Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Achievements And Interests
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Cherisse Madeira

Cherisse Madeira

St. Joseph

Summary

Driven and resourceful professional with 10+ years of experience assisting with work of high-achieving executives. I am actively pursuing opportunities to contribute profoundly to organizational development in a continuously evolving environment. As a professional renown for integrity and enthusiasm, I pride myself on my ability to synergise with team members to overcome any adversities that may arise. With a robust work ethic and adaptability, I am poised to confront challenges head-on with strategic problem-solving and a dynamic sense of innovation. I am passionately committed to not only meeting but exceeding expectations in all endeavors I undertake.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Assistant

Ernst and Young (EY) CTH
05.2023 - Current
  • Providing administrative support to a variety of executives within the EY network inclusive of service line or engagement-specific teams. Support includes engagement management and reporting utilising internal platforms. Other duties include account support such as running pipeline reports, completion of compliance documents, submitting invoices, reconciling American express statements, meeting and reservation support, records management and travel arrangement.


Report Specialist

Ministry of Public Administration
12.2022 - 04.2023
  • Edited and proofed the Ministry's Annual Reports for fiscals 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and coordinated production of Annual Reports for fiscals 2021 and 2022
  • This entailed coordinating and sourcing content from various ministry departments and procuring required services.

Consultant

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
09.2022 - 09.2023
  • Onboarded and trained incoming Executive Assistant in role expectations as to effect business continuity, stability whilst minimizing disruptions in work responsibilities.

Executive Assistant

Country Cluster Delegation for Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
01.2021 - 08.2022


Supported the Head of Delegation and managers in a timely and professional manner. Provided high-quality administrative duties proactively meeting deadlines and communicating effectively and discretely.


  • Assisted, supported, advised, and acted as the point of contact for protocol, maintaining protocolary interactions with a variety of wide-ranging partners (state agencies, diplomatic missions, donor agencies, government and other stakeholders) for the coordination of thematic partnership calls, funding events, meetings and courtesy calls.


  • Created and managed social media posts and platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Google Business Maps) on behalf of Head of Delegation, thereby quantitatively increasing visibility whilst presenting a positive showcasing of IFRC’s work initiatives in the Caribbean.


  • Coordinated and drafted over 40 remarks and messages for the Head of Delegation for various events in a timely manner. Some events includedPsycho-social support in School Training-St Lucia Red Cross, Jamaica Red Cross General Assembly, SVG Emergency Appeal meeting with Gov’t agencies and Embassies, World Red Cross Day, Civil Military Approach in Caribbean and the Americas, Pre-Hurricane Conference Partners meeting/private sector meeting, Bahamas Red Cross Society (BRCS) General Assembly, Induction Training BRCS, Child Protection and Climate related disasters study, MHPSS Recognition Awards Ceremony, Staff messages, Thematic Partners meeting in Health and PGI.


  • Provided logistical support for travel missions for staff. Assisted with the emergency surge personnel needing to be deployed in St. Vincent following La Soufriere eruption and closing of country borders. Assisted in development of DREF Plan of Action presentation for external stakeholders and donor agencies.


  • Contributed to the development of more efficient ways to run the office effected thereby building capability and enabling a more effective workflow at the delegation. This including training to staff on various online platforms as well as developing the agenda for and moderating delegation staff meetings. Developed staff Organisational chart based on funding resources.


  • Supported the head of office, acting on his behalf on a delegation basis, by checking and controlling supporting documents on consistency (and compliance) with policies, procedures, and processes, efficiency of expenditures.

Business Operations Assistant II

International Co-operation Desk, Ministry of Health
01.2019 - 01.2021


Performed a variety of complex clerical/secretarial and administrative support duties for high-level officials. Office Management functions: Drafted Ministerial travel notes, Cabinet Notes and Employment Notes and assisted in work programme planning and implementation; Responsible for logistical arrangements for various national meetings and Conferences; follow-up activities performed as required. Managed recruitment activities for foreign health professionals. These included:


  • Co-ordinated the recruitment of Cuban Nurses for managing the COVID-19 cases in Trinidad from arranging online interviews, to arranging orientation and administrative matters upon their arrival in Trinidad. Responsibility for managing Return of Personnel for department and national foreign staff, conducted research and compiled data as directed. Drafted the English Assessment exam for Foreign Healthcare professionals which I administered (Cuba, 2019). Conducted the Oral Assessments for Cuban health professionals and other performed other recruitment exercises. Assisted with Work Permit applications, bank accounts, BIR, NIB and other administrative matters for foreign staff.


  • Provided administrative support to high-level officials, such as Minister of Health, Permanent Secretary and Director, International Affairs. Prepared and guided the preparation of complex correspondence, budget expenditure spreadsheets, reports and other documents. Proofread and edited communications materials. Assisted with the co-ordination of Multisectoral Meetings for treating with COVID-19 at the Ministry of Health.


  • Responsible for managing office resources and other administrative requirements of staff in my department. Responsibility for producing department's Budget Expenditure for fiscal 2020 and 2021.

Business Operations Assistant II

Office of the Drug Inspectorate, Ministry of Health
12.2017 - 10.2018


Provided key assistance with operational tasks relevant to the Department. Assisted the Principal Pharmacist with requests from departments within the Ministry of Health and External agencies. Maintained Department Personnel Files and Principal Pharmacist correspondence Files. Forwarded/despatched/received correspondence and maintained electronic database for all incoming and outgoing correspondence. Managed the staff's office resources. Tasks included:


  • Conducted research and drafted responses to requests for information from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or other personnel.


  • Processed requests from PAHO Strategic Fund and created comparison with price estimates from external agencies. Made recommendations based on the price comparison and submitted to CMO/PS for final decision.


  • Collated monthly stock status at all public health facilities.


  • Assisted with preparation of Antibiotic licenses and the handing out of prepared permits and licenses (Antibiotic and Narcotics permits and “Licenses to Sell and Distribute Narcotics”).


  • Drafted correspondence on behalf of the Principal Pharmacist and Chief Medical Officer.

Strategic Analyst

Strategic Services Division, Ministry of Public Administration
05.2016 - 09.2016


Monitored the activities of the agencies directly under Ministerial responsibility in relation to regulations, compliance with procedures and performance and developed relevant reports and recommendations. Environmental scanning. Compiled, analysed and evaluated data and information and assisted in developing, monitoring and presenting strategic plans, policies and management reports/studies. In addition to drafting Cabinet Notes, other tasks included:


  • Coordinated the production of the Ministry’s Annual Report 2015.


  • Coordinated the production of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Annual Report 2015.


  • Conducted structural policy review and compiled comments and suggested amendments on “The National Guidelines for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Sector of Trinidad and Tobago” from the Ministry of Planning.


  • Coordinated review and feedback for GHRS 2013 Annual report and CNMG 2013 Annual Report. Drafted Cabinet Note for Annual Report.


  • Coordinated GHRS feedback for Public Accounts Enterprise Committee (PAEC).


  • Coordinated feedback for Ministry webpage.


  • Monitored Parliamentary sittings and arranged Heads of Division meetings. Crafted and circulated meeting minutes.


  • Assisted in the drafting and reviewing of the Cabinet Notes iro TATT and iGovTT 2014 Annual Reports. Reviewed and flagged pertinent matters from CNMG/GHRS Board Minutes. Assisted in review of the iGovTTBoD Annual Performance Appraisal.


  • Assisted in the oversight of MPAC Agencies Report. Assisted in collating information for fiscal 2016 data and 2017 projections.


  • Environmental scanning and brief preparation for WEF Global Economic Report 2016 and the MSDFS Social Mitigation plan.


  • Conducted multiple research for brief preparation (Access to archival material via GISL and National Archives) and various Cabinet Notes.

Executive Assistant to Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Public Administration
10.2015 - 05.2016
  • Organised and coordinated the Permanent Secretary's calendar of events by planning, scheduling and facilitating appointments and meetings. Reviewed and managed incoming files and correspondence
  • Noted discrepancies observed in documents and file logs and attached them to the files/notes for flagging the Permanent Secretary
  • Prepared documents and provided support to the Permanent Secretary in all matters related to ensuring the efficient and effective operations of the Executive Secretariat
  • Arranged meetings and performed scribe duties in taking meeting minutes
  • Drafted Recruitment Ministerial Notes and assisted in Human Resource matters such as Resume sifting.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.

Executive Assistant to Permanent Secretary

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism
12.2014 - 09.2015
  • Organised and coordinated the Permanent Secretary's calendar of events by planning, scheduling and facilitating appointments and meetings
  • Reviewed and managed incoming files and correspondence
  • Prepared documents and provided support to the Permanent Secretary in all matters related to ensuring the efficient and effective operations of the Executive Secretariat
  • Arranged meetings and performed scribe duties in taking meeting minutes
  • I flagged discrepancies for the attention of the Permanent Secretary
  • Arranged and conducted meetings with individuals who requested assistance from the Permanent Secretary to ascertain pertinent information.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.

Personal Secretary to Minister

Ministry of National Security
09.2013 - 10.2014
  • Participated as a national delegate in overseas mission trip. Coordinated travel and logistical arrangements and travel itinerary for Minister and National delegation team in overseas meetings including contract signing event in Hong Kong and Shandong, China
  • Conducted research for parliamentary responses and amending/embellishing Minister's speeches
  • Proofread and edited communication materials
  • Performed a wide range of complex, confidential administrative duties in the Minister's Secretariat
  • These included the arranging of high-level meetings with foreign diplomats
  • Managed the communication of the Minister's Secretariat ensuring that all outgoing, incoming and mail documents were professionally handled and messages were communicated in a timely manner.

Research Assistant to Security Advisor to the Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister
08.2013 - 09.2013
  • Drafted correspondence and other performed administrative tasks
  • Conducted confidential research.
  • Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.

Managing Camp Coordinator for Vacation Camp

Princes Town Presbyterian School, Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development
07.2013 - 08.2013
  • Managed resources and staff in working towards a holistically enhancing camp experience for children
  • Responsible for managing eleven teachers and approximately 100 children with very limited resources. Despite the challenges, I adjusted the lesson plans and managed to execute a conflict/accident free and fun camp.
  • Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
  • Communicated with parents, staff and teachers regarding children or program issues.
  • Monitored camper behavior during activities, effectively handling discipline situations and encouraging positive behavior.

Intake Officer

Penal Debe Mediation Sub-centre, Ministry of Community Development
03.2013 - 04.2013
  • Conducted intake interviews for claimants and defendants, drafted feedback as well as follow-up reports on cases.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns and answering questions promptly and professionally.
  • Contributed to team success by consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets.
  • Supported departmental initiatives aimed at improving overall client experience from initial contact through service delivery.

Communications Officer

Advance Community Television Station (ACTS25)
03.2012 - 02.2013
  • Drafted correspondence to potential advertisers for the television programming
  • Hosted a television show (Community Corner) on ACTS25
  • Managed payroll for all categories of staff, organized bill payments and drafted and issued contracts to advertisers
  • Managed HR matters for all staff.
  • Managed crisis communications, effectively mitigating potential reputational damage.

Corporate Communications Officer

Shandong Kerui
11.2011 - 03.2012
  • Arranged appointments with clients and potential clients, attended meetings and provided necessary feedback
  • Managed invoices, performed record keeping and other communication activities for company
  • Contributed to successful company showcase booth at Energy Trade Exhibition held at the Hyatt Hotel.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure cohesive messaging across all departments, streamlining overall company communications efforts.
  • Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders through consistent communication and collaboration efforts.

English Teacher

ASTON English (American), Xi'an China
02.2011 - 08.2011
  • Taught English to Chinese students of various levels and ages at an American-based Private school. Given additional contract to assist with teaching English at public schools
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
  • Conducted assessments and drafted feedback on student performance.
  • Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.

Financial advisor

Guardian Life of the Caribbean
10.2009 - 01.2011
  • Conducted insurance sales and financial advising to potential policy holders
  • Successfully surpassed the given annual quota benchmark and given TTAIFA award.
  • Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services based on each clients' individual needs.
  • Established new client relationships by conducting thorough needs assessments during initial consultations.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty in managing their financial portfolios.

On-The-Job Trainee (OJT) Student Aid

Hill View College, Tunapuna
10.2008 - 04.2009
  • Mentored and coached a student who has cerebral palsy resulting in significant improvement in the child's school performance.
  • Promoted positive collaboration among teachers, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.

On-The-Job Trainee (OJT) teaching assistant

Lady Hochoy Home in Gasparillo
01.2008 - 08.2008
  • Taught Communication, Drama, Reading and Swimming to Special Needs children
  • Responsible for creating a Drama and Communication Class which was approved by my supervisor and attended by all students at various times, thereby ensuring inclusion.

Contracted Advanced Level teacher in Communication Studies

UWI School of Continuing Studies-San Fernando
09.2007 - 12.2007
  • Taught CAPE A' Level Communication Studies
  • Improvement of student performance as extra time was taken to reinforce foundational material.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.

Contracted Call Agent

Total Call Management, Fujitsu Transaction Solutions
03.2007 - 06.2007
  • Managed call states (received, logged, dispatched and monitored service calls, inquiries and queries) received by e-mail and telephone
  • Performed daily tracking of orders on vendors, daily liaise with suppliers and updating the internal system
  • Solicited customer feedback and updated engineers' tracking board
  • Built strong customer relationships with empathetic communication and active listening skills.
  • Balanced high call volume while maintaining composure under pressure, resulting in satisfied customers and positive feedback ratings.

Summer Intern in the ECG Department

San Fernando General Hospital
08.2006 - 09.2006
  • Conducted ECG (Electrocardiogram) tests on patients in hospital wards and walk-ins.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines under high-pressure situations during the internship period.
  • Maintained a strong work ethic and positive attitude throughout the summer internship program, earning recognition from supervisors for outstanding performance and commitment to team success.

Summer Intern

Pleasantville Health Centre-Child Guidance/Counseling Centre
06.2006 - 07.2006
  • Assisted in arranging appointments, supervising tests, and administrative work.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines under high-pressure situations during the internship period.
  • Maintained a strong work ethic and positive attitude throughout the summer internship program, earning recognition from supervisors for outstanding performance and commitment to team success.
  • Participated in weekly meetings with mentors and colleagues, sharing insights from various learning experiences throughout the internship program.

Summer Intern

Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (PLIPDECO)
06.2005 - 08.2005
  • Record management, filing, preparation of correspondence and organized training for engineering technicians.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines under high-pressure situations during the internship period.
  • Maintained a strong work ethic and positive attitude throughout the summer internship program, earning recognition from supervisors for outstanding performance and commitment to team success.

Education

Master's Degree - Business Administration with Specialised Electives in Human Resource Management

Anglia Ruskin University
01.2020

Post-Graduate Diploma - Mediation Studies

The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine
01.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies

The University of The West Indies
Saint Augustine, Trinidad And Tobago
01.2007

GA Level 3 Certificate - T.E.F.L (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

I-to-i TEFL
01.2019

Diploma - Biblical Studies

The International School of Ministry (ISOM)
01.2014

Certificate - Advanced Conversational Spanish

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Port Of Spain
01.2004

Four (4) Cambridge A' Level Passes & Nine (9) CXC Level Passes -

Naparima Girls' High School
San Fernando, Trinidad And Tobago
01.2004

Skills

  • Executive Support
  • Business Writing
  • Conversing with AI
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Microsoft Suite
  • Mediation/Strong Problem Solver
  • Proofreading
  • Presentation Development
  • Social Media Management
  • Lean Six Sigma

Achievements And Interests

  • National delegate for foreign recruitment mission to Cuba- 2019, National High-level Delegate for National Security Mission in China & Hong Kong - 2014.
  • Outstanding Student awardee of the International School of Ministry- July 2014
  • Teaching facilitator of the International School of Ministry- 2014-2017.
  • Young Adults Sunday School teacher- Calvary New Testament Church- January 2017
  • IS/IVCF Camp Counselor at Senior Camp August 2016 and Level Up Camp Facilitator- 2016 & 2017
  • Team Leader at Community Outreaches- Living Word Christian Centre 2013-2016
  • Television program host- "Community Corner"- ACTS25, 2012-2013.Video Production training.
  • Certificate for Outstanding Sales Production -TTAIFA, 2011.
  • CLICO scholarship and UWI Bursary awarded for Academic Merit, 2004/5,2005/6
  • Member and Secretary of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in UWI, 2005-2007.
  • Member, Secretary and Vice President of Inter-School Christian Fellowship in NGHS, 1997-2002.
  • Choir finalist in Music Festival, 2002.
  • Active participant and Semi-finalist in Canadian Math Olympiad, 1998-2003.
  • NGHS Peer counselor (organized by Family Planning Association), 2000-2004.
  • RBTT Young Leaders participant, 2000.
  • Sunday school teacher and Worship Leader-Living Word Christian Centre, 2002-2016
  • Various Volunteer activities (Cheshire Home, Beauty in Essence, South Blind Welfare Association), 1997-present.
  • ISCF South Committee worker, and Camp Counselor, 2007-2008, 2017.
  • Computer literate; Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
  • Commendable Interpersonal skills.
  • Certificate of Micropay training completion

References

  • Mrs Camilla Tiraboschi, Senior Executive Liaison Officer, IFRC, +507 6983 7001
  • Ms Anita Sohan, Director, International Cooperation Desk, Ministry of Health, 678-4345
  • Mrs Jennifer Herbert, Former Principal Pharmacist, Office of the Drug Inspectorate, Ministry of Health, 722-6542
  • Mr. Maurice Suite, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, 622-1625
  • Mr. Richard Madray, Retired Permanent Secretary, 481-5079
  • Ms. Abigail Bynoe, Manager-Policy, Strategy and Monitoring, Ministry of Public Administration, 7663695, Bynoea@mpa.gov.tt
  • Mr Anand Munessar, Recruitment Specialist, Ministry of Health, 394-6388

Languages

English
Native language
Spanish
Upper intermediate
B2

Timeline

Executive Assistant

Ernst and Young (EY) CTH
05.2023 - Current

Report Specialist

Ministry of Public Administration
12.2022 - 04.2023

Consultant

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
09.2022 - 09.2023

Executive Assistant

Country Cluster Delegation for Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
01.2021 - 08.2022

Business Operations Assistant II

International Co-operation Desk, Ministry of Health
01.2019 - 01.2021

Business Operations Assistant II

Office of the Drug Inspectorate, Ministry of Health
12.2017 - 10.2018

Strategic Analyst

Strategic Services Division, Ministry of Public Administration
05.2016 - 09.2016

Executive Assistant to Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Public Administration
10.2015 - 05.2016

Executive Assistant to Permanent Secretary

Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism
12.2014 - 09.2015

Personal Secretary to Minister

Ministry of National Security
09.2013 - 10.2014

Research Assistant to Security Advisor to the Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister
08.2013 - 09.2013

Managing Camp Coordinator for Vacation Camp

Princes Town Presbyterian School, Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development
07.2013 - 08.2013

Intake Officer

Penal Debe Mediation Sub-centre, Ministry of Community Development
03.2013 - 04.2013

Communications Officer

Advance Community Television Station (ACTS25)
03.2012 - 02.2013

Corporate Communications Officer

Shandong Kerui
11.2011 - 03.2012

English Teacher

ASTON English (American), Xi'an China
02.2011 - 08.2011

Financial advisor

Guardian Life of the Caribbean
10.2009 - 01.2011

On-The-Job Trainee (OJT) Student Aid

Hill View College, Tunapuna
10.2008 - 04.2009

On-The-Job Trainee (OJT) teaching assistant

Lady Hochoy Home in Gasparillo
01.2008 - 08.2008

Contracted Advanced Level teacher in Communication Studies

UWI School of Continuing Studies-San Fernando
09.2007 - 12.2007

Contracted Call Agent

Total Call Management, Fujitsu Transaction Solutions
03.2007 - 06.2007

Summer Intern in the ECG Department

San Fernando General Hospital
08.2006 - 09.2006

Summer Intern

Pleasantville Health Centre-Child Guidance/Counseling Centre
06.2006 - 07.2006

Summer Intern

Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (PLIPDECO)
06.2005 - 08.2005

Master's Degree - Business Administration with Specialised Electives in Human Resource Management

Anglia Ruskin University

Post-Graduate Diploma - Mediation Studies

The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies

The University of The West Indies

GA Level 3 Certificate - T.E.F.L (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

I-to-i TEFL

Diploma - Biblical Studies

The International School of Ministry (ISOM)

Certificate - Advanced Conversational Spanish

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Four (4) Cambridge A' Level Passes & Nine (9) CXC Level Passes -

Naparima Girls' High School
Cherisse Madeira