Itinerary Planning
  • Locale Research

Timeline

Travel Agent

Evolution Travel
07.2021 - Current

Independent Contractor

Self Employed Services
05.2021 - Current

Administrative Specialist

Duke Network Services; Duke Health
09.2018 - 09.2021

Assistant

Duke Temporary Services
06.2018 - 09.2018

Modeling

John Casablanca / Avanti / Maultsby Talent Agency
08.2016 - 07.2019

Executive Administrator/Personal Assistant

Wylan Energy
01.2015 - 12.2019

Office Administrator

Duke University, Office of the Provost, Budgets, Planning and Institutional Research
01.2001 - 01.2015

Catering

Multiple Services
01.1996 - 12.2019

Restaurant Manager

Papas Grill
01.1996 - 01.2001

Modeling Instructor and Public Relations Specialist

John Robert Powers Finishing School
01.1994 - 01.1996

Assistant to Director of Community Education

Board of Education
01.1988 - 01.1992

Secretary / Receptionist

Kelly Girl Temporary Agency
01.1986 - 01.1988

Specialist - Travel Specialist

Travel Agent University

Cairo American College

Royal of Academy of Music

XX credit hours toward a BA in Music -

Brigham Young University

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SARAH PARKER