LAUREN MIKA
Philadelphia
Summary
Seasoned Director of Training with background in developing and implementing comprehensive training programs. Strong skills in identifying organizational learning needs, establishing training goals, and designing educational materials to improve employee performance. Notable for driving significant improvements in staff productivity and operational efficiency through strategic training initiatives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Training
Northwestern Mutual
Philadelphia
09.2024 - Current
- Advised management on best practices related to employee engagement through learning activities.
- Led training classes and recorded instruction for later use.
- Identified potential vendors who could provide quality services at competitive rates.
Training and Development Coordinator
Northwestern Mutual
Philadelphia
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Management & Implementation of expectations and development to ensure results of producing Financial Representative
- Develop effective strategic training content with clear multifaceted implementation based on experience and skill
- Oversee and Advisor on New Financial Representative Activity through feedback and coaching
Recruitment and Onboarding Lead
ArtistYear
National
04.2018 - 05.2020
- Company Overview: ArtistYear- AmeriCorps Service Organization
- Created strategic and innovative recruitment plan annually for over 50 Fellows for a national service opportunity
- Coordinated end to end recruitment process from requisition to onboarding
- Organized and oversaw a 7-day orientation for 50+ hires, including travel, housing, meals, special events
- Prepared and presented three-week onboarding materials to all Fellows beginning their service year
- Liaison to prospective and newly accepted candidates to ensure the successful integration into ArtistYear including scheduling, administrative support, and candidate tracking
- ArtistYear- AmeriCorps Service Organization
Orientation & Training Institute Coordinator
ArtistYear
National
07.2017 - 04.2018
- Design and implement logistical onboarding systems for a new national service model in arts education
- Provide leadership for the inaugural orientation operations, including travel, housing, scheduling, meals, etc
- Manage Fellow relocation nationally, including housing support and individual mentorship
ArtistYear Fellow
ArtistYear
Philadelphia
05.2016 - 07.2017
- Provided 1700 hours of national service in art education for a high-poverty school in West Philadelphia
- Served ~200 middle schoolers weekly with engaging and culturally responsive visual art education
- Designed curriculum and special projects to highlight the relevance of art, including a student and faculty mural
- Executed a year-end 'community art show' to engage students, parents and the surrounding neighborhood
Co-Founder
ShoeBox Delivery
Somers Point
04.2015 - 03.2016
- Company Overview: ShoeBox Delivery delivers locally sourced goods at the Jersey Shore
- Founded small business delivering locally sourced goods from the Ocean City, NJ area
- Managed consultants in reference to design and implementation of website and logo
- Wrote content for company website including product information and other client facing materials
- ShoeBox Delivery delivers locally sourced goods at the Jersey Shore
Professional Sales Associate
Ralph Lauren
Princeton
10.2014 - 04.2015
- Exceeded monthly sales goals by cultivating a client list, maintaining client contact, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction
- Strengthened clients brand awareness through knowledge of the brand and its products
Project Manager Consultant
Collaborative Outcomes
Green Lane
02.2014 - 06.2014
- Created and implemented social media plan through maximized efficiency, advanced office operations, and task management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Entertainment and Arts Management
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Employee training
- Curriculum development
- Project management
- Vendor management
- Performance evaluation
- Coaching techniques
- Strategic planning
- Onboarding processes
- Training delivery
- Leadership development
- Coaching
- Needs assessment
Timeline
Director of Training
Northwestern Mutual
09.2024 - Current
Training and Development Coordinator
Northwestern Mutual
10.2023 - 08.2024
Recruitment and Onboarding Lead
ArtistYear
04.2018 - 05.2020
Orientation & Training Institute Coordinator
ArtistYear
07.2017 - 04.2018
ArtistYear Fellow
ArtistYear
05.2016 - 07.2017
Co-Founder
ShoeBox Delivery
04.2015 - 03.2016
Professional Sales Associate
Ralph Lauren
10.2014 - 04.2015
Project Manager Consultant
Collaborative Outcomes
02.2014 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Entertainment and Arts Management
Drexel University