Melissa Diaz-Burke
Valsyn South
Summary
As a versatile management professional with over 21 years of diverse training and experience, I bring integrity, confidentiality, dedication, and dependability to my work. My extensive background spans Administration, Aviation, Coordination, Customer Service, Operations, Hospitality, and Tourism. My experiences have afforded me superior analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills that are key for success. I thrive in high-pressure situations and adapt easily to changes, always striving to execute tasks effectively. I am eager to leverage my extensive knowledge and experience to make a positive impact within your firm.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Banquet Manager
Radisson Trinidad Hotel
12.2024 - Current
- Oversee the planning, setup and execution of banquet events. Coordinate and communicate with the Sales team to ensure seamless execution of events, managing and hosting guests for twenty (20 or less) minimum and two hundred (200)and more maximum.
- Manage day to day operations of Food and Beverage, including staffing, scheduling, inventory and ordering of supplies for the restaurant, bar and banquet events.
- Lead, train and supervise restaurant and banquet staff. Maintain compliance of health, safety and hygiene regulations
- Monitor financial performance, including cost control, labor management and revenue targets.
- Address and resolve Food and Beverage issues including guest complaints, to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Work closely with Chef and kitchen staff to ensure menu offerings are of the highest quality and food standards.
- Develop promotional and marketing strategies to drive restaurant revenue and event bookings.
- Handle administrative tasks such as event planning, documentation, reporting and budgeting tracking.
Owner & Founder
Taste Empire - Event Caterers
04.2019 - 07.2025
- Menu Planning and Preparation: Examine dietary preferences, restrictions, and themes to create a tailored menu.
- Event Set-up and Service: Coordination of logistics to arrange for the transportation of food, equipment, and staff to the event location.
- Cleanup and Breakdown: Disassemble and pack up all catering equipment and restore the space to original condition
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Kapok Hotel
12.2022 - 12.2024
- Operational Oversight: Supervised daily food and beverage operations, ensuring high standards of service and adherence to quality and hygiene protocols. Complete staff payrolls.
- Staff Management and Training: Managed and trained front-of-house staff, including waitstaff and bartenders ranging from 10 to 20 persons at a time to deliver exceptional guest experiences and maintain efficient service.
- Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Oversaw inventory control, including ordering and maintaining stock levels of food, beverages, and supplies, and coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery and cost-efficiency. Cashing and closeout procedures completed as needed.
Administrative Assistant
Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services Credit Union
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Administrative Oversight: Supervised the society’s courier and office assistant, managed phone calls from internal and external customers, and efficiently disseminated information.
- Organizational and Communication Support: Handled filing, typing, and communication with the Board of Directors, including scheduling meetings and greeting guests.
- Inventory and Resource Management: Placed orders for office inventory, including furniture, stationery, and groceries, ensuring all branches were adequately supplied.
Member Service Representative
Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services Credit Union
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Document and Application Processing: Prepared and processed documents for members' loan applications, updated client information, and provided relevant information as needed.
- Transaction Management: Performed and processed cash transactions, including loan payments, payouts, deposits, and withdrawals, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Hospitality Assistant
Ministry of National Security Trinidad and Tobago
06.2013 - 01.2014
- Conference Room Preparation: Prepared the conference room for meetings, ensuring all necessary equipment and materials were in place and the space was organized.
- Calendar Management and Coordination: Monitored and maintained the meeting calendar, coordinating scheduling and ensuring all events were properly booked and managed.
- Inventory and Catering Management: Ordered inventory and catering supplies as needed, and operated and maintained small kitchen equipment to support meeting and event functions.
Weight and Balance Agent / Operations/Airline Reservation Agent
Servisair Trinidad and Tobago (Swissport)
08.2005 - 05.2013
- Weight and Balance Calculation: Calculated weights and balanced them, including fuel, to ensure aircraft remained within the safety envelope for flight.
- Supervision of Operations and Loading: Supervised airline operations and aircraft loading, managing weight distribution, loading of goods, and safe handling of dangerous goods to ensure flight safety.
- Documentation and Compliance: Drafted, distributed, and supervised aircraft loading plans to ensure compliance, and constructed final weight and balance documentation for the operating captain.
Telephone Operator
Hilton Tobago Golf and Spa Resort
10.2004 - 08.2006
- Call Management: Efficiently answered and routed all incoming calls to the appropriate hotel departments, ensuring prompt and accurate communication.
- Guest Service: Received and placed guest reports and food orders, following up to guarantee timely execution and guest satisfaction.
- Customer Assistance: Provided professional assistance with inquiries, reservations, and information about hotel amenities and local attractions.
Hostess/Cashier - Waitstaff
Hostess/Cashier - Waitstaff
08.2001 - 09.2004
- Customer Service and Assistance: Provided exceptional customer service by addressing guest inquiries.
Education
BBA - Business Management
Australian Institute of Business
Tacarigua, Trinidad01.2018
Events Management
Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business
Mount Hope Campus01.2013
Project Management for Professionals
SBCS
01.2013
Skills
- Staff management
- Banquet setup
- Venue coordination
- Team management
- Sanitation standards
- Inventory management
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Health and safety regulations
- Interpersonal skills
- Conflict resolution
- Interpersonal communication
- Operations management
- Teamwork and collaboration
References
- Ronnie, Stanley, +1-868-293-6698
- Darah, Maynard Daniel, +1-868-751-4585
- Mark, Mckell, +1-868-484-5002
Awards
Business Software Deltasoft 2017, IATA Dangerous Goods Servisair 2013, Sabre Interact Electronic Ticketing Caribbean Airlines 2007, Customer Service D.R.A. Consulting 2004, Customs Clerk I
Timeline
Assistant Banquet Manager
Radisson Trinidad Hotel
12.2024 - Current
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Kapok Hotel
12.2022 - 12.2024
Owner & Founder
Taste Empire - Event Caterers
04.2019 - 07.2025
Administrative Assistant
Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services Credit Union
08.2015 - 08.2017
Member Service Representative
Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services Credit Union
08.2015 - 08.2017
Hospitality Assistant
Ministry of National Security Trinidad and Tobago
06.2013 - 01.2014
Weight and Balance Agent / Operations/Airline Reservation Agent
Servisair Trinidad and Tobago (Swissport)
08.2005 - 05.2013
Telephone Operator
Hilton Tobago Golf and Spa Resort
10.2004 - 08.2006
Hostess/Cashier - Waitstaff
Hostess/Cashier - Waitstaff
08.2001 - 09.2004
Project Management for Professionals
SBCS
BBA - Business Management
Australian Institute of Business
Events Management
Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business
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