Melissa Ekins

melekins@att.net 630-303-3248 www.linkedin.com/in/melekins Lisle, IL

OBJECTIVE
Professional opportunity applying Spanish skills, strong organizational skills, and passion for helping others.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Senior graduating with Honors from Loras College in May 2015, Bachelor of Arts with a double major in
Sociology & Spanish; studied abroad in Spain for one semester; experience in non-profits from being on the
Executive Board as the Recruitment Chair of Duhawk Dance Marathon for two years.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Experience in research from being a student
researcher on the Loras College Poll, as well as
individual research for my senior thesis.
- Analytical, detail-oriented, and familiar with
societal trends through studies in Sociology.
- Strong passion for helping others from multiple
service trips.

- Recruited 25% of Loras campus to join Dance

Marathon, an organization raising over $191,000
in funds for childrens hospitals.
- Excellent time management skills due to having
classes, multiple jobs, and many roles in
organizations at the same time.
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology & Spanish
May 2015
Loras College, Dubuque, IA
- Honors Student. Overall GPA: 3.6/4.0 scale; Deans List
- Studied abroad at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain in Spring 2013; lived with a non-English
speaking host family; completed 15 credits on Spanish language and culture. Involved in the Erasmus
Student Network to meet local and international students.
Americorps, Duhawk Dance Marathon, Honors Program, Co-Founder of DuHealth Committee, Spanish
Club, Loras Intercultural Student Association, Researcher for the Loras College Poll, Purgold staff.
EXPERIENCE
Recruitment Chair
April 2013-present
Duhawk Dance Marathon, Dubuque, IA
- Recruited a record number of participants; acted as the dancer relations representative; devised methods
to encourage participants to fundraise & stay involved throughout the year; exceeded personal
fundraising goal of $1000; attended the Dance Marathon Leadership Conference and regional retreats.
Student Ambassador & Telecounselor
January 2014-present
Loras College Admissions, Dubuque, IA
- Gave tours of the college to prospective students and families; hosted overnights for seniors; worked in the
call center to recruit prospective students and served as their personal contact; assisted students with
completing college applications.
Temporary Part-Time Manager & Sales Associate
August 2010-present
Justice, Woodridge, IL
- Worked in a successful, high volume store as a cashier; successfully exceeded companys goals related to
sales; created displays from available inventory; supervised other associates.
Center for Tourist Investigation and Studies (CETUR), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
January-April 2013
Intern
- Worked extensively in Excel, collecting data about the pilgrims who completed the Camino de Santiago and
created reports about the findings; summarized information about the Instituto de Cervantes.