Elena Ovalle

I am currently a bartender and an accounting student, building my career in both hospitality and finance. Bartending has strengthened my ability to manage cash accurately, stay organized in fast-paced environments, and provide exceptional service while maintaining attention to detail. These experiences have directly shaped my interest in accounting, where precision, accountability, and analytical thinking are essential where I hope to grow into financial fraud analysis. As I continue developing my skills in accounting, I also plan to remain in hospitality, as I value the interpersonal connections, energy, and work ethic the industry brings. I’m driven, adaptable, and committed to growing professionally in both fields while maintaining high standards in everything I do.

I have diverse leadership and hospitality experience, having served as a Manager at Kung Fu Tea, a Shift Lead at Chili's, and a Bartender at a dive bar in Detroit. Across these roles, I’ve developed strong leadership, cash management, customer service, and team coordination skills. I’ve supervised staff, handled daily operations, managed high-volume environments, and maintained accountability for financial accuracy. My experience has strengthened my ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining professionalism and delivering a positive guest experience.

I am currently pursuing a double major in Accounting and Mathematics at Wayne State University, where I am building a strong foundation in financial reporting, auditing, and advanced quantitative analysis. I am particularly passionate about financial crimes and forensic accounting, with a strong interest in using analytical and investigative skills to detect fraud, ensure compliance, and promote financial integrity.