Sonia Fernandez
Huntington Beach,CA
Summary
Accomplished military veteran with over 20 years of multifaceted experience in Employee Relations, Labor and Public Relations, Sales, and Business Development. Leveraging advanced degrees in Leadership and Organizational Studies, Known for strategic insight and ability to navigate complex, high-pressure environments with composure. Demonstrated expertise in driving organizational success through data analysis, policy development, and effective leadership. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency, fostering stakeholder relationships, and advocating for impactful community and national security initiatives. Adept at formulating and executing strategies that align with both organizational goals and broader societal objectives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Employee Relations Representative
Knott's Berry Farm
01.2022 - Current
- Conducted thorough investigations into employee complaints, achieving a 90% resolution rate and reducing repeat complaints by 15%.
- Collaborated with HR team to standardize policies, enhancing efficiency by 15% and decreasing HR-related complaints by 5%.
- Delivered over 125 sexual harassment awareness training sessions to new employees and 50 sessions for leaders.
- Led investigations into workplace claims, maintaining accurate HR information systems and ensuring policy compliance.
- Streamlined communication between internal departments, enhancing collaboration efforts toward shared objectives.
Executive Director of Labor and Public Relations
Aava Dental
11.2018 - 12.2021
- Led staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and constant engagement during transitions, including COVID pandemic.
- Realigned job descriptions and created SOPs, improving organizational structure and efficiency.
- Conducted SWOT Analysis and developed strategic plans to enhance business operations.
- Coordinated public relations campaigns and utilized storytelling to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Negotiated labor agreements for over 14 locations in Southern California.
- Managed approximately 100 employees in 70 locations.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
Sales Manager
Penhall Company Seismic Services
09.2016 - 07.2018
- Sold seismic retrofitting services, achieving a 54% increase in sales.
- Recruited, trained, and managed marketing and sales teams, enhancing overall performance.
- Presented at trade shows and conducted contract negotiations to resolve issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Organized regular sales meetings to review progress, share best practices, and set achievable targets for continued success.
- Provided ongoing training and mentorship for junior sales staff, fostering professional development and career growth.
- Assisted in recruiting top talent for the sales team, contributing to a high-performing work environment.
Marketing Representative
Laborers' Employers Cooperation & Education Trust
10.2005 - 12.2015
- Delivered over 250 presentations annually to contractors, community groups, politicians, and labor union partners, effectively communicating the union's initiatives and opportunities.
- Testified before state commissions, city council groups, and public agency hearings to garner support for construction projects in represented areas.
- Proposed and developed new training initiatives based on feedback from contractor partners, ensuring competitiveness in the construction industry.
- Monitored construction trends and projects to provide timely updates to union contractor partners on upcoming contracting opportunities.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships to recruit and attract veterans transitioning to civilian careers, including creating outreach programs and delivering targeted presentations.
- Led efforts to secure VA approval for the organization's apprenticeship program, enabling the use of GI Bill benefits for veterans.
- Participated in industry meetings, conferences, and trade shows; engaged in panel discussions to highlight organizational achievements and initiatives.
- Acted as a spokesperson for media inquiries, wrote articles, and addressed community and contractor questions, enhancing the organization's public profile.
- Organized annual seminars for contractors, focusing on industry-specific topics and inviting public agencies to discuss future bidding opportunities.
- Provided exceptional customer service at promotional events, fostering positive relationships with potential clients and partners.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive marketing strategies that aligned with company goals and objectives.
- Created reports to track performance of marketing campaigns and suggest improvements.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and customer acquisition.
- Strengthened partnerships with industry influencers through networking events and professional associations for mutual business growth opportunities.
- Strengthened outreach by coordinating events to maximize marketing initiatives.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA07.2007
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA12.2005
Skills
- Developing and implementing effective employee relations policies
- Conducting investigations into employee complaints
- Performance management
- Training program development
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws
- Public Speaking
- Social Media Strategy
- Crisis Management
- CRM Software
- Public Relations Strategies
- Community Relationship Building
- Thought leadership
- Analytical Skills
- Incident Response
Accomplishments
- Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Awarded for saving the life of a child. - Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award
National Women's Political Caucus of California, July 2015. - Woman of the Year (Unsung Heroine)
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano, April 2014.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Affiliations
- Public Service and Community Engagement
- Defense Council Member Truman National Security Project April 2013 – Present Advocated for legislative changes to end prolonged conflicts, focusing on national security and troop welfare. Promoted green energy alternatives to reduce dependence on foreign oil and enhance national security. California Governor Appointee California Employment Training Panel October 2010 – March 2017 Appointed by Governors Schwarzenegger and Brown Built partnerships to foster business and employment opportunities across private, governmental, and labor sectors. Secured commitments from businesses and apprenticeship programs to increase veteran hiring. Expanded the reach of ETP to support marginalized communities, including individuals with disabilities, through targeted funding initiatives. Co-chaired the apprenticeship subcommittee, driving recruitment and compliance for future job training programs. Engaged with local politicians and communities to address key issues through speeches and presentations. National Veteran and Community Surrogate Democratic National Committee Veterans’ Council April 2010 – January 2017 Represented President Obama’s reelection campaign through speeches, media appearances, and events, focusing on veteran and community outreach. Traveled to key states including New Mexico and North Carolina to engage veteran groups and garner support. Conducted media interviews, wrote articles, and promoted the administration’s policies on Veterans, Labor, and Hispanic issues.
Timeline
Employee Relations Representative
Knott's Berry Farm
01.2022 - Current
Executive Director of Labor and Public Relations
Aava Dental
11.2018 - 12.2021
Sales Manager
Penhall Company Seismic Services
09.2016 - 07.2018
Marketing Representative
Laborers' Employers Cooperation & Education Trust
10.2005 - 12.2015
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University