McKenzie Day
ATD
Published Author & Member
About McKenzie

Learning designer,
people champion.

I'm a PMP-certified L&D Program Manager with a Master's in Education and a decade of experience building technical training programs for global software companies. My work sits at the intersection of instructional science, agile project management, and a deep commitment to learner outcomes.

When I'm not designing learning experiences, you'll find me walking shelter dogs, singing with my community chorus, or with my nose in a book — a bonafide bookworm and lifelong learner.

✦ PMP Certified ✦ MS Education ✦ ATD Author ✦ SAFe Scrum Master ✦ L&D Program Manager ✦ Global Delivery
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Core Values

What drives
my work

🎯
Learner First

Every design decision starts with the learner. I build for real humans with real jobs, not for compliance checkboxes.

Relentless Clarity

Complex technical content doesn't need to be confusing. I translate jargon into clear, confident learning experiences.

🤝
Partnership

I align project teams around a shared vision because the best learning programs are built collaboratively.

📈
Impact Over Activity

Good L&D isn't about how many courses you launch. It's about whether people actually get better at their jobs.

🔄
Continuous Improvement

Programs should evolve. I build with feedback loops and iteration in mind from day one.

🌍
Inclusive Design

Learning that works for everyone takes intentional design. I advocate for accessibility and equity in every program.

Recognition & Visibility

Awards & Appearances

A selection of speaking engagements, publications, awards, and media appearances across the L&D community.

🤝 NetworkingSep 2025
IDEA September 2025 Networking Session
Instructional Designers and Educators Alliance

Presented to the group, facilitated a breakout room, and responded to queries in a Q&A session for this warm and welcoming community of learning professionals in career transition.

View Recording
🏆 AwardMay 2025
Spotlight on Excellence Award
CSG

Recognized for developing engaging server-side skills content completed by 370+ employees, reducing ADO requests, and revolutionizing how CSG recognizes and validates employee skills.

View on LinkedIn
📖 PublicationMar 2024
TD at Work: Build a High-Value Credentialing Program
Association for Talent Development (ATD)

A 20-page practitioner guide covering everything needed to launch digital credentials — including a step-by-step project plan, practical advice, and strategies to cultivate business buy-in.

View Publication
🎤 PresentationSep 2023
Building Strong Foundations: The Critical Role of Scope Documents in Instructional Design
ATD Kentuckiana Chapter

Designed and facilitated a session on scope documentation for experienced L&D practitioners in leadership roles managing instructional design projects.

View Event
💻 WebinarApr 2023
Instructional Design Across Industries
TPLD — Teaching: A Path to Learning & Development

Served as a panelist representing the tech sector, sharing how instructional design varies across industries — including insights from finance.

Watch Webinar
🎯 ConferenceJan 2023
Preparing for a Smooth Transition (While Still in the Classroom)
TLDC — The Road to L&D Conference

Presented at this free digital conference on how teachers can successfully pivot to L&D while still working in education.

Watch Session
🎙 PodcastOct 2022
Moving from ID to Senior ID
BLOC Podcast with Heidi Kirby

Discussed the journey from instructional designer to senior instructional designer — covering how to upskill, leverage your network, and position yourself for advancement.

Listen to Episode
🏅 Award FinalistMar 2020
Teaching Tolerance Excellence in Teaching Award — Top 10 Finalist
Southern Poverty Law Center

Named a national top-10 finalist for leading a radical transformation in curriculum design — inviting students into partnership as co-creators of their own educational experience.

View Finalists
Tools & Technologies

My Toolkit

The platforms and technologies I use to design, build, manage, and measure learning programs at scale.

🎧
Audio Production
AudacityGarageBand
🎓
Digital Credentialing
AccredibleCredly
📐
eLearning Authoring
Adobe CaptivateArticulate RiseStoryline
🎨
Graphic Design
Adobe IllustratorTechSmith SnagIt
📚
LMS & LXP
CornerstoneDegreedNovoEdSAP SuccessFactorsWorkday
💻
Programming Languages
HTML/CSSJavaScriptxAPI
📊
Project Management
Azure DevOpsJiraPowerBIAsana
🎬
Video Production
iMovieTechSmith Camtasia
🤖
AI & Automation
Power AutomateEleven LabsGleanCopilotClaude
Let's Connect

Let's build something
meaningful together.

I'd love to hear about your project, your learners, and the challenges you're trying to solve.

Get In Touch →