Diana Ochoa
Covina
Summary
I am a dynamic learning leader who transforms operational needs into powerful, outcome-driven development experiences. I facilitate and evaluate GO and UOP programs using data, feedback, and SME collaboration while coaching L&D associates toward clear growth and career pathways. As a seasoned people manager, I build high-trust partnerships across regions to ensure training directly elevates performance and business results.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning & Development Supervisor
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
Rosemead, CA, USA
08.2025 - Current
- Assists in planning, developing, and facilitating GO and UOP courses to strengthen capabilities across Operations and the Support Center.
- Coaches and develops L&D associates by enhancing facilitation skills, conducting performance reviews, and supporting career progression.
- Partners with L&D leadership to build clear course roadmaps aligned with business priorities and capability needs.
- Facilitates leadership and operations courses to improve manager readiness and drive consistent execution.
- Mentors GO participants and Operations leaders to reinforce learning and support sustained performance.
- Collaborates with SMEs to strengthen course content and integrate specialized operational expertise.
- Partners with up to Operations regions to build trust, strengthen team effectiveness, and elevate training impact.
- Incorporates current learning trends to continuously improve program quality and learner engagement.
Learning & Development Trainer
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
Rosemead, CA, USA
04.2022 - Current
- Incorporates adult learning theory while conducting training programs for operations and support center associates.
- Differentiates instruction for diverse learners.
- Uses facilitation moves and strategies to engage learners and reinforce learning.
- Collaborates to improve the Store Leadership Training System.
- Conducts training for Great Operations 100, 101, 102, 200, 201, 202.
- Evaluates employee skill levels and implements new techniques to boost staff knowledge.
- Effectively trains supervisors on techniques for managing employees.
- Presents training information via role playing, simulations, and team exercises.
- Panda Express | Rosemead, CA
Multi-Unit Manager
Panda Express
02.2020 - 03.2022
- Responsible for 7 stores in the region with $1.2M PSA.
- Ensured operational consistency through quality store visits, provided feedback, and training as needed.
- Coached and supported managers in hiring and developing teams through periodic meetings and weekly visits.
- Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster a pleasant workplace culture.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
Training Leader
Panda Express
03.2018 - 01.2020
- Created and offered additional materials to enhance training.
- Maintained strong knowledge of leadership and operations efficiency by participating in workshops, conferences and online education classes.
- Facilitated orientation and training classes to communicate policies and procedures to new hires.
- Evaluated individuals regularly for progress or growth potential to guide decisions regarding advancement and additional training.
- Notified stakeholders regarding behavioral concerns, attendance tracking and additional pertinent information relating to achievement of effective training.
- Collaborated with internal business partners to create industry-specific course content.
- Created and monitored training courses to promote quality performance and enhance effectiveness of employee training.
- Compiled and analyzed weekly trainee retention reports.
General Manager
Panda Express
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Clearly communicated and motivated associates to meet periodic goals via group meeting and one-on-one coaching.
- Trained employees on company procedures and worksite safety.
- Inspired employees to work as cohesive team while delivering exceptional service to customers in every interaction.
- Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members.
- Oversaw coaching and guidance of store employees to foster advancement in work operations.
- Trained staff on daily duties and supervised and provided feedback, resulting in improved performance and customer satisfaction.
- Led employee performance evaluations and rewarded top performers to retain quality personnel.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
- Provided mentorship for employees to generate sales, promote effective upselling and cross-sell to improve retail productivity.
Assistant Manager
Panda Express
02.2016 - 06.2016
- Trained, scheduled, and managed associates on daily tasks to deliver results.
- Mentored staff to enhance skills and achieve daily targets, using hands-on and motivational leadership.
- Collaborated with store manager to develop strategies for achieving sales and profit goals.
- Coached team members and delivered constructive feedback to promote better productivity and build confidence.
- Assisted supervisor in evaluating employee performance and cultivating improvement initiatives.
- Learned all aspects of operations at Panda Express business from ground-up to fully understand every operational facet and contribute to long-term business success.
Counter Help/Shift Lead
Panda Express
08.2012 - 01.2016
- Upheld company standards and compliance requirements for operations.
- Complied with company safety procedures, policies and regulations to promote safe working environment.
- Educated customers about offerings, promotions and pricing to boost sales.
- Handled escalated customer concerns and emergencies in absence of manager or supervisor.
- Coached team members to increase productivity and reduce workplace accidents.
- Counted cash on hand at shift change and closing to determine shortages or overages and prepare bank deposit statements.
- Completed opening and closing duties to facilitate business operations.
- Delegated tasks to employees and monitored activities and task completion.
Education
Associate Degree - Administration, Business Administration
Purdue Global
11.2026
Skills
- Adaptive learning
- Training delivery
- Needs assessment
- Stakeholder management
- Classroom management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Analytical mindset
Certification
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Signature Program -Facilitator- Franklin Covey
- Leading at the Speed of Trust -Facilitator- Franklin Covey
- Landmark Forum
- Landmark Advanced
- Landmark- Self Expression and Leadership Program
- Landmark Communications: Access to Power
- Landmark Communications: Power to Create
- Crucial Conversations
- Spot Coaching
Languages
Bilingual- English and Spanish
Timeline
Learning & Development Supervisor
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
08.2025 - Current
Learning & Development Trainer
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
04.2022 - Current
Multi-Unit Manager
Panda Express
02.2020 - 03.2022
Training Leader
Panda Express
03.2018 - 01.2020
General Manager
Panda Express
07.2016 - 01.2018
Assistant Manager
Panda Express
02.2016 - 06.2016
Counter Help/Shift Lead
Panda Express
08.2012 - 01.2016
Associate Degree - Administration, Business Administration
Purdue Global