Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Sophia Meza Vergara Nee Zeller

Sophia Meza Vergara Nee Zeller

Neuss

Summary

Senior HR Professional with nearly 15 years of experience in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Global Mobility, and Business Consultancy. Demonstrates adaptability in global settings and a strong commitment to DEI, fostering inclusive workplaces and initiating change. Possesses exceptional networking and communication skills, effectively connecting with diverse audiences as an engaging panel and keynote speaker. Utilizes a strategic and detail-oriented approach to effectively manage multiple projects, even in fast-paced environments. Fluent in German, Spanish, and English, and proficient in Microsoft Office. Excels in leading teams and collaborating well in any setting. Passionate about continuous learning and problem-solving, making me an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to drive change, enhance diversity and equity, and captivate audiences with meaningful discussions.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Diversity&Inclusion Manager

Simmons & Simmons
12.2022 - Current
  • Strategy Development: Crafted and executed diversity plans aligned with organizational goals.
  • Policy Enhancement: Updated policies to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion.
  • Training Programs: Led diversity awareness and training sessions.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnered with leadership and teams to promote diversity efforts.
  • Data Analysis: Analyzed diversity data to guide and report on initiatives.
  • Inclusive Recruitment: Advocated for diverse hiring and retention practices.
  • Employee Support: Provided guidance on diversity and inclusion issues.
  • Trend Monitoring: Stayed informed on diversity trends and best practices.
  • Event Organization: Managed diversity events and communications.

Senior Assignment Manager- HR Specialist

Bayer
06.2016 - 07.2022
  • Strategy Development: Implemented diversity strategies.
  • Policy Enhancement: Revised diversity policies.
  • Training Programs: Conducted diversity training.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Fostered diversity partnerships.
  • Data Analysis: Evaluated diversity metrics.
  • Inclusive Recruitment: Promoted diverse hiring.
  • Employee Support: Offered diversity guidance.
  • Trend Monitoring: Tracked diversity trends.
  • Event Organization: Organized diversity events.

Intercultural Consultant (Selfemployed)

ICUnet.AG
10.2015 - 04.2017
  • Cultural Training: Offers executive-focused sessions on regional nuances for Mexico, Germany, and Latin America to enhance business interactions.
  • Intercultural Awareness: Provides training on Intercultural Management basics to improve workplace cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
  • Consultation Services: Advises organizations on fostering cultural competence and inclusivity through policy and communication strategies.
  • Conflict Resolution: Helps resolve cultural misunderstandings, promoting workplace harmony.
  • Support for Expatriates: Guides employees and families in adjusting to new cultures, addressing cultural shock and local customs.
  • Cultural Competence Development: Aids in building cultural awareness, sensitivity, and adaptability for diverse and international teams.
  • Networking: Facilitates cross-cultural networking to boost business collaboration and understanding.

Account Manager/ Intercultural Consultant

ICUnet AG
10.2012 - 04.2017
  • Account Management: Tailors solutions to client needs for operational enhancement.
  • Intercultural Training: Educates executives on cultural nuances in regions like Mexico, Germany, and Latin America.
  • Global Networking: Promotes collaboration and maintains international partnerships.
  • Market Strategy: Researches markets for global expansion strategies.
  • Executive Cultural Sessions: Focuses on regional insights for business improvement.
  • Intercultural Awareness: Improves workplace sensitivity and inclusivity.
  • Consultation: Advises on cultural competence and inclusive policies.
  • Conflict Resolution: Addresses cultural conflicts for workplace harmony.
  • Expatriate Support: Assists employees with cultural adjustment.
  • Cultural Competence: Develops team sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Cross-Cultural Networking: Enhances business through cultural understanding.

Trainee

Mhoch4- Die Fernsehagentur
08.2010 - 08.2011
  • Latin America Stakeholder Networking: Essential role includes connecting with stakeholders in Latin America, requiring proficiency in English, Spanish, and German to foster partnerships, client relations, and support agency projects across diverse markets.
  • Quick Learning: Trainees must swiftly grasp new materials, processes, and tools vital to the agency, like content management systems and editing software, to keep up with the dynamic media industry and contribute effectively.
  • Training Process Improvement: Trainees work with supervisors and peers to enhance training efficiency, actively seeking clarification, embracing learning opportunities, and offering feedback on training practices, thereby speeding up their learning and improving future training approaches.

HR Generalist/Intern Trainee

Volkswagen De México
06.2007 - 11.2007
  • Resume Screening: The trainee handles the first step of recruitment by reviewing and filtering applicant resumes to identify those who best match the job criteria based on their experience, skills, and education.
  • Mediating Management-Employee Relations: As a mediator, the HR Generalist Trainee resolves conflicts, addresses workplace issues, and clarifies compensation and benefits, contributing to a positive work environment and employee well-being.
  • Organizing Recruitment Efforts: Involved in strategizing and executing recruitment activities, the trainee helps in organizing job fairs, conducting interviews, and liaising with hiring managers to meet the company's staffing objectives.
  • Supporting International Newcomers: The trainee is the go-to person for international apprentices and trainees, ensuring their smooth integration into Volkswagen de México by providing orientation, policy guidance, and support for any initial challenges.

Receptionist

Hotel Jandía Princess - Fuerteventura
06.1999 - 10.1999

Greet Incoming Visitors and Customers: With fluency in German, English, and Spanish, the receptionist can welcome guests from various linguistic backgrounds professionally and warmly. This proficiency ensures that guests feel understood and valued from the moment they step into the hotel, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Provide Friendly, Knowledgeable Assistance: Exceptional language skills allow the receptionist to offer assistance and information accurately and efficiently in guests' native languages. Whether guests need directions, recommendations, or explanations of hotel services, the receptionist can communicate effectively, ensuring that all guests receive personalized and comprehensible support.

Communicate with Clients and Update Records: Handling reservations, confirming appointments, and managing client records require clear and precise communication. The receptionist's ability to operate in German, English, and Spanish ensures that these tasks are performed seamlessly, minimizing misunderstandings and errors in bookings or guest information.

Answer and Direct Calls: Operating the central telephone system involves interacting with callers who may speak different languages. The receptionist's multilingual skills are essential for understanding the needs of each caller, providing accurate information, and connecting them to the appropriate department or individual within the hotel.

Resolve Customer Problems and Complaints: When addressing guests' concerns or complaints, the ability to communicate in the guest's preferred language can significantly enhance the resolution process. It allows the receptionist to understand the issue fully, convey empathy, and explain solutions in a way that is clear and reassuring to the guest.

Education

Master of Science - Regional Science of Latinamerica

University of Cologne, Germany/ Mexico
Cologne
08.2010

Equivalent To Bachelors Degree (Grundstudium) - Tourism And Hotel Management

ISM- International School of Management, Germany
Dortmund, Germany

Skills

  • Cultural competency mastery
  • Strategic diversity planning
  • Project management skills
  • Change management leadership
  • Empathetic communication in German, Spanish and English
  • Confident moderation

Languages

German
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)
French
Elementary (A2)
Portuguese
Beginner (A1)

Timeline

Diversity&Inclusion Manager

Simmons & Simmons
12.2022 - Current

Senior Assignment Manager- HR Specialist

Bayer
06.2016 - 07.2022

Intercultural Consultant (Selfemployed)

ICUnet.AG
10.2015 - 04.2017

Account Manager/ Intercultural Consultant

ICUnet AG
10.2012 - 04.2017

Trainee

Mhoch4- Die Fernsehagentur
08.2010 - 08.2011

HR Generalist/Intern Trainee

Volkswagen De México
06.2007 - 11.2007

Receptionist

Hotel Jandía Princess - Fuerteventura
06.1999 - 10.1999

Master of Science - Regional Science of Latinamerica

University of Cologne, Germany/ Mexico

Equivalent To Bachelors Degree (Grundstudium) - Tourism And Hotel Management

ISM- International School of Management, Germany
Sophia Meza Vergara Nee Zeller