Vanessa Lopez

Experience

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  Daniel J Schaefer Funeral Home

  Feb 2008 - Feb 2012

  Funeral Director

  Conducted market research into the Hispanic sector to identify the cultural/religious funeral trends in the community which allowed for the development of a comprehensive marketing strategy with budget friendly funeral plans that helped the Company increase and establish a loyal Hispanic clientele by 70% after campaign launch. Moving the Funeral Home to the number 2 position of competitors in the area. Developed and lead Spanish language Pre-Need funeral seminars and At-home consultations to educate potential customers of the benefits of drafting a Living Will, the psychological benefits and financial advantages of choosing a Pre-Need funeral account, and provided a summary of the Funeral Home's legal contractual responsibilities towards it's clients. This work lead to an increase in Pre-Need contracts by a 62% after 9 months of implementation.Managed the intern training program by creating a structured work experience tailored around the intern's area of interest. Then promoted and mentored their ability to translate theory into practice, develop a sense of urgency by assigning time sensitive projects, advance clear communication skills by engaging clients, encouraged them to identify and solve problems in the field while being monitored, and instilled a sense of accountability for the work performed. The internship program yielded successful permanent employees for the Company, while others found work no less than 3 months after. Show less

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  Islamic International Funeral Services

  May 2008 - Feb 2012

  Funeral Director

  Recognized by Muslim religious leaders for displaying a professional presence, a respectful poise, plus the confidence necessary to earn credibility and acceptance as the only female Non-Muslim team member. As a result I was instructed by Muslim female elders the ritualistic washing and shrouding of female cases, the proper etiquette on Muslim funeral practices and Masjid funeral prayers. I was also the only Non-Muslim female allowed to perform embalming procedures on cases for international repatriation. Developed a positive and close working relationship with the consulates of Egypt, Palestine, Pakistan, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan and Morocco that allowed the Company to expedite all documentation and permits necessary for International repatriation of remains within the ideal 24-48 hour burial window in order to adhere to Muslim Burial custom. This commitment resulted in a loyal and highly appreciative clientele base that cemented the credibility of the services provided. Managed the day to day operations of the embalming laboratory including vendor negotiations, inventory control, maintenance schedules and logs, Bio-hazards storage and removal, OSHA compliance inspections, and MSDS updates. This close monitoring and management led to an overall 20% reduction in budget spending, plus a safe and sanitary environment with no accidents reported during my time with the company, Show less

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  The Gallery Inn

  Jun 2013 - Jul 2017

  General Manager

  Promoted to management after successfully reducing Front Desk performance, attendance and turn over issues by a 70% margin. The creation of a rotating schedule where employees not only worked as Front Desk Agents but also as Brand Ambassadors, led to a sociable and dynamic work environment. They assisted and interacted with hotel guests during Breakfast Hours, Beach House Happy Hours and Special Events, allowing them to receive more frequent and higher tips and positive review praise in social media outlets.Prioritized online reputation management by continuously monitoring and responding to online customer reviews, updating special events, sales promotions and special interest travel information. While also comparing all social medial and web page data against competitors' brand in order to identify areas of improvement to develop marketing strategies that will leverage an edge against competitors and increase customer satisfaction. Identified cost reduction opportunities instrumental in reorganization initiatives of the Housekeeping and Food & Beverage Departments. This lead to an overall savings of 35% from the purchasing budget and removed obsolete room amenities, re-engineered menus and re-negotiated vendor contracts. Show less

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  San Juan Smokehouse

  Sept 2017 - Sept 2019

  General Manager

  Developed a kitchen training manual that broke down complex recipes and smoking techniques, created portion control guidelines, ingredient substitutions lists, opening and closing procedures in an easy to follow and concise manner that allowed 100% departmental function in the absence of key employees.Implemented a cross training program that allowed personnel to move between Front of the House and Back of the House departments that resulted in increased enthusiasm, a positive attitude, versatile restaurant knowledge and respect among staff members. While reducing employee turn-over rates by 50%.Optimized guest experience by performing facility walk-through to asses cleanliness and department preparedness, held shift meetings before rush hours, offered free samples of new menu items, allowed guided tours of our outdoors smoking facilities, provided fast resolutions to unforeseen problems and most importantly resolved customer grievances promptly resulting in a loyal clientele base. Show less

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  Davidson County Medical Examiner's Office

  Jun 2020 - May 2021

  • Communicated with Spanish speaking families to help them understand and navigate the policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner’s office – and jurisdiction. • Conducted a range of day-to-day clerical duties, including filing, scanning and uploading documents, weekly and monthly reports, and more.• Received and directed various investigative agencies and assisted with processing toxicology and fingerprints.• Compiled medical records and investigative agency reports and updated chart information, while assisting the Pathologist in their regular day to day duties.• Communicated with families on behalf of the ME’s office, ensuring authenticity, empathy, and care, and translated for Spanish-speaking families where needed.• Partnered with the TBI and local law enforcement agencies to assist with various administrative tasks such as cataloging and releasing evidence, crime scene photo processing, and more. Show less • Communicated with Spanish speaking families to help them understand and navigate the policies and procedures of the Medical Examiner’s office – and jurisdiction. • Conducted a range of day-to-day clerical duties, including filing, scanning and uploading documents, weekly and monthly reports, and more.• Received and directed various investigative agencies and assisted with processing toxicology and fingerprints.• Compiled medical records and investigative agency reports and updated chart information, while assisting the Pathologist in their regular day to day duties.• Communicated with families on behalf of the ME’s office, ensuring authenticity, empathy, and care, and translated for Spanish-speaking families where needed.• Partnered with the TBI and local law enforcement agencies to assist with various administrative tasks such as cataloging and releasing evidence, crime scene photo processing, and more. Show less

  • Administrative Assistant

    Jun 2020 - May 2021

  • Administrative Assistant

    Jun 2020 - May 2021
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  Hotel Cleaning Services

  May 2021 - Sept 2022

  Area Manager HCS

  • Oversees and manages overnight maintenance and cleaning of public areas and commercial kitchens for five luxury brand hotels, the Omni Hotel, The Joseph, Dream Hotel, Loews Vanderbilt, and Westin.• Delegates tasks amongst a fully Hispanic crew of 50 individuals who are spread across the five facilities.• Mentors and coaches employees, ensuring the utmost in property management and customer satisfaction.• Adheres to Corporate Office budgets while managing inventory, costs, payroll, and employee relations.• Coordinates closely with hotel leadership as well as Head Chefs, Directors of Housekeeping, Directors of Banquets and other key leaders.• Performs walkthrough inspections of the facilities in coordination with departmental and hotel leadership.• Scouts potential locations and educates prospects on the value of our services to increase revenue. • Compiles weekly property work schedules, adhering strictly to our designated labor budget. • Prepares job postings in social media platforms, such as Facebook, Indeed, and Ziprecruiter. • Handles hotel grievances immediately and resolves issues per hotel specifications Show less

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  International Funeral Service of NY, Inc.

  May 2022 - now

  General Manager