Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: Immediately
Open To Work
LATOYA VYOLA
Diani Beach
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Business Development, Events, Customer service and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Reservation Agent, Wedding Planner & Event Stylist
Self-Employed
Diani, Kenya
10.2024 - Current
- Successfully planned and executed 10+ weddings and events with 50–250+ guests
- Managed budgets, vendors, and logistics to deliver events on time and within budget
- Developed strong client relationships, generating repeat business and referrals
- Handled and organized over 50 monthly reservations to ensure guest satisfaction across multiple hospitality properties, handling bookings, inquiries, cancellations, and guest communications
- Improved booking conversion rates through responsive communication and upselling, enhancing occupancy
- Maintain 95%+ response rate across booking platforms and client channels
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless guest experiences and high satisfaction levels
Reservations Specialist
The Sands Kenya – Hibiscus Apartments
Diani, Kenya
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Optimized availability, pricing, and upselling strategies, driving revenue growth per booking
- Managed 100+ monthly bookings across OTA platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia), enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty
- Delivered high-quality guest service, resolving inquiries, complaints, and special requests to improve overall guest experience
- Supported revenue reporting and forecasting for occupancy planning
Events Management
The Sands Kenya – Nomad & Chale Island
Diani, Kenya
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Planned and executed 5+ luxury weddings and high-profile events for 250+ guests, enhancing client satisfaction and brand reputation
- Coordinated major events, including Kenya Kite Cup and triathlons, to elevate brand presence and engagement
- Curated and implemented annual events calendar to strategically align with brand objectives and enhance audience reach
- Secured sponsorships and partnerships, boosting event visibility and revenue through strategic collaborations
- Increased social media response rate to 90%+ within 3 months
Corporate Trainer
Freelance
Nairobi, Kenya
08.2015 - 12.2023
- Facilitated interactive workshops to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
- Delivered tailored online and in-person training sessions aligned with client objectives.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to create effective learning programs.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify and address workforce skill gaps.
- Evaluated training effectiveness using participant feedback and follow-up assessments to enhance future programs.
- Developed engaging training materials tailored to meet specific needs of diverse corporate clients.
- Provided post-training support by answering queries and delivering additional resources.
- Organized team-building activities to foster a cohesive work environment.
Lead Generation & Business Development Specialist
Playbook A Consulting
Remote, Kenya
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Generated and qualified over 100 leads monthly through targeted outreach initiatives.
- Managed CRM pipelines to improve lead tracking and boost conversion rates.
- Conducted market research to pinpoint growth opportunities and guide strategic decisions.
- Created presentations that effectively communicated proposals to prospective clients.
- Drafted proposals and contracts aligned with client needs and company policies.
- Cultivated client relationships to drive satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
- Developed marketing materials and supported social media campaigns to boost brand visibility.
- Prepared detailed reports on progress against goals for senior management review.
Sales & Business Development Executive
Konsyg
Remote, Singapore
05.2020 - 08.2022
- Managed international client portfolio across Asia, Africa, and USA, achieving significant revenue growth.
- Developed strategic partnerships that expanded market reach and increased business opportunities.
- Conducted high-volume outreach via email and LinkedIn, expanding sales pipelines.
- Maintained strong client relationships, enhancing satisfaction and ensuring retention of key accounts.
- Increased upselling opportunities by 10% through strategic enhancements in sales scripting.
- Presented product offerings to potential clients, emphasizing unique value propositions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align business strategies and initiatives.
- Participated in meetings with senior executives to discuss strategic business development objectives.
East African Program Coordinator
Chartered Institute of Development Finance
Nairobi, Kenya
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Coordinated regional forums and summits, engaging 300+ attendees to enhance collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing.
- Coordinated training programs for development finance professionals and stakeholders, improving capacity to implement development finance initiatives.
- Organized workshops to enhance knowledge of development finance practices.
- Managed budgets, secured sponsorships, and cultivated stakeholder relationships, ensuring long-term sustainability of programs.
- Managed communication between various departments to ensure project alignment.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Bigger Than Life Entertainment
Nairobi
08.2016 - 10.2018
- Managed executive calendars and scheduled meetings for senior leadership team, ensuring optimal use of time.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and itineraries for international business trips, facilitating seamless travel experiences.
- Organized and managed staff meeting schedules and executive appointments effectively.
- Prepared and distributed internal communications, meeting agendas, and reports.
- Maintained confidential files and records with strict attention to detail.
- Liaised with vendors to procure event supplies and services, contributing to successful event execution.
- Assisted in project management tasks to support production initiatives.
- Answered telephone calls from clients, providing necessary assistance promptly.
Training & Events Executive
Dolphins Training & Consultants
Nairobi, Kenya
04.2013 - 06.2016
- Coordinated corporate trainings, conferences, and team-building events that increased employee engagement
- Developed training programs that enhanced employee skill sets and supported operational efficiency.
- Led planning, budgeting, and execution of events to ensure successful outcomes
- Facilitated workshops that fostered team collaboration and encouraged knowledge sharing among staff.
- Created proposals and marketing content to effectively promote events
- Managed client relationships, ensuring consistent communication and support for their needs.
Education
500hr Yoga Teacher Training -
ULU Yoga
04-2026
BSc. - Communication & Public Relations
Moi University
Advanced Perfect PA Skills Training -
Dolphins Training & Consultants
Effective Communication Skills Training -
Dolphins Training & Consultants
Image & Etiquette Certification -
Nthenya Image Academy
Skills
- Corporate Events & Wedding Planning
- Event design
- Event Marketing
- Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination
- Reservations & Revenue Management
- Sales development
- Lead Generation & Pipeline Management
- Upselling & Cross-Selling Strategies
- Project management
- CRM management
- Customer service
Websites
Timeline
Freelance Reservation Agent, Wedding Planner & Event Stylist
Self-Employed
10.2024 - Current
Reservations Specialist
The Sands Kenya – Hibiscus Apartments
05.2024 - 09.2024
Events Management
The Sands Kenya – Nomad & Chale Island
10.2023 - 09.2024
Lead Generation & Business Development Specialist
Playbook A Consulting
01.2021 - 12.2022
Sales & Business Development Executive
Konsyg
05.2020 - 08.2022
East African Program Coordinator
Chartered Institute of Development Finance
12.2018 - 12.2019
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Bigger Than Life Entertainment
08.2016 - 10.2018
Corporate Trainer
Freelance
08.2015 - 12.2023
Training & Events Executive
Dolphins Training & Consultants
04.2013 - 06.2016
500hr Yoga Teacher Training -
ULU Yoga
BSc. - Communication & Public Relations
Moi University
Advanced Perfect PA Skills Training -
Dolphins Training & Consultants
Effective Communication Skills Training -
Dolphins Training & Consultants
Image & Etiquette Certification -
Nthenya Image Academy