Each month, SEWI-ATD turns the spotlight on an active member who has been visible in the chapter by attending events and participating in other ATD functions. We are proud to acknowledge the important work of our members, provide additional career exposure within the Talent Development community, and help you to get to know a colleague just a little bit better! If you are interested in nominating another member for the spotlight, contact our VP of Membership at membership@sewi-atd.org.
Title: Senior Instructional Designer Company: Milwaukee Tool |
This month, we are pleased to feature
Kathleen Volk Tell us a little about yourself. I have been fascinated with how people learn and helping people learn since I was an adolescent. During my formal education and in my career, serving as a tutor, instructor, coach, and facilitator has developed my passion for learning and development. I now work as an instructional designer of instructor-led and eLearning solutions. I advocate for the employee as an adult learner who needs the right training and support to perform their best. What attracted you to the field of Talent Development? My first career was in higher education within academic support services (tutoring services and academic skill workshops). I trained and mentored a staff of 70+ tutors each semester, and they were hungry to grow as facilitators. When contemplating a career change, I decided to transfer my skill set to talent development; it just seemed like the most logical and natural move. Now, I enjoy cracking the code on how to solve business problems and finding the right solutions to improve performance. What prompted you to join SEWI-ATD? As soon as I changed careers, I needed to find “my people” in talent development. I felt isolated as a career changer and the sole trainer at a small company, so I sought networking and idea sharing opportunities. The kind and welcoming people I met at some of my first events are now friends and co-leaders! In what ways have you been involved with the chapter? As the Training Delivery Professional Development Network (PDN) grew and needed more volunteers, I jumped at the chance to help! Since 2021, I have partnered with fellow co-leaders to design and facilitate quarterly PDN sessions. What is about the chapter that you enjoy most? I love how our members are excited for professional development opportunities and are eager to network and share. No matter the SEWI event, you will leave having met new connections with a toolbox of new talent development strategies. What piece of advice would you offer to people coming into talent development? Enter the broader conversation—there is so much to learn within the field. Start building your toolbelt based on your current role and organization’s needs, but have your own gaps and growth needs in mind. As talent development professionals, we should be mindful of our own development, too! Favorite Blog or Podcast? The following L&D books are at the top of my list:
What do you do for fun? As attributed to Michelangelo, “Ancora imparo—I am still learning.” I take art classes at my local library several times a month to build my visual design skills and connect with the community. I also lift weights and balance all that exercise with frequenting local breweries. |