Winnie W Mbaria
Nairobi
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished Learning & Development Specialist with 20+ years of progressive experience in aviation training, leadership development, customer excellence, and organizational capacity building. Highly skilled in curriculum design, competency-based training, instructional delivery, performance assessment, and culture transformation. ICAO Certified Instructor with extensive experience delivering training programs for leading aviation organizations including Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, Kenya Air Force VVIP Wing, and other regional aviation stakeholders. Passionate about developing people, driving service excellence, and implementing innovative learning solutions that improve operational performance and customer experience. Recognized for strong stakeholder engagement, transformational leadership, mentorship, and the ability to design impactful learner-centered programs for diverse audiences.
Leveraged entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills to build cohesive teams and navigate dynamic market challenges.
Professional with extensive experience in founding and managing businesses, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities. Proven track record in creating and implementing effective business strategies, fostering team collaboration, and driving growth. Known for adaptability and results-focused approach, excelling in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & Program Director
Blooming Roses Mentorship Program
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2022 - Current
- Founded and lead a faith-based mentorship initiative focused on empowering young girls.
- Designed a comprehensive 12-lesson curriculum covering life skills, etiquette, emotional wellness, and values-based leadership.
- Facilitate mentorship sessions using interactive and experiential learning methodologies.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement, parental involvement, scheduling, and program administration.
- Guide young learners in personal development, confidence building, and responsible leadership.
- Key Achievements
- Successfully developed a structured mentorship curriculum with measurable learner outcomes.
- Built a safe and impactful mentorship platform focused on holistic development.
Independent Consultant & Learning & Development Specialist
Upskill Training and Consultancy Services Limited
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2021 - Current
- Provide consultancy services in learning and development for corporate and institutional clients.
- Conduct Training Needs Assessments (TNA) and develop tailored learning solutions.
- Design and facilitate leadership, customer service, and professional development programs.
- Develop course materials, facilitator guides, learner manuals, and assessment tools.
- Support organizations in implementing e-learning and blended learning solutions.
- Coordinate training schedules, participant evaluation, and post-training support.
- Maintain accurate training documentation and learner records.
- Key Contributions
- Successfully developed customized learning programs aligned to organizational objectives.
- Supported organizations in strengthening employee capability and service delivery standards.
- Enhanced learner engagement through interactive and learner-centered facilitation techniques.
- Developed customized training programs tailored to diverse client needs, improving engagement and retention.
- Led strategic training initiatives to enhance client capabilities and operational efficiency.
Cabin Crew Instructor (Part-Time)
East African School of Aviation (EASA)
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Delivered cabin crew training programs aligned to IATA standards and industry best practices.
- Coordinated classroom learning, practical demonstrations, and learner assessments.
- Maintained training records and learner evaluation reports.
- Provided coaching and post-training learner support.
Corporate Trainer
Kenya Airways PLC
Nairobi, Kenya
12.2010 - 01.2021
- Redesigned and facilitated cabin crew and leadership development programs.
- Delivered training for Kenya Airways and external aviation clients including JamboJet, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, Air Djibouti, ALS, Fanjet, Kenya Air Force VVIP Wing, and Police Air Wing.
- Conducted learner assessments and provided performance feedback.
- Managed cabin crew training documentation for initial, recurrent, and promotional programs.
- Reviewed and enhanced training programs to align with business and operational requirements.
- Conducted inflight service audits and quality assurance evaluations.
- Applied Kaizen 5S continuous improvement principles within training operations.
- Key Achievements
- Successfully redesigned and delivered Kenya Airways Cabin Crew and Leadership Training Programs.
- Introduced improved grooming standards for cabin crew and commercial training students.
- Delivered training for multiple aircraft types including B777-300, B787-800, B737-800, and Embraer E190.
- Redesigned and facilitated VIP/VVIP cabin crew training for Kenya Air Force.
- Selected as part of the inaugural Kenya Airways B777-300 Seattle–Nairobi launch team.
- Received recognition for excellence in stakeholder engagement and people development.
- Facilitated workshops on customer service excellence and operational efficiency for frontline staff.
- Developed training programs to enhance employee skills and performance across departments.
Flight Purser
Emirates Airlines
Dubai, UAE
04.2002 - 10.2008
- Led multicultural cabin crew teams on international flights while ensuring safety, security, and premium customer experience.
- Coordinated onboard operations and managed service delivery standards.
- Assessed crew performance and completed performance reports.
- Administered first aid and emergency response procedures including AED and Tempus Telemedicine.
- Key Achievements
- Awarded the prestigious Silver Mabrouk Award after being nominated Cabin Crew of the Month.
- Achieved top performance scores in Safety & Emergency Procedures recurrent training.
- Served as a member of the Emirates Peer Support Group following Critical Incident Stress Management training.
- Supervised cabin crew and ensured adherence to safety protocols during flights.
Flight Attendant
Kenya Airways PLC
Nairobi, Kenya
02.1997 - 02.2002
- Delivered exceptional onboard customer service and passenger support.
- Assisted passengers with special needs and medical emergencies.
- Participated in CSR events, inflight video productions, and aircraft delivery activities.
- Delivered exceptional in-flight service, ensuring passenger comfort and satisfaction.
- Managed cabin safety protocols, conducting pre-flight checks and emergency drills.
Administrative Assistant
Kinetic Controls Limited
Nairobi, Kenya
02.1995 - 01.1997
- Managed office administration, logistics coordination, procurement, and payroll preparation.
- Developed office filing systems and contributed to staff welfare initiatives.
- Streamlined office procedures, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing redundancy.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Management
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
Nairobi, Kenya05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Africa Nazarene University
Nairobi, Kenya01-2018
Skills
- Learning & Development Strategy
- Aviation & Cabin Crew Training
- Curriculum Design & Instructional Development
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Competency-Based Training & Assessment
- Customer Experience & Service Excellence
- Training Needs Analysis (TNA)
- E-Learning & Blended Learning
- Performance Management
- SOP Development
- Culture Transformation
- LMS / I-Learn Systems
- Mentorship & Coaching
- Team Leadership
Interests
Leadership Development, Mentorship, Travel, Reading, Community Service, Music, Personal Growth
Certification
- ICAO Training Developers Course (TDC EN) – 2026
- ICAO Training Instructors Course (TIC) Part 1 & 2 – 2022
- Certificate in Leadership & Management – Luxury Academy, London – 2021
- Training Needs Assessment – 2019
- Certificate in Quality Management Systems for Airlines (AFRAA) – 2018
- IATA Diploma in Professional Training – 2014
- IATA Train the Trainer – Advanced – 2014
- Special Assistance Team Member Training – Kenyon International Emergency Services – 2013
- Certificate in Presentation Skills – British Council – 2012
- Corporate Business Etiquette – Protocol International – 2011
- IATA Management of Training – 2011
- IATA Instructional Techniques & Instructional Design – 2011
LANGUAGES
English – Proficient (C2)
Swahili – Proficient (C2)
Spanish – Basic (A1 – Ongoing)
FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
- Safety & Emergency Procedures (B787 & B737 Type Rated)
- Crew Resource Management
- Safety Management Systems
- Aviation Security
- Modified Basic Life Support
- Dangerous Goods
- Flight Attendant Initial Training
- Business & First Class Service
- Flight Purser Leadership Training
- Coaching & Mentorship
- Customer Service Excellence
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- Critical Incident Stress Management
Timeline
Cabin Crew Instructor (Part-Time)
East African School of Aviation (EASA)
01.2023 - 01.2025
Founder & Program Director
Blooming Roses Mentorship Program
01.2022 - Current
Independent Consultant & Learning & Development Specialist
Upskill Training and Consultancy Services Limited
02.2021 - Current
Corporate Trainer
Kenya Airways PLC
12.2010 - 01.2021
Flight Purser
Emirates Airlines
04.2002 - 10.2008
Flight Attendant
Kenya Airways PLC
02.1997 - 02.2002
Administrative Assistant
Kinetic Controls Limited
02.1995 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Africa Nazarene University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Strategic Management
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)