Elicia Auret

I am a dedicated and resourceful professional with strong experience in project coordination, executive support, and service operations. Alongside my corporate career, I am completing my Honours degree, where my research explores themes of gender, body, and belonging. This project reflects my belief in people’s stories, in collaboration, and in building sustainable systems that empower communities.

My work at Vox Telecom has honed my ability to manage complex projects, streamline operations, and support senior leaders with precision and foresight. I balance this with running a community-driven coffee shop, where I have trained and mentored volunteers—an experience that speaks to my passion for leadership, adaptability, and creating environments where others can thrive.

At my core, I value integrity, resilience, and people. I believe in handling pressure with focus and professionalism, but also in leading with empathy and understanding.

Service Desk & Operations Coordinator

Vox Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd | Feb 2018 – Present

• Provide high-level executive and operational support across the Northern Cape and Free State, coordinating service delivery and managing daily schedules for 7+ technicians.
• Liaise between departments (Finance, Sales, Technical, Projects, Procurement, and IT), ensuring aligned execution of service requests, escalations, and operational procedures.
• Proficient in Soliditech (VOX ticketing system) and Office 365 (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, Teams), managing calendars, reports, billing documentation, KPI dashboards, and regional targets.
• Manage internal stock and procurement for the Kimberley branch, support executive-level correspondence, logistics, and performance reports with high confidentiality and professionalism.

Volunteer Coffee Shop Manager

City Gates Coffee Shop, CRC Kimberley | Jun 2021 – Present

• Founded and currently manage the operations of a volunteer-run nonprofit coffee shop with 17+ team members.
• Oversee scheduling, training, financial handling, stock management, and event support (serving 3,000+ attendees during large church events).
• Developed operations from the ground up, creating structure, systems, and volunteer empowerment processes.

 Freelance Writer

Glitter Magazine – DFA / Independent Media | Sep 2017 – Jun 2019

• Produced lifestyle and community content, conducted interviews, and published articles for a local insert of a national media outlet.
• Managed article deadlines, editorial collaboration, and digital publishing administration.

Au Pair – Cultural Exchange Programme

Private Family, Briarcliff Manor, New York | Jan 2016 – Jun 2017

• Provided full-time childcare and household management for two boys in the U.S.
• Developed strong cross-cultural communication and self-reliance through an international exchange environment.

Personal Assistant & Lodge Intern

Langberg Guest Farm & Safaris, Kimberley | Feb 2015 – Dec 2015

• Assisted with front office operations, personal assistant tasks for the regional Wildlife Ranging SA representative, and hosted events and weddings.
• Managed bookings, correspondence, hospitality logistics, and event planning for guests and stakeholders.

Honours Research Project (2025)

“Ofentse: A Story of Hope and Social Upliftment in Greenpoint, Kimberley”

Conducting an 8-week qualitative research study exploring grassroots poverty alleviation, community leadership, and NPO collaboration in Kimberley. Using life history interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation, the project examines how lived experience shapes sustainable community development and challenges top-down policy models. Responsibilities include project design, ethical data collection, thematic analysis, and linking local narratives to global development frameworks (Capability Approach, SDG1, Quality of life).

in 2024 I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development through UNISA, with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in development studies, project planning, communication, business management, counselling, and anthropology.

Studying via distance learning refined my self-discipline, time management, and independent research skills, while also strengthening my ability to balance academic responsibilities with full-time professional work.

My coursework included practical and theoretical training in urban/rural development, project management, financial planning, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment strategies, preparing me for cross-sector coordination and socially impactful leadership roles.

Additional Academic Qualifications & Training

Business Communication

Purchase College, State University of New York – 2017

Consumer Psychology & Marketing

Pace University, New York – 2017

 Physical, Cognitive & Psychosocial Development

Long Island University, New York – 2016

 Introduction to Barista Skills

City Gates Coffee Shop / CRC Kimberley – 2021

(Internal practical training provided during setup and team leadership.)

VOX Academy: Products and Processes

VOX Telecommunications – 2019

(Internal corporate training for national product portfolio and service workflows.)

Soft Skills, Customer Service & Leadership Training

VOX Telecommunications Internal Programmes – 2020–2024

• Work Ethic & Teamwork (2023)
• Leadership Styles (2024)
• Adaptability & Self-Growth (2024)
• Customer Service (2022 & 2024)
• Coordinator Soft Skills (2021)
• Remote Working Policies & Skills (2020)
• Corporate Induction at Head Office (2018)