Simonne Vasquez-Sousa

The Social Security Institute of Panama is the main public Institution in the country that provides medical care to the nation, as well as offers pension and retirement plans, among other services to facilitate medical and social care to the population. As a lawyer within this government institution, I primarily worked in administrative functions such as handling dismissal cases and different legal resources that employees presented as appeals, among other human resources cases within the institution. Later, I began handling criminal cases, in which I worked specifically on litigation involving fraudulent cases of social security payments, therefore I worked on files and attended the hearings regarding this particular issue. I was also assigned to provide legal advice and consultation on specific legal issues to the insured, users and beneficiaries of the public services of social security matters.

I was also part of the Voluntary Insurance Commission, which is made up of members from different sectors of the public health administration. This, with the objective of offering the population that works for themselves and lacks employers, the option of having all the benefits provided by public social security in the Republic of Panama.

These were my assignments while I was working as a lawyer:

• Counseled clients on various matters related to their legal rights and obligations.
• Conducted legal research and analysis to draft legal opinions, studies and reports.
• Investigated facts to determine causes of action and prepared statements of claim or defense accordingly.
• Drafted pleadings for use in court proceedings.
• Presented court cases to judges.
• Researched new developments in the field of law in order to maintain professional knowledge base.
• Developed detailed litigation strategies for more than 100 cases.
• Leveraged knowledge of precedents and applicable laws to determine probable case outcomes.
• Conducted in-depth research in order to write effective proposals, agreements and contracts.
• Filed appeals with appellate courts when necessary to protect the Institution and the insured interests.
• Reviewed legal materials for compliance to correct issues.
• Attended hearings in order to present evidence or make arguments before judges or juries.
• Worked closely with other professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, doctors, nurses in order to provide comprehensive advice to my superiors.
• Maintained current knowledge of laws to provide clarification on legal concerns.
• Negotiated with opposing parties to remedy disputes.
• Drafted wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate planning documents.
• Maintained accurate records related to each case handled.
• Developed strategies to resolve complicated legal issues on confidential cases.
• Explained technical aspects of legal matters in an understandable manner to non-lawyers.
• Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
• Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

My experience as part of the Copa Airlines Cabin Crew team, I was responsible for guaranteeing passenger security and comfort on each flight that I was assigned by following safety measures with professionalism and kindness at all times. I was trained with a first aid course taught by the Panamanian Red Cross to attend medical emergencies of passenger and others crew members, as well as to be able to provide quick assistance to emergencies concerning safety equipment or emergency circumstances during taxiing, takeoff and landing.

During my five years of career being a flight attendant, I was able to:

• Supported smooth takeoffs and landings by keeping passengers in compliance with flight regulations.
• Maintained accurate records of supplies such as meals, snacks, beverages, blankets, pillows.
• Followed directives of pilots and airport personnel to complete safe, on-time departures and arrivals.
• Observed passengers for intoxication or possible threat to safety.
• Brewed hot coffee and prepared meals and snacks for passengers.
• Restocked and organized food, beverage and passenger items inventory.
• Collected passenger trash during and after flights.
• Demonstrated safety equipment and procedures to meet FAA guidelines.
• Offered help with connecting flights or ground transportation upon arrival at destination airport.
• Demonstrated and clearly explained safety processes and emergency procedures to passengers before takeoff.
• Cooperated with pilots and crew members while performing duties on board the plane.
• Dealt with mechanical and passenger emergencies according to standards.
• Assisted passengers during deplaning process by providing directions or other information as requested.
• Administered and coordinated emergency procedures or care, enhancing onboard safety.
• Greeted passengers to assist in finding seating assignments and properly stowe items in overhead or under-seat storage.
• Conducted periodic trips through cabin to monitor passenger comfort.
• Prepared for takeoff and landing sitting in correct brace position on jumpseat.
• Completed flight logs, passenger action reports and inventory paperwork with high attention to detail.
• Offered answers to passengers' questions and resolved issues that arose during flights.
• Adhered to company policies regarding security measures and protocol at all times.
• Performed pre-flight checks on the aircraft's interior components such as exit doors and lavatories.
• Ensured the quality of customer experience by resolving any issues that arose during the flight promptly and professionally.
• Helped passengers feel comfortable by providing requested items and answering questions.
• Provided assistance to disabled passengers when necessary.
• Enforced FAA and airline rules with passengers in business, economy and first class.
• Took measures during unusual conditions to maximize safety of customers and crew.
• Followed safety, passenger and supply pre-flight checklists.
• Administered first aid to passengers experiencing medical issues and helped coordinate advanced in-flight or ground support.
• Maintained database of in-flight entertainment and assisted passengers with selections.
• Demonstrated proficiency in aircraft emergency procedures, first aid, CPR, defibrillators, oxygen administration, and other safety protocols.
• Kept cabin neat, clean and professional in appearance.
• Helped guests locate seats and stow luggage in appropriate locations.