Sheldon Henry-Valla
King City
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in machine embroidery and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Machine Embroidery Specialist
Riley Blake Designs
02.2024 - Current
- Participated in regular management meetings to review current and upcoming projects and guide the direction of the embroidery department
- Developed and implemented a project guide tool to centralize all pertinent project information for team members
- Evaluated and interviewed new hires, contributing to team growth as it more than doubled in a 12-month period
- Developed embroidery projects featuring designer fabric releases
- Directed the digitizing team on project construction
- Collaborated with digitizers to technically edit digitized files, ensuring high-quality digitizing, stitch-out, and necessary supplies
- Selected optimal stabilizers for stitch-outs and recommended additional notions, tools, and materials for projects
- Executed and tested embroidery files following directions from RBD
- Created photography samples for the marketing team
- Drafted and edited final embroidery and assembly instructions with the graphic design team, ensuring top-quality standards and excellent customer experience
- Developed a standardized instruction outline process to include a standardized set of instruction phrases
- Consulted with RBD’s graphic designers on illustrations, layouts, thread colors, and final instruction layouts
- Reviewed and incorporated sewist edits during project testing to ensure accuracy
- Verified digitized files for accuracy
Education Specialist, Education Content Team
OESD (Oklahoma Embroidery Supply and Design)
03.2021 - 02.2024
- Recognized as a leader in machine embroidery, helping people learn and enjoy their hobby
- Created innovative machine embroidery projects and events, specializing in freestanding lace, applique, embroidered cards, and non-traditional techniques
- Coordinated Education Content Team collection assignments and tasks
- Consulted with Digitizing team for collections and instructions
- Coordinated with Graphics team for instructions
- Worked with Marketing for video scheduling, filming, and editing
- Conducted Monthly Collection Check-In meetings
- Coordinated promotions in conjunction with scheduled events, involving Marketing, Sales, Events, and Education teams
- Communicated embroidery techniques through written instructions, videos, in-person events, Facebook, and customer support
- Maintained professionalism and approachability in public interactions, engaging with customers and retailers
- Participated in the creation and delivery of onsite retailer educational programs
- Proposed the 'Premier Educators' concept to enhance event dynamics and attendee experience
- Developed and launched multiple two-day events, collaborating with all departments
- Conducted project testing, feedback, and edits
- Prepared instructions, photos, and videos
- Co-led event testing with staff
- Helped lead educator retreats
- Transformed a machine-specific event to be applicable to all machine brands
- Led in-person events with retailers, successfully renewing a business relationship with a major retail (Nuttall’s)
- Assisted with virtual events and served as chat monitor
- Created over 100 videos, increasing video engagement
- Produced videos for collections, projects, training, sales events, and new products
- Provided proofing and feedback for videos, collections, and projects
- Presented embroidery designs, projects, and events to grow the customer base and increase sales
- Created project samples to support sales initiatives
Embroidery Instructor
Sew Much More, Inc.
06.2017 - 03.2021
- Gained extensive skills in embroidery, developed numerous embroidery project classes, and excelled as a primary video instructor for virtual classes
Sales Associate
Sew Much More, Inc.
06.2017 - 03.2021
- Conducted equipment and product sales, ensuring customer satisfaction through diligent client follow-up
- Resolved service and equipment-related issues efficiently
- Identified customers' goals and matched them with appropriate equipment and supplies
- Greeted and assisted customers, determining their needs accurately
- Managed high volumes of incoming phone calls, evaluating, and routing them effectively
- Prepared work orders for equipment repair
- Reconciled detailed daily sales receipts and records
- Balanced cash and credit card payments
- Submitted purchase orders and comprehensive written requests
- Collected, verified, and retained confidential financial information and documents
- Led staff training and development initiatives
- Reviewed and maintained production reports
Guest Services Representative, Athletic Events Guest Services
Texas A&M University
08.2015 - 07.2016
- Delivered superior guest service at Texas A&M University, forming personal connections with guests
- Demonstrated strong customer service skills; proactively resolved issues and complaints
- Maintained professionalism and empathy in fast-paced, stressful situations
- Greeted and directed guests enthusiastically, performing tasks such as ticket scanning and providing directions
- Provided accurate event and venue information to guests
- Enforced facility policies and procedures
- Identified and responded to emergencies according to protocols
Project Program Management Advisor
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
- Company Overview: Global Fortune 50 company
- Oversaw operational aspects of a multi-year workforce reduction program for a global Fortune 50 company
- Created, reviewed, and improved policies, procedures, and processes for respectful employee exits
- Coordinated cross-functional team working with business leaders and HR representatives
- Managed the creation of legal, informational, and support documents for exiting employees
- Coordinated submission and payout of severance and benefits eligibility and oversaw escalation management
- Developed and maintained a Microsoft Access database to automate tasks and reporting
- Global Fortune 50 company
Administrative Analyst, Corporate Services HR
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
- Company Overview: Global Fortune 50 company
- Developed and managed annual HR plan and quarterly HR Scorecard for Dell Worldwide Finance
- Maintained training records and compliance reports for Corporate Services employees
- Supported pay planning, performance management, and semi-annual organization reviews with data and reports
- Global Fortune 50 company
Project Administrator, Dell International Services
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
- Company Overview: Global Fortune 50 company
- Managed schedule and logistics for DIS HR new site projects, coordinating with local representatives
- Coordinated HR operations materials and consulted with business leaders
- Developed process improvements and assisted with recruiting efforts
- Maintained organizational charts, resumes, job descriptions, and HR central files
- Designed and delivered staffing reports and provided audit documents
- Managed problem resolution during staffing events
- Global Fortune 50 company
Staffing Specialist, US Consumer Staffing
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
- Company Overview: Global Fortune 50 company
- Collected and analyzed relocation and sign-on bonus data
- Developed and implemented MS Access database to track requisitions
- Created staffing data dashboards and led their implementation across business units
- Coordinated hiring of temporary workers to full-time positions
- Continuously improved staffing procedures and coordinated new hire processes
- Managed interview schedules, travel, and on-site logistics
- Global Fortune 50 company
Administrative Services Manager
NFP Securities, Inc.
07.2001 - 08.2002
- Managed day-to-day operations with 5 direct reports, supporting Reception, Distribution Center, and Special Projects
- Functioned as Human Resources liaison and advisor
- Developed and managed service reporting and cost savings initiatives
- Coordinated disaster recovery efforts
- Continuously reviewed vendors and contract services
- Identified, researched, and implemented process improvements
- Coordinated management training and mentored at least one manager
Lead Project Manager (Electronic Document Solution)
NFP Securities, Inc.
07.2001 - 08.2002
- Established project scope and goals and identified requirements
- Reviewed and selected vendors
- Managed cross-functional project teams
- Coordinated system and workflow testing
- Executed staff training and successful system roll-out
- Developed staffing plan and timeline to scan legacy documents
- Implemented comprehensive audit procedures to ensure imaging quality and completeness
Administrative Specialist, Worldwide Staffing & Strategy (WWS&S)
Dell Inc.
04.1999 - 07.2001
- Company Overview: Global Fortune 50 company
- Provided administrative support for the WWS&S Team, maintaining filing systems and organizational charts, and preparing data, presentations, and correspondence
- Set up offices for new hires and facilitated relocations, workstations, and telecom processes
- Functioned as department's technical contact for PC-related issues and activities
- Managed multiple online calendars, scheduled meetings, and arranged travel for Directors and Sr
- Managers
- Attended support meetings and training courses
- Coordinated special projects, department activities, and offsite meetings
- Coordinated recruitment functions with the Office of the Chair
- Served as an information source on organizational policies and procedures
- Ensured confidentiality of highly sensitive corporate information
- Global Fortune 50 company
Administrative Sr. Assistant, Worldwide Executive & University Recruitment & Development (WEURD)
Dell Inc.
04.1999 - 07.2001
- Company Overview: Global Fortune 50 company
- Provided administrative support for the WEURD Team, working with the University Relations Business Development Manager to coordinate projects
- Assisted in implementing a recruitment strategy to hire 1,300 candidates for the 2000–2001 academic year
- Coordinated, supported, and attended recruiting events
- Actively recruited candidates
- Global Fortune 50 company
Administrative Specialist
Travis County Justice & Public Safety
11.1993 - 04.1999
- Supported Executive Manager of Justice and Public Safety
- Researched and prepared reports and statistical data
- Summarized lengthy reports on justice-related topics
- Performed desktop publishing functions
- Prepared responses to inquiries, meeting minutes, correspondence, and various reports
- Developed and implemented office forms and procedures
- Simplified complex materials into clear statements
Air Traffic Controller
United States Air Force
06.1991 - 07.1993
- Issued air traffic control clearances, instructions, and advisories for safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic
- Provided flight assistance and emergency services to aircraft
- Coordinated aircraft movements within the facility and between adjacent approach controls and Fort Worth Center
- Trained, monitored, and evaluated apprentice controllers and qualification trainees
- Aligned and monitored radar equipment and performance
Education
Printing and Desktop Publishing -
Austin Community College
Airway Science and Management - undefined
Community College of the Air Force
Skills
- Training and mentoring
- Organizational skills
- Task prioritization
- Team building
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Business Software
Computer Expertise
- Adobe Suite
- Asana
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Monday
- Slack
- Trello
Timeline
Machine Embroidery Specialist
Riley Blake Designs
02.2024 - Current
Education Specialist, Education Content Team
OESD (Oklahoma Embroidery Supply and Design)
03.2021 - 02.2024
Embroidery Instructor
Sew Much More, Inc.
06.2017 - 03.2021
Sales Associate
Sew Much More, Inc.
06.2017 - 03.2021
Guest Services Representative, Athletic Events Guest Services
Texas A&M University
08.2015 - 07.2016
Project Program Management Advisor
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
Administrative Analyst, Corporate Services HR
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
Project Administrator, Dell International Services
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
Staffing Specialist, US Consumer Staffing
Dell Inc.
08.2002 - 03.2012
Administrative Services Manager
NFP Securities, Inc.
07.2001 - 08.2002
Lead Project Manager (Electronic Document Solution)
NFP Securities, Inc.
07.2001 - 08.2002
Administrative Specialist, Worldwide Staffing & Strategy (WWS&S)
Dell Inc.
04.1999 - 07.2001
Administrative Sr. Assistant, Worldwide Executive & University Recruitment & Development (WEURD)
Dell Inc.
04.1999 - 07.2001
Administrative Specialist
Travis County Justice & Public Safety
11.1993 - 04.1999
Air Traffic Controller
United States Air Force
06.1991 - 07.1993
Airway Science and Management - undefined
Community College of the Air Force
Printing and Desktop Publishing -
Austin Community College
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