Isabel Duarte
Mt Sterling
Summary
Dedicated Hospitality Professional experienced in managing customer interactions and enhancing dining experiences. Built rapport with guests through strong communication and multitasking skills in high-pressure environments. Maintained a positive attitude while effectively managing multiple priorities and anticipating customer needs.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Waitress
Renee's Place, Mt. Sterling IL
Mt. Sterling, IL
10.2025 - Current
- Built strong connections with diverse customers at Renee's during weekend shifts to enhance overall dining enjoyment. Supported a welcoming environment for patrons through effective interpersonal skills. Maintained a friendly attitude while interacting with guests to promote clear communication. Established meaningful relationships that improved customer experiences. Applied critical thinking in fast-paced service settings to address guest needs promptly. Improved service efficiency by skillfully balancing multiple items during busy shifts. Handled challenging interactions with professionalism while maintaining courteous communication. Coordinated dining operations by guiding staff to deliver smooth service.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive dining experience for all patrons.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate timely meal delivery and special requests.
- Managed cash transactions accurately, maintaining a balanced cash drawer at shift end.
Barista
The Drink Shop, Mt Sterling IL
Mt Sterling, IL
10.2025 - Current
- Assisted customers in selecting from a diverse range of beverages, including artisanal coffees, teas, and lotus energy drinks, along with treats like cookie dough bites. Maintained a friendly atmosphere while providing online ordering and convenient options for pickup and delivery. Utilized effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster positive customer interactions. Managed difficult customer interactions with professionalism and a positive attitude. Worked part-time during weekdays and enjoyed the dynamic environment. Collaborated with team members to efficiently handle high-volume customer lines during busy morning hours.
- Prepared and served high-quality beverages to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Operated espresso machines and blenders efficiently to meet peak demand.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations and equipment.
Camp counselor
YMCA, Mt Sterling IL
Mt Sterling, IL
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Supported children ages toddler to pre-teen as a summer camp counselor, creating a safe and engaging environment. Applied critical thinking skills to meet children's needs effectively. Gained patience through experience in managing energetic groups of children.
- Facilitated daily camp activities, ensuring engaging and fun experiences for campers.
- Supervised camper safety during outdoor adventures and structured programs.
- Assisted in developing age-appropriate games that promoted teamwork and communication skills.
Education
High School Diploma -
Brown County High School
Mt.Sterling, IL01-2025
Associates - Political science
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL07-2026
Skills
- Customer interaction
- Team collaboration
- Information analysis
- Problem solving
- Leadership skills
- Critical thinking
- Customer service
- Emotional Intelligence
- Order management
Affiliations
Summer intern, Office of State Representative Kyle Moore in Illinois.
- Assisted with constituent communications, research, and legislative support
- Supported office operations by organizing documents and scheduling meetings
- Gained insight into state government processes and public policy development
- Met with various lawyers and states attorneys to gain more knowledge
LANGUAGES
English
Timeline
Waitress
Renee's Place, Mt. Sterling IL
10.2025 - Current
Barista
The Drink Shop, Mt Sterling IL
10.2025 - Current
Camp counselor
YMCA, Mt Sterling IL
01.2024 - 06.2024
High School Diploma -
Brown County High School
Associates - Political science
John Wood Community College
Community Service
Mt Sterling, IL, I did relatively 40 hours of community service. With this I did community service for the fairs we hold in Mt Sterling IL when it comes to setting up the tents and cleaning up the morning after. I also did community service for Basketball and assisted at the concession stands during baseball games!
Extra information
- CEO
- In my junior year of high school I was involved in a unique group called CEO which stands for Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. With this program it was considered to take up my electives for junior year. It was also considered a Business college credit through WIU. Essentially we would meet up with various business owners locally and as far as Springfield to get a tour and also listen to their stories on how they developed their business from the ground up and how they keep business going. We would have a variety of projects throughout the year from hosting a big event for the locals to raising money for our personal businesses at the end of the year. Another requirement was to start with $1 dollar and flip it into $100 dollars within a couple of weeks. In which I bought candy then resold it which required me to go door to door selling this candy. Then I bought a dog collar and leash and walked a few people's dog for 10 dollars a mile and eventually raised enough to buy a swing bench that was for sale on the side of the road for 40 dollars and bought supplies and refinished it and resold that for $100 dollars! By the end of the year we used this money we raised for our personal businesses. My business was a modest gym clothing brand! I loved the CEO program so much and it allowed me to grow various relationships and grow my network.
- Electoral Technician
- I was an electoral technician for Ryan Kniekamp in the month of March! Essentially I delivered paperwork to various polling sites and assisted with any issues these various polling sites may have had. I woke up at 4 am and delivered paperwork to 3 different sites and stayed in communication with Ryan Kniekamp.
AWARDS
Tracy Family Foundation Scholarship, Athletic GPA award x2, Presidents list for a 4.0 GPA, Nomination for The National Society of Leadership And Success