Kimberly Ortega
Eight Mile Plains,Australia
Summary
Driven and ambitious Aviation and Engineering student with a strong passion for safety, innovation, and leadership within the aviation industry. As Vice President of the Griffith University Aviation Association (GUAvA), I’ve successfully led collaborations with major airlines, coordinated large-scale networking events, and fostered professional development opportunities for aspiring pilots and engineers. My experience spans excellent customer service, technical design, and community outreach as a Girls in STEM Ambassador, where I mentor and inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds.
With a proven record of teamwork, attention to detail, and professionalism, I approach every challenge with a safety-first mindset and commitment to excellence. Currently completing a double degree in Aviation and Engineering at Griffith University, I am determined to build a career with Virgin Australia, combining my technical knowledge, leadership experience, and genuine enthusiasm for creating exceptional passenger experiences and operational efficiency.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Executive - Vice President
Griffith University Aviation Association
2025 - Current
- Spearheaded strategic airline collaborations with major carriers including Nauru Airlines, Alliance Airlines, and Aerlink, etc to expand student networking, internship, and sponsorship opportunities.
- Negotiated and formalised partnerships between GUAvA and airline representatives for guest lectures, hangar tours, and recruitment events, strengthening university-industry relations.
- Led executive committee operations of 90+ members, overseeing event planning, budgeting, sponsorship acquisition, and communication strategies for 300+ aviation and engineering students.
- Developed and executed GUAvA’s annual engagement calendar, including the Aviation Networking Night, Airline Collaboration Forum, and Aviation Ball, achieving record student participation.
- Liaised with senior university staff and airline HR executives to co-design employability and professional development initiatives tailored to aviation students.
- Revitalised club branding and outreach, introducing new digital communication strategies and sponsor portfolios that increased engagement and corporate visibility.
- Oversaw collaboration logistics, including flight operations tours, aviation safety panels, and mentoring programs connecting students with industry pilots and engineers.
- Strengthened sponsor relationships by creating professional correspondence templates, event proposals, and outcome reports showcasing GUAvA’s growth metrics and partner impact.
- Championed inclusivity and leadership development, mentoring first-year students and empowering them to pursue roles within GUAvA’s executive team.
Student Executive Member
Griffith University - Aviation MATES Program
2025 - Current
Leadership Training Stream - 2025 (in progress)
- Selected for the MATES Leadership Development Program, undergoing training to become Chief Student Pilot / Flight Leader for the 2026 cohort.
- Engaged in advanced workshops on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, designed to strengthen leadership performance in academic and aviation environments.
- Collaborated with cross-disciplinary student teams during assessment days, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and emotional intelligence under pressure.
- Applied aviation leadership principles (CRM – Crew Resource Management, safety communication, and peer mentoring) to group challenges and mentoring simulations.
- Developing leadership vision focused on inclusivity, student wellbeing, and enhancing the culture of connection among Griffith’s aviation cohort.
- Building professional leadership portfolio for nomination to the Chief Student Pilot position, aligning MATES program experience with GUAvA executive leadership duties.
- Actively mentored first-year students, fostering confidence and engagement through peer support and structured guidance.
Certified Shift Supervisor
Hungry Jack's
12.2024 - Current
- Resolved customer inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to company policies and safety standards.
- Trained new team members on customer service protocols and systems.
- Trained and mentored new staff on efficient workflow practices and customer service excellence.
- Coordinated team schedules, optimizing labor distribution to enhance productivity and service levels.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined operations, reducing delays and enhancing efficiency.
- First aid and CPR trained and certified.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to drive employee development.
Crew Member/Crew Trainer
Hungry Jacks
01.2020 - 2024
- Front Counter – Customer Service: Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries, and ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Food Preparation – Burger Room: Efficiently prepared burgers, sides, and beverages while adhering to strict quality and hygiene standards.
- Stock Management: Organized and replenished store consumables, including cups, trays, and wrappers.
- Incident Reporting: Accurately documented and reported unsafe incidents, contributing to a safe and compliant workplace environment.
- Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Training: Certified in WHS protocols, consistently applied safety practices to maintain a secure work environment.
Junior Draftsman (Student Cadet/Trainee)
Nepean Conveyors Mackay
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Engineering Scholarship Recipient: Awarded a prestigious scholarship recognizing academic excellence and potential in engineering.
- Collaborative Communication: Worked closely with engineers and workshop staff to create precise mechanical drawings and developed detailed 3D models.
- Autodesk Software Experience: Proficiently trained in AutoCAD and Inventor, leveraging these tools to design and refine mechanical components effectively.
Education
Double Degree in Aviation and Engineering (Honours) -
Griffith University
Nathan, QLD01.2029
High School (Queensland Certificate of Education) -
St. Patrick’s College Mackay
01.2024
Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Effective Communication and Collaboration
- Project Organization and Coordination
- 3D Design and Drafting (AutoCAD, Inventor)
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
- Customer Service and Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational growth
- Customer care
- Strategic planning and execution
- Strategic partnerships
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
OTHER EXPERIENCES
F1 In Schools - Mechanico 2021-2023 Regional and State Champion (16 categorical awards) Team Manager, Head Engineer & Graphics Designer Team Manager, Head Engineer & Graphics Designer UQ Science Ambassador Collaboration, Time Management, Organisation JCU Engineering Futures Program Project Manager - Event Management, Organisation STEM Ambassador Central Queensland (Mackay & Whitsundays) Girls in STEM Ambassador Collaboration, Time Management, Organisation ZONTA in Schools - Leadership Girls & Women Empowerment Collaboration, Time Management, Organisation 2024 Female Aerospace Scholarship/Award Proudly Sponsored by Boeing Defence Australia Sponsored by Qantas Australia 2024 Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Dean’s Award Design & Innovation New York Academy of Sciences Student (Junior) Scientist Team Leader: Led a global and diverse team of young scientists, allowing collaboration and driving project success. Cross-Time Zone Communication Portfolio Development: Designed and compiled comprehensive portfolios to showcase research, innovation, and project outcomes. Organisation: Managed team schedules, resources, and tasks, maintaining efficiency and focus on project goals. National Youth Science Foundation (NYSF) Collaboration Learning Queensland Museum Young Innovator Assisted with 3D artifact scanner development & improvement
Certification
- Australian First Aid Certified -HLTAID011
- CPR Certified - HLTAID011
- Basic Emergency Life Support Certified - HLTAID010
- Food Safety Certificate - SITSS00069
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Tagalog (Filipino)
Full Professional
Japanese
Limited Working
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Certified Shift Supervisor
Hungry Jack's
12.2024 - Current
Junior Draftsman (Student Cadet/Trainee)
Nepean Conveyors Mackay
01.2021 - 01.2023
Crew Member/Crew Trainer
Hungry Jacks
01.2020 - 2024
Student Executive - Vice President
Griffith University Aviation Association
2025 - Current
Student Executive Member
Griffith University - Aviation MATES Program
2025 - Current
Double Degree in Aviation and Engineering (Honours) -
Griffith University
High School (Queensland Certificate of Education) -
St. Patrick’s College Mackay