A M Texas
Resume:
Farai Mashongamhende
Plano, Texas 75024
*************@*****.***
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Seeking a dynamic career that fosters professional growth, socio-economic impact, and innovation, leveraging exposure to new ideas and opportunities for enhanced productivity and development. EDUCATION
Texas A&M University-Commerce May 2012
Masters in Higher Education Administration
Texas A&M University-Commerce May 2010
Bachelor of Management Information Systems
EXPERIENCE
Manager December 2019 - June 2022
Washington International Student Center
Led daily operations of a high-traffic international hostel, managing guest check-ins, reservations, and clerical tasks to ensure smooth and efficient service for over 1,000 international guests annually.
Supervised and trained a diverse team of staff, fostering an environment of collaboration, cultural awareness, and customer service excellence in a multicultural setting.
Handled guest relations, addressing inquiries, concerns, and special requests with professionalism, resulting in consistently positive reviews and high guest satisfaction rates.
Managed financial transactions and administrative duties, including processing payments, balancing daily accounts, and generating financial reports to maintain accurate financial records.
Coordinated scheduling for staff and guest reservations, ensuring optimal coverage and room availability while maximizing occupancy and revenue generation.
Implemented and enforced hostel policies, including safety protocols and hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with local regulations and guest well-being.
Developed promotional strategies to attract international travelers, including managing online booking platforms and collaborating with travel agencies to increase hostel visibility.
Maintained hostel facilities by coordinating with maintenance personnel and third-party vendors to ensure the property was well-kept, safe, and comfortable for all guests.
Fostered relationships with international organizations, such as embassies and student groups, to increase referral traffic and build a positive reputation within the global travel community.
Utilized booking and property management software to streamline reservation processes, track guest preferences, and ensure operational efficiency. General Manager July 2015 – February 2019
Hot Rod Connects Booking Agency
Reported directly to the CEO, overseeing daily operations and acting as chief of staff to ensure smooth business functions.
Developed and implemented the agency's comprehensive business plan, driving organizational growth and market expansion.
Led the planning and execution of high-profile booking events, ensuring seamless logistics and exceeding client expectations.
Recruited and managed talent, staff, and event organizers, aligning resources to meet client and talent needs.
Utilized sales strategies to pitch agency services to potential clients, successfully expanding the talent roster and booking portfolio.
Partnered with event promoters to develop and execute marketing strategies for artist tours, increasing event visibility and sales.
Networked with venue owners to secure performance opportunities, negotiating favorable contracts for both artists and the agency.
Drafted and negotiated business proposals, ensuring alignment with agency goals and long-term strategic partnerships.
Graduate Research Assistant August 2013 – December 2014 Texas A&M University-Commerce
Collected, analyzed, and synthesized data on freshman student outcomes, contributing to academic research and publications.
Reported research findings directly to the Dean of University College, influencing the development of student success programs.
Supported Success Coaches in advising students, tracking academic performance, and identifying at-risk students through data analysis.
Served as a Teaching Assistant for the Regents Scholars Program and Freshman Success Seminar, providing both academic and administrative support.
Conducted field research at multiple sites, ensuring the accurate collection of data in line with research objectives.
Success Coach February 2012 – May 2013
Texas A&M University-Commerce – University College
Advised first-year students and those without completed core requirements, assisting in academic planning and goal setting.
Conducted one-on-one meetings using an early intervention strategy to support academically at-risk students, improving retention and success rates.
Facilitated student transitions into college life, fostering relationships between students and faculty advisors.
Guided students in accessing university resources necessary for academic and personal success, promoting a holistic approach to student development. Graduate Assistant August 2010 – January 2012
Texas A&M University-Commerce – Office of Campus Life & Student Development
Assisted with student conduct cases, conducting hearings and issuing adjudications to ensure compliance with university policies.
Collaborated with the Assistant Dean of Campus Life and Student Development on revisions to the Student Code of Conduct, promoting student welfare.
Coordinated with campus departments, including the University Police, Residential Living and Learning, and Counseling Services, to ensure student safety and well-being.
Co-supervised two student employees, fostering professional growth and operational efficiency.
Led the coordination of the university’s annual diversity program, V.I.S.I.O.N.S., showcasing student organizations and featuring guest speakers and performances. Internship June 2011 – August 2011
Texas A&M University-Commerce – Alumni Office
Organized the "Young Alumni Reception" for graduates from 2003-2011, with over 100 attendees, fostering alumni engagement in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Managed a $10,000 budget for the event, coordinating logistics such as venue booking, timing, and event promotion.
Created and led a host committee of former student leaders to market the event, ensuring high turnout and event success.
Resident Assistant January 2008 – May 2011
Texas A&M University-Commerce – Office of Residential Living and Learning
Supervised an apartment complex of 48 upperclassmen and a freshman hall of 70 residents, enforcing university housing policies and promoting a positive living environment.
Developed and implemented civic, educational, and recreational programs, fostering a sense of community and academic success.
Program Planner October 2010
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Co-advised and planned the “THAT THURSDAY” carnival program, featuring events such as a softball and kickball tournament, live music, and free food, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Campus Life and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. New Student Mentor/Orientation Leader January 2009 – August 2010 Texas A&M University-Commerce – Office of Orientation
Mentored 400 freshman students in the College of Business & Technology, guiding them through registration and acclimation to university life.
Assisted with clerical duties and served as a tour guide during orientation sessions, facilitating smooth transitions for incoming students.
Homecoming Student Co-Chair October 2009
Texas A&M University-Commerce – Office of Alumni Relations
Planned and coordinated major homecoming events, including the tailgate, spirit rally, and homecoming parade, in collaboration with university departments and student organizations. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Facilitator April 2012
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Served as a facilitator for the iExperience leadership retreat, guiding students through self-awareness exercises and leadership development using principles of emotional intelligence. Gehring Academy July 2011
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
Completed extensive training in student conduct, focusing on law, policies, and ethical practices, including FERPA, assessment in conduct systems, and theoretical perspectives (Perry, Kohlberg, Gilligan).
American College Personnel Association (ACPA) March 2011 ACPA Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD
Volunteered at the Job recruitment fair and served as a liaison between job candidates and job recruiters at the annual ACPA conference in Baltimore, MD COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP 2008-2010
Texas A&M University-Commerce
President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated 2010
Vice President of Golden Leos (Student Ambassadors for the President of Texas A&M University-Commerce) 2009-2010
Summer Leadership Summit Representative 2008-2010 Affiliations
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA)
American College Personnel Association (ACPA)
National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE December 2016 - January 2017
Volunteer Staff
Bon Paul & Sharky's Hostel - Asheville, North Carolina
Performed general hostel duties, including guest check-ins, housekeeping, and ensuring a welcoming environment for travelers.
Provided recommendations to guests on local attractions, restaurants, and activities, enhancing their stay in Asheville.
Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of the hostel’s common areas, ensuring guest comfort and safety.
Collaborated with other staff members to manage daily operations and improve guest satisfaction. Volunteer Manager August 2017 - October 2017
Lost River Hostel - Lost River, Indiana
Managed the upcoming hostel’s operations, overseeing day-to-day activities while preparing for the official opening.
Led the construction efforts of a new guest house, working alongside volunteers to ensure timely completion.
Handled management duties, including hiring staff, managing schedules, and ensuring efficient use of resources.
Assisted with clerical tasks, including record-keeping, guest management, and updating hostel software systems.
Worked on branding and business development strategies, enhancing the hostel’s presence and preparing for guest arrival.
CERTIFICATIONS October 2021 - Present
Personal Training
National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFTP)
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