Sara Kourkmas

Responsible and motivated University student ready to apply education in the workplace. Offers excellent technical abilities with software and applications, ability to handle challenging work, and excellent time management skills.

• Coordinator, Summer Volunteers Co-op, 05/2024, 08/2024, Downtown New Westminster BIA, New Westminster, B.C, Recruit and manage a team of 10 volunteers for the Fridays on Front summer event series to ensure seamless event execution and positive attendee experiences., Maintain an accurate database of local businesses using Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring up-to-date contact information and fostering stronger communication and community engagement with local stakeholders., Contribute to digital marketing efforts by creating engaging social media content using Canva to promote events taking place in the community., Develop and conduct comprehensive volunteer orientation sessions in order to improve volunteer readiness and satisfaction.
• Brand Representative, 11/2019, Present, Hollister. Co, Vancouver, B.C, Engaged with 50+ customers daily in a friendly and professional manner, fostering a positive shopping experience., Trained and mentored 5 new employees on customer service protocols and financial transactions, ensuring seamless integration into company practices., Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills by addressing and resolving customer concerns promptly, maintaining a positive store reputation.
• Games Attendant, 08/2019, 10/2019, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, B.C, Supervised 10+ game booths by encouraging participants to play, promoting a memorable experience., Processed 50+ financial transactions daily, ensuring accuracy and efficiency, contributing to high customer satisfaction.
• Sales Associate, 11/2019, Disney on Ice, Vancouver, B.C, Handled 50+ novelty and food transactions daily at 2 kiosks, frequently exceeding sales targets., Maintained a high level of customer satisfaction through attentive assistance and product recommendations, earning consistent positive feedback and contributing to repeat business.
• Program Mentor, 07/2018, Vancouver Opera, Vancouver, B.C, Guided a group of 15 children in writing and composing songs, promoting their creativity and musical expression., Organized and led engaging group activities and vocal warm-up sessions, displaying teamwork, cooperation, and a positive group dynamic among the children.

• Peer Leader Award, 06/2022, Beedie Luminaries, The Peer Leader Award recognizes one student per program who engages and guides other students, positively contributing to the community at large, while exemplifying the values of resilience, grit, determination, creativity, and empathy.
• Beedie Luminaries Scholarship, 05/2021, A scholarship of $54,000 is granted to resilient BC students facing financial adversity to advance their education and future aspirations.

• Social Events Co-Director, 06/2023, Present, Political Science Student's Association, Vancouver, B.C, Organized and facilitated 6 diverse events in order to build a stronger sense of community amongst students pursuing political science, ensuring seamless coordination and outcomes., Facilitated weekly meetings both in-person and via Zoom, to provide guidance on event planning, promoting a productive and involving atmosphere for team members.
• Community Outreach Coordinator, 06/2023, Present, UBC Rise, Vancouver, B.C, Fundraised to create care packages for 5 homeless and Indigenous shelters within the Downtown Eastside (DTES), displaying a sense of community support during challenging times., Proactively supported vulnerable populations and showcased empathy when connecting with over 100 individuals in senior homes through careers and social activities., Collaborated with team members, fostering a positive and collective community and increasing team morale.
• Event Ambassador, 09/2022, 04/2023, UBC Scholars Community, Vancouver, B.C, Utilized design applications such as Canva to manage the marketing of the club's events and encourage attendance and engagement within the community., Planned and led 8 collaborating events, attracting participation of over 20 students, and building a stronger sense of community amongst scholars., Curated and supervised 8 events while strictly adhering to a budget cap of under $100 for each event.
• Youth Volunteer, 09/2021, 04/2022, Environmental Youth Alliance, Vancouver, B.C, Took part in hands-on restoration work in community gardens along Still Creek and Strathcona Park to contribute to the preservation of local ecosystems and restore habitat for wildlife., Collaborated with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers to gain insights about land stewardship, culture, and environment in order to develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives., Crafted homemade items to assist 30+ individuals facing challenges in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), of Vancouver in order to provide support to those in need and demonstrate commitment to supporting the community.