Monique J. Howery
Elgin, IL *****
*********@*****.***
Willing to relocate to: Illinois
Work Experience
Private Events Manager, Cooking Instructor
The Joyful Gourmet-Libertyville, IL
April 2024 to Present
Event Planning and Management:
● Event Conceptualization: Designed and developed creative ideas for events, ensuring a cohesive vision from inception to execution.
● Budget Management: Oversaw and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality.
● Partnership Development: Built and nurtured relationships with potential partners and stakeholders for future collaborations.
● Logistics Coordination: Handled all logistics, including managing event venues, coordinating with chefs, and organizing kids’ camps.
● Marketing and Promotion: Crafted and implemented comprehensive event marketing plans to maximize visibility and attendance.
Educational Program Development:
● Curriculum Design: Created a three-week instructional curriculum for a kids’ culinary arts camp, focusing on skill development and hands-on learning.
● Training Implementation: Trained students in the use of professional kitchen equipment, food and beverage preparation, sanitation, and food service management.
● Skill Development: Enhanced students’ culinary skills and knowledge, preparing them for advanced culinary pursuits and professional environments.
Owner & Manager
Moni’s Soulfood Fiesta LLC-Elgin, IL
February 2018 to March 2023
Business Owner: Key Responsibilities and Skills
● Financial Management: Oversaw financial operations, including vendor and supplier payments, payroll, and budgeting to ensure financial stability and efficiency.
● Hiring and Staffing: Directed the hiring process, from recruitment to onboarding, ensuring the acquisition of skilled and reliable team members.
● Menu Development: Approved and designed menu changes, tailored offerings to customer preferences, and aligned with business goals.
● Inventory Management: Monitored and managed inventory systems, ordered equipment, and ensured optimal stock levels for smooth operations.
● Food Safety: Established and maintained food safety practices, prepared for health inspections, and ensured compliance with regulations.
● Customer Service: Fostered a loyal customer base through exceptional service, focused on enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.
Marketing and Sales:
● Marketing Strategy: Developed and implemented marketing strategies across various promotional channels, effectively communicated plans to management and staff.
● Sales Growth: Collaborated with managers to plan and execute sales-building activities, aiming to increase revenue and market presence.
● Customer Relations: Cultivated and maintained relationships with existing customers, and sought out opportunities to develop new business connections.
● Content Oversight: Approved marketing content to ensure alignment with brand messaging and strategic objectives.
● ROI Analysis: Analyzed return on investment (ROI) for marketing and sales initiatives to measure effectiveness and guide future strategies.
● Media Management: Managed media relationships to enhance brand visibility and secure positive coverage.
Kishwaukee College / Director of food service-Malta, IL June 2016 to February 2018
Director of food services : Key Responsibilities and Skills
● Hiring and Training: Recruited, trained, and supervised staff, including cooks, ensuring they are well- equipped to perform their roles effectively.
● Ordering and Inventory: Managed the ordering of food, beverages, equipment, and supplies; monitored inventory levels to maintain optimal stock and prevent shortages.
● Food Preparation Oversight: Supervised food preparation and kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of quality and consistency.
● Health and Safety Compliance: Ensured adherence to health and food safety standards, implemented sanitation procedures, and prepared for health inspections.
● Customer Service: Handled and resolved customer complaints, ensuring a positive dining experience and maintaining customer satisfaction.
● Budgeting and Financial Management: Monitored financial performance, managed budgeting processes, and allocated resources efficiently to maximize profitability.
● Menu Development: Developed and promoted alternate menus for special diets; advocated for school food nutrition among students, teachers, and parents.
● Work Scheduling: Prepared and managed work schedules, assigned tasks, and directed staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
● Record Keeping: Maintained accurate records of employee hours and other operational data. Leadership and Coordination:
● Operational Oversight: Managed all operational aspects, including food preparation and business issues, to ensure the establishment runs efficiently.
● Collaborative Leadership: In larger establishments, worked as part of a leadership team with chefs and assistant managers to coordinate efforts and resolve any issues.. Education
Business Management
Elgin Community College - Elgin, IL
January 2020 to January 2021
Diploma
Palatine High School - Palatine, IL
August 1996 to June 2000
Skills
• I excel at enhancing profit margins through innovative solutions
• My goal is to inspire and motivate both children and adults to collaborate seamlessly
• a positive impact on both our company
• I am passionate about bringing creative thinking to life ! Creating teams to unite and highlight the different perspectives of each team member
• honest communication
• ensuring collective success
• My expertise lies in revitalizing and rejuvenating partnerships while driving profitability and growth
• and effective time management
• the people we serve.
• Event Planning
• Accounts Receivable
• Budgeting
• Payroll
• Culinary Experience
• Events Management
• Interviewing
• Accounts Payable
• Negotiation
• Kitchen Management Experience
• Catering
• Upselling
• Management
• Sales Management
• Personal Assistant Experience
• Accounting
• QuickBooks
• Leadership
• Human Resources
• Merchandising
• Pricing
Certifications and Licenses
ServSafe
Lead Certification
CPR Certification
Bartender License
Food Handler Certification
TABC Certification
Assessments
Managing accounts in QuickBooks — Proficient
August 2023
Using QuickBooks software to manage business financials Full results: Proficient
Call center customer service — Proficient
January 2024
Demonstrating customer service skills in a call center setting Full results: Proficient
Cooking skills: Basic food preparation — Proficient July 2024
Preparing food, using cooking equipment, and converting ingredient measurements Full results: Proficient
Mechanical knowledge — Proficient
September 2023
Understanding and applying mechanical concepts and processes Full results: Proficient
Scheduling — Proficient
October 2023
Cross-referencing agendas and itineraries to avoid scheduling conflicts Full results: Proficient
Administrative assistant/receptionist — Proficient June 2023
Using basic scheduling and organizational skills in an office setting Full results: Proficient
General manager (hospitality) — Proficient
March 2024
Solving group scheduling problems and reading and interpreting P&L statements Full results: Proficient
Customer focus & orientation — Proficient
July 2023
Responding to customer situations with sensitivity Full results: Proficient
Customer service — Proficient
June 2023
Identifying and resolving common customer issues
Full results: Proficient
Attention to detail — Proficient
October 2023
Identifying differences in materials, following instructions, and detecting details among distracting information
Full results: Proficient
Cooking skills: Basic food preparation — Proficient January 2024
Preparing food, using cooking equipment, and converting ingredient measurements Full results: Proficient
Office manager — Proficient
January 2024
Scheduling and budgeting
Full results: Proficient
Recruiting — Proficient
September 2023
Managing the candidate sourcing and selection process Full results: Proficient
Bookkeeping — Proficient
August 2023
Calculating and determining the accuracy of financial data Full results: Proficient
Work style: Reliability — Proficient
February 2024
Tendency to be reliable, dependable, and accountable at work Full results: Proficient
Food safety — Proficient
March 2024
Knowledge of proper food and equipment handling safety measures Full results: Proficient
Verbal communication — Proficient
January 2024
Speaking clearly, correctly, and concisely
Full results: Proficient
Work style: Reliability — Proficient
July 2023
Tendency to be reliable, dependable, and act with integrity at work Full results: Proficient
Management & leadership skills: Planning & execution — Proficient July 2023
Planning and managing resources to accomplish organizational goals Full results: Proficient
Front desk agent (hotel) — Proficient
March 2024
Selecting hotel rooms based on requests and identifying errors in hotel data Full results: Proficient
Work style: Professionalism — Proficient
July 2023
Tendency to be accountable, professional, open to feedback, and act with integrity at work Full results: Proficient
Basic maintenance and repair — Proficient
February 2024
Performing basic repairs and maintenance for apartment complexes, office buildings, and other facilities
Full results: Proficient
Basic computer skills — Proficient
March 2024
Performing basic computer operations and troubleshooting common problems Full results: Proficient
Manufacturing fit — Proficient
January 2024
Measures the traits that are important for success in manufacturing roles Full results: Proficient
Sales skills — Proficient
April 2023
Influencing and negotiating with customers
Full results: Proficient
Written communication — Proficient
April 2024
Best practices for writing, including grammar, style, clarity, and brevity Full results: Proficient
Analyzing data — Proficient
July 2023
Interpreting and producing graphs, identifying trends, and drawing justifiable conclusions from data Full results: Proficient
Management & leadership skills: Impact & influence — Proficient October 2023
Choosing the most effective strategy to inspire and influence others to meet business objectives Full results: Proficient
Spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel — Proficient
July 2023
Knowledge of various Microsoft Excel features, functions, and formulas Full results: Proficient
Work style: Conscientiousness — Proficient
September 2023
Tendency to be well-organized, rule-abiding, and hard-working Full results: Proficient
Indeed Assessments provides skills tests that are not indicative of a license or certification, or continued development in any professional field.