Ray Jimenez PhD, a pioneering figure in the field of Learning and Development, left behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire the industry. His contributions to the world of training are immeasurable, and his innovative spirit lives on through his work and the countless lives he’s touched.

As the Chief Learning Architect and Founder of Vignettes Learning and Training Magazine Network, Ray was also the creative force behind Situation Expert, an A.I. ChatGPT Workflow Learning Platform. His dedication to innovation was recognized with the prestigious Innovation Technology Award from Training Magazine.

Ray began his career as a management consultant at Coopers and Lybrand, specializing in learning technology innovations, information management systems, and management development. Throughout his career, he led teams in implementing A.I., assisted performance metrics, talent management strategies, and effective learning designs.

Ray’s passion was focused on helping organizations, learning leaders, and learners embrace context-driven and workflow-based learning systems. His groundbreaking work in micro-content learning design and delivery resulted in innovative methodologies and software applications. The core of his expertise was on Workflow Learning Systems, Microlearning Expertise Systems, Story-Based Learning Designs (SBLD), and Contextual Learning Platforms (CLP). 

He invented the kernel learning design called "SRIA" (Set up, Relate, Interpret, and Apply). The SRIA applies to all modalities including Microlearning and mobile learning.

Ray's influence extended beyond his innovative work. He championed the Microlearning Implementation Process and authored influential books, including "Workflow Learning," "3-Minute e-Learning," "Scenario-Based e-Learning," "Story-Based eLearning Design," and "Do-It-Yourself eLearning." Soon, his last book on “Transforming Learning Design Using A.I. ChatGPT” will also be available.

He was a sought-after speaker and thought leader, gracing conferences for organizations such as ATD, Training Magazine, eLearning Guild, ISPI, DevCon mLearning, and so on.

As the principal architect of the Training Magazine Network, which has over 185,000 L&D professional members, Ray played a pivotal role in shaping the Learning and Development community. His recent venture, Situation Expert, an A.I. ChatGPT learning system for continuous self-improvement and expertise development, exemplified his commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Ray generously shared his knowledge and expertise as an advisor and presenter of eLearning programs for prestigious institutions. He earned his Ph.D. from St. Peter's College and pursued Studies in Interactive Media at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Ray's impact extended to a diverse array of clients, including renowned organizations like FedEx, KPMG, Boeing, Lyondellbasell, Pearson, Cisco, Pixar, Dendreon, Netafim, Oracle, and NASA. Colleagues and workshop participants described him as "fun," "engaging," "technically savvy," and "inspiring." Ray's award-winning software solutions have been celebrated for their innovation.

Over 45,000 individuals have attended Ray's webinars, keynote presentations, and workshops, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of his insights and ideas. 

Ray Jimenez's dedication to advancing the field of Learning and Development remains an enduring source of inspiration. His contributions will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Jonathan Workman has been in the learning industry for more than 20 years designing and delivering solutions for instruction-led, web-based, video- or computer-based training, and elearning for national and international companies. In all his work, Jonathan incorporates elements of micro-lesson design, collaborative learning, social learning and storytelling, a skill he learned first during his stint in improvisational comedy and later on honed in story-based design learned through his association with Dr. Ray Jimenez. Jonathan has experience in areas of manufacturing, financial and operations safety, processes and equipment training and learning design.

William J. Ryan, PhD provides strategic and technical guidance to organizations focused on developing and impacting talent through learning and performance solutions. Bill has a demonstrated record of corporate and industrial management experience leading performance support and instructional design teams globally including government contracts (Department of Energy), high technology (IBM & Westinghouse), and health-related industries including home health care and insurance (Humana). As the Principal Consultant of Ryan Consulting, LLC he works with clients looking for key opportunities for change, identifies the best approach, and makes that change happen. Recent clients include Delta Faucet with a comprehensive talent staffing and development plan and Blue Circle Leadership developing a blended online program in leadership development, consulting with institutions expanding or developing CBE degree programs, providing an implementation strategy for a Hiring for Competency model for the National Retail Services, a Tennessee state initiative focused on workforce development and helping businesses retain and develop their workforce. He is also actively working with a clinical start-up focused on improved clinical techniques for infants born with Neonatal Addiction Syndrome (NAS) and a blended leadership and coaching program for a multi-state manufacturing corporation, as well as developing alternative talent development strategies aligning newly defined career pathing with learning ladders.

Dr. Ryan holds a M.S. from Ithaca College focused on Instructional Design and a Ph.D. in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Melissa is an Instructional Designer for a company in the financial services industry. She also mentors for Vignettes Learning, helping others learn how to hone their scenario-based instructional design skills. She has been in the Training world delivering and creating training for a little over 11 years. Melissa has written several articles for the eLearning Industry website and enjoys sharing her knowledge of instructional design with others.

Strategic‐thinking Training Consultant with more than 18 years experience in training and course development: delivering training, designing and managing training projects internationally. In addition, served as an organizational development lead supporting initiatives in 7 languages and in 14 countries. Adept at assessing needs, generating options and implementing learning solutions in collaboration with clients and stakeholders. Expertise in designing and implementing strategic plans and develop high performing teams. A genuine passion for elevating organizational perfromance and employee satisfaction.

Aimee Lantzy is currently the Creative Studio Director at Alchemy Systems. She has over ten years of experience in content creation, instructional design and learning strategy and has worked with some of the top performing eLearning companies in the country. She holds the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) certification from ATD as well as additional certifications in content rights management, intellectual property rights management, story-based learning design, scenario-based learning design and mobile learning development. Aimee is currently a doctoral student in education at Johns Hopkins University.

Brenda LaRose has been involved in training for most of her career, beginning with the design and delivery of art courses for adults. She has designed and delivered solutions for instructor-led, web-based and computer-based training such as eLearning for her own training organization and for national organizations, incorporating creative elements whenever possible. She now incorporates micro-lesson and story-based design elements that she learned through association with Dr. Ray Jimenez to engage learners and ensure that lessons have an impact. Brenda has experience in areas of retail, leadership, mentoring, processes, health & safety, facilitation and learning design.

Crystal L. Fernandes-Harris has more than 10 years of experience in instructional design, training and e-learning video creation, and editing and developing documentation. Crystal is passionate about the Flipped Learning Model and continuously supports the implementation of engaging and creative blended learning methods, especially micro-learning and story-based design. In 2016, Crystal was a recipient of the 2016 Emerging Training Leader from Training Magazine and in 2017 she received the Academy of Human Resources Development’s (AHRD) Excellence in Scholarly Practice Award for the submission - Flipping the Corporate Classroom: Challenging the Norm in Legal Technology Training.

Crystal has experience in the areas of electronic medical records, new employee orientation, various legal technologies, processes and software training and design.

Jeffrey Riley has over 30 years’ experience in the learning industry as an educator and in the business world. He started life as a teacher in public schools then entered the business world selling insurance.
During the years before technology, Jeffrey created in person training along with manuals, guides, and job aids. As technology became part of all businesses, he learned to use that technology to improve learning delivery and learner performance.

In the 1990s, Jeffrey helped a large regional insurance agency in Savannah, GA train their staff in the use of computers for processing work. As a one-person training department, he realized technology was the only way to deliver learning to a geographically growing company. He used various software programs to create and deliver learning through the Internet and learning management systems. One solution was to implement a train the trainer program so new hires in any office could receive immediate training on the corporate intranet guided by the trainer in that office.

He earned certification as an instructional designer using Dr. Robert Mager’s system. Some organizations he has worked for are Palmer & Cay Insurance, Wachovia, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Sunoco.

Jeffrey is now a Certified Gamification Master Craftsman with Sententia Games, and is the owner of Practical Learning Concepts consulting with businesses to implement eLearning and gamification. Current clients are Texas Mutual Insurance Company, CALs Convenience Stores, Training Unlimited USA, and Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

Susie Tiggs is the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services Lead for the Texas Sensory Support Network. Much of her work revolves around providing professional learning opportunities to educators working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing or deafblind. She has worked for over 10 years creating and delivering training to adults and more than 30 years working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing, visual impaired, or deafblind. Susie is a doctoral candidate in distance education and online learning, researching the use of digital badges to facilitate personalized professional development for deaf educators.

I come from a family full of educators. From teachers and professors to school founders and University Presidents. Personally, I wanted to teach History and do have an undergraduate in Elementary Education with an Academic Emphasis in History. However, during my undergraduate time, my University decided to add a MS in Instructional Technology.

After obtaining my BA, I started graduate school and I took a few classes in the MS IT program. I instantly fell in love with it. I enjoy apply all aspects of the Instructional Design and Development model (e.g. ADDIE ) to ensure we meet the needs of learners "where they are", taking them where they need to be, and improving items based on feedback. I have worked in the Corporate Training world for approximately 20 years, both in Banking and in the CRO world. I love my job and working with my clients and colleagues to work toward the common goal of developing effective and efficient learning interventions.

I live in between Edenton and Hertford, NC, near the Outer Banks of North Carolina on the very tip of the NE NC Coast. I married my high school sweetheart 28 years ago, and have one 13 year old daughter, three dogs and one horse.

Victoria Darnbrough, BA, MBA, CTDP, is an accomplished and innovative Learning and Development Strategist and Trainer with proven track record of evaluating, designing and delivering successful blended learning initiatives that include LCMS, LMS, HRIS, CRMS, Talent Management,distance collaboration tools, online assessments and SaaS solutions in verticals of sales, software, human resources, technology, training, security (DND), brokerage, finance, audit, healthcare, education, leadership, hospitality, customer service, manufacturing, professional services, call centres, crown corporations, and both Canadian and US government.

Leverages 20+ years of experience to achieve corporate goals and initiate innovative learning programs by empowering people, streamlining process, and utilizing technology. Successfully implemented solutions in both traditional and virtual work environments. Developed and implemented Sales, Marketing, and Industry networking initiatives to showcase the future of eBusiness/eLearning to global training specialists and human resource professionals around the World.

Possesses a positive, astute, and results-driven attitude. Service-driven by nature, combines well-developed communication skills with the ability to establish and strengthen relationships with customers, team members, partners and key industry influencers. Understands the value of initiating Learning and Development requirements and programs that facilitate positive change to outpace the competition and gain market share. Committed to excellence. Inspires loyalty. Change Agent. Business Driver. A concierge of Learning and Development.

Specialties: Learning and Development Specialist, Strategic Planning/Business Development, Team Building/Sales Training and Leadership, Project Management/Problem Solving, Change Management, Channel Management,and Technologies: SFDC,SaaS,Social Media