Exploring L&D Roles

This series has been created for educators looking to transition into the dynamic field of Talent Development (aka...Learning & Development).

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Featuring L&D Panelist

Career Transition SIG Part 2 of 5

April 24, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM CT | Virtual attendance only

Free for Chapter Members, $10 for Guests

Session Description

Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring the diverse world of Learning & Development (L&D). L&D professionals from various industries and specialties will share insights into different roles, how teaching skills translate, and career pathways in the field.

Whether you're looking to refine your direction, gain real-world advice, or connect with industry experts, this session will provide valuable perspectives to help you navigate your transition. Bring your questions, expand your network, and explore new opportunities in Learning & Development!

About Our Panel 

Kevin Kepple-Instructional Designer

Kevin Kepple is an accomplished Instructional Designer with a passion for leveraging innovative technologies to enhance learning experiences, with specific interest in AI/VR /AR use for ESL and cultural immersion.

Kevin's career spans experience in many areas such as an ESL Instructor at universities in China, quality assurance and project management roles within the tech industry, and today is an Instructional Designer at the Mays Business School of Texas A&M.

With a Master’s in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning from Boise State University and a Master’s in Film and Media Studies from Arizona State University, he combines instructional design expertise with a deep understanding of digital storytelling. He is currently attending Northern Illinois University as a PhD student in Instructional Technology.

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.

Alessandra LaTour, Ed.D.-Leadership Consultant

Alessandra LaTour, Ed.D., is a seasoned Learning & Development professional with over 15 years of experience designing, implementing, and optimizing learning programs. With a background spanning various L&D roles and academia, she brings expertise in learning analytics, content development, learning strategy, and program facilitation. From creating onboarding resources to facilitating enterprise-wide training programs and developing custom leadership development experiences, Alessandra specializes in aligning L&D strategies with business objectives and leveraging data-driven insights, technology, and innovative learning solutions to drive scalable and impactful learning. Through LaTour Leadership Academy, Alessandra partners with individuals and global organizations to develop authentic leadership styles, foster team synergy, and cultivate positive productivity. 

Connect with Alessandra on LinkedIn or at latourleadershipacademy.com.

Tana Taylor is a dedicated instructional designer at Higginbotham with a strong commitment to crafting immersive and engaging training experiences. Her expertise in gamification and interactive modules has significantly enhanced user engagement and course completion rates. Tana specializes in delivering skill-based and technical training, covering areas such as conflict resolution, business etiquette, and software tools like IBIS World. Their team has consistently excelled in creating impactful learning experiences.

Her background as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher has equipped her with the ability to seamlessly integrate technology into education, fostering innovative problem-solving skills in over a hundred students annually. Tana is passionate about collaboration and knowledge sharing, playing a vital role in cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth within her organization.

Connect with Tana on LinkedIn.

Lara Azcona-Change Management

In 2019, Lara Azcona stepped away from 17 successful years in the public school classroom teaching math, computer science, and business at the University of Kansas, then in 8th through 12th grade here in Texas. It had been a rewarding career helping all kinds of learners, from PreAP to resource students, experience success, but she was ready for a new challenge.

Since leaving the classroom, Lara has enjoyed a strong career in Change Management. She helped companies such as Vistra Energy (owners of TXU) and TD Industries successfully introduce new software systems to employees, developed training for BNSF Railroad, and provided OCM expertise for a logistics change at 7-Eleven. She is excited by her newest project where she is providing OCM support in the healthcare industry at Alcon.

In addition, to the professional success she has enjoyed, she has been a guest on multiple online webinars. Lara has been honored to share her change management expertise as a speaker with DFW OD Network at American Airlines and with the Agile Leadership Network (ALN). She has also been privileged to Co-Chair two conferences at local ATD chapters. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association for Change Management Professionals (ACMP). Lara served as the 2023 President of ATD Fort Worth/Mid-Cities.

With strategies learned from many who paved the way before her, she has grown a strong network and built a strong career outside the classroom.

Connect with Lara on LinkedIn or at bettertransformations.com.

About our Moderator

Tim Koirtyohann-Recruiter

Hiring challenges are often the biggest issues holding industrial businesses back from achieving their goals.

Timothy Koirtyohann has 20 years of experience in solving human capital issues. He is the Managing Partner and with his business partner, Nipam Patel, founded TSSI US.

TSSI is a 40-year-old recruiting firm with offices in London, Johannesburg, and now the US. They have 32 recruiters worldwide and service US, Europe, Africa, and the Latin Americas.

While their primary focus is manufacturing, fleet management, or blue/gray collar industrial business, they also serve the IT, Telecom, Energy, and Legal sectors.

TSSI US, specializes in customized recruiting solutions so businesses can connect and hire the right people to reduce turnover, increasing revenues, and improving customer satisfaction.

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn.

Meeting Agenda

5:55 pm - Log In

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm CT - Speaker Presentation + Q&A

All online reservations are OPEN the day of the meeting.

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How can this session help enhance your professional development?

This session will provide actionable insights from the Capability Model, showing you how to develop key skills and strategies, such as:

Personal: Lifelong Learning, Communication, Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making Professional: Instructional Design, Career & Leadership Development, Technology Application Organizational: Business Impact, Talent Strategy & Management, Future Readiness