jennifer arevalo

I walked into the OfficeMax to pick up “copy job”. I asked if the store was hiring (as I wanted to make more money for the holidays). The Store Manager immediately came over, asked me a few questions and hired me on the spot. He stated that my professionalism and character stood out; he knew I’d be a great fit! I began as a “Copy Center Associate” and quickly moved to “Copy Center Supervisor”! I was fast and efficient with project workflow, project design and meeting the needs of our customers. I held the (not-so-public-) title of “resolution specialist” as I was quick to see a problem and even faster at seeing the possible resolution to situations. Customers came back; we were meeting their needs and making a difference in their projects! I daily interacted with Store Staff and the General Public.

I was an Administrative Assistant to the second-in-command of this company. Among other communities, she managed one of the largest community’s (governed by HOA) in Las Vegas (over sixteen-hundred (1600+) homes). I received all incoming calls for our HOA’s, handled any and all clients, customers, homeowners, board member, etc., for our assigned associations. I took complaints, issued citations, and conducted housing track inspections. Every month I sent out a “newsletter” to each homeowner and board member for each HOA. These were mass quantity mailings in which I learned how to utilize large mailing equipment for such production. I also prepared agendas, board packets, and prepared conference rooms for meetings; homeowners attended. During meetings, I took minutes and prepared them for the manager’s and eventually, the boards review. By the end of my tenure, my work-load had grown to thirteen (13) HOA’s. On a daily basis I interacted with management, contractors, office staff, board members, and homeowners.

My duties were vast and yet comprehensive. I was responsible for all files: opening & closing of such, record keeping, along with time-keeping, and docketing. As the receptionist I took and directed all callers to appropriate personnel. Taking messages and relaying messages when necessary. Callers included, but were not limited to: Attorneys of Law, Judges, Judicial staff and other such Court Personnel, as well as, General Public. This was a fast-paced firm in which I frequently transcribed memos, letters, policy’s, and at various times litigation of sorts, including preparing documents for filing in a Court of Law, as well as, tabulated and prepared files for attorneys for court appearances. Most documents were time-sensitive and for attorney-client privilege only. Along with all my other duties, I made travel arraignments including: flights, hotels and car rentals for attorneys, as well as, rented & prepared conference rooms for: meetings, depositions, etc.

In 1998, I moved across the street from the Police Department. I decided to volunteer to become better acquainted with the City. Thus began what would become five (5) years of volunteer work with the Rialto Police Department. I would have continued, but I moved out of the City and therefore had to resign. I earned the trust of all sworn and non-sworn (including the brass) personnel. I trained in all areas possible: Front Desk, Records, Volunteer Duties: Neighborhood Watch Meetings, Public Events, Open House, Ride-a-longs with officers, and Dispatch Sit-a-longs. When my training was over, I was put on the “call-out” list. I lived across the street from the Department, and therefore, I usually got the first call; I responded every time. The reputation of my work-ethic, integrity and dependability became known throughout the various departments, and thus I was entrusted with other duties and projects – many which were of sensitive and confidential nature usually deemed “for Brass eyes only”.

I pulled files and micro-fiche, and scanned the material for Criminal records for felonious information of personnel seeking employment. After researching such information, I entered my findings into a mainframe system, and created a report to be sent to companies requesting such information.

Because of no prior “work” experience on the “books”, the Store Manager hired me and placed me in the back of the store hidden in the “fitting room”. Not only was I cross-trained in various departments, but within the year I went from “hidden” to working at Customer Service/Front Lobby & Store Greeter, and shortly thereafter I became “relief secretary” to the Store Manager. I was told my character and work-ethic was the deciding factor of such promotions. No matter the position, I served all the supervisors and managers within their respective departments to the best of my professional ability.