Aru Poleo Vargas

Passionate about FOSS and Anaerobic fermentation

Barista May 2023 – May 2024
Speckled Ax Portland, ME
• Dialed in single-origin coffee for both espresso and pour-overs on a daily basis
• Troubleshot issues with the grinders and espresso machine on the fly to prevent an
interruption in service
• Suggested and implemented changes in the order-taking process that led to a decrease in waste and a more efficacious service overall
• Received dozens of positive reviews mentioning the quality of the drinks made and the costumer service provided
• Maintained high standards of care and attention in and out of rushes in one of the city’s busiest coffee shops, ensuring each beverage met quality standards and customer expectations while keeping a professional and friendly interface with both costumers and coworkers
• Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities by seamlessly transitioning between customer
service, drink preparation and cleaning, prioritizing tasks based on immediate needs
• Managed communication with different providers during service to make sure that bulk
orders were correct, and that they were stored appropriately once at the shop
 

Writing Tutor in Digital & Computational Studies and Philosophy Aug. 2022 – June 2023
Bates College Lewiston, ME
• Consistently spoke in front of large groups of people for the purposes of managing
day-to-day operations as well as leading events planned by the center
• Provided individual 1-on-1 tutoring with multiple clients a day three times a week
• Interfaced with professors and led sessions with students to teach them about the center, what services were provided and how to access them
 

LGBT Peer Mentor February. 2021 – June 2023
Bates College Lewiston, ME
• Provided three hours of 1-on-1 peer-support sessions to LGBTQ+ students weekly, most of
whom were trans students of color
• Participated in hiring panel for the position of undergraduate LGBTQ+ peer mentor
• Planned, Coordinated and led weekly events for LGBTQ+ students, including a recurring book club and a quiet study space

Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bates College, with a GPA of 3.94, and a degree in philosophy and computer science