Hi, I’m
Yolanda Parra
Toronto
Summary
Bilingual (EN/ES) Learning & Talent Development Leader with 15+ years designing national learning programs, leadership development journeys, blended learning solutions, and performance-driven capability strategies across LATAM, the U.S., and Canada. Expert in end-to-end program lifecycle management, needs assessment, instructional design, LMS/digital learning, stakeholder consulting, and data-driven continuous improvement. Recognized for partnering with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders to build scalable learning ecosystems, develop leaders, and align programs with business strategy.
Professional Talent Specialist with comprehensive experience in talent acquisition and management. Skilled in sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding top-tier candidates while fostering strong team collaboration. Exceptional at adapting to evolving organizational needs and driving impactful results. Known for excellent interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and solution-focused approach.
Overview
13
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Synaptive Medical
Senior Talent Specialist
02.2023 - 03.2025
Job overview
- Managed the full lifecycle of learning strategies and capability programs, from needs analysis through design, delivery, and impact measurement.
- Designed digital and blended learning solutions aligned to business priorities, increasing learning platform engagement by 25% YoY.
- Implemented and administered LMS/LCMS content, ensuring SCORM compliance, usability and accessibility across functions.
- Developed leadership workshops, feedback training and performance-enablement resources, strengthening manager capability.
- Established measurement dashboards and reporting frameworks to track adoption, learner experience, and business impact.
- Partnered with executives and cross-functional teams to localize learning content, drive adoption, and support organizational performance goals.
Linde
LATAM Talent Leader (Organizational Development & Change)
08.2018 - 12.2022
Job overview
- Designed and launched large-scale blended Leadership Development Programs, including the Linde Leadership Certification, impacting 900+ leaders across six countries.
- Managed the design, deployment, measurement, and sustainment of enterprise learning initiatives, including webinars, virtual workshops, and digital modules.
- Led needs assessments, diagnostics, and learning strategy planning aligned with regional business objectives.
- Collaborated with U.S. and global teams to adapt core learning programs for LATAM, ensuring localization while maintaining global standards.
- Directed high-visibility engagement and learning events (e.g., Feminine Talent Seminar), increasing female leadership applications by 25%. Monitored program effectiveness using surveys, performance data and feedback, implementing continuous improvement.
Talisis
Talent Manager
05.2017 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Designed and launched the first structured onboarding and capability-building program, improving integration and readiness.
- Implemented 360 feedback frameworks and manager development processes.
- Created succession and learning pathways that increased internal hiring from 8% to 20%.
OXXO
Coordinator of Recruitment Processes
12.2015 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Led the national rollout and training of a digital recruitment platform, training 300+ recruiters through blended learning and adoption campaigns.
- Designed digital and instructor-led learning content to accelerate system adoption and process capability.
- Reduced hiring cycle time from 14 to 3 days by redesigning processes and upskilling managers.
- Large-scale retail operations, operational capability
Banorte
Talent Manager
11.2014 - 12.2015
Job overview
- Designed and implemented onboarding programs and learning tools for financial services talent.
- Developed dashboards and talent insights to support early-career analyst development and planning.
Farmacias del Ahorro
HR Planning & Development Manager
09.2012 - 11.2014
Job overview
- Implemented SuccessFactors modules (performance, 360, succession) supporting talent and early-career pipelines.
- Designed competency frameworks and learning diagnostics to inform leadership and development programs.
Education
Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)México
Master of Organizational Development
University Overview
- Graduate training included advanced methodologies in organizational design, change management (Kotter’s 8 Steps, ADKAR), and workforce transformation programs.
- GPA: GPA 4.0
Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM)México
Master of Science in Communication
University Overview
- Specialized in strategic communication for organizational change, leadership influence, and employee engagement.
- GPA: GPA 4.0
Instituto Tecnológico de DurangoMéxico
Bachelor of Industrial Engineering
University Overview
GPA: GPA 4.0
Skills
- Learning Program Management
- Leadership & Manager Development
- Instructional Design (ADDIE, Adult Learning)
- LMS/LCMS Administration
- Stakeholder Consultation & Contracting
- Talent & Succession Development
- Change Enablement
- Facilitation (virtual & in-person)
- Storytelling-based Learning
- HR metrics and analytics
- Employee engagement
- Onboarding processes
- Diversity and inclusion
- Succession planning
- Talent management
- Building partnerships
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Training and mentoring
- Team building
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Leadership development
- Interpersonal skills
- Conflict resolution
- Recruitment and hiring
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Change Manager Professional Certificate
- Executive Coach Certification by the ICC
- Instructional Designer Certification by Capacitate
- Storytelling, Diploma by ITESM
- Working with Personality Type (MBTI based), certification by the University System of Maryland.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Sr. Learning Consultant, INARI L&T, (Global Clients)
- Ago 2018 – Ongoing
- Designed custom learning journeys for corporate clients (BBVA, The Home Depot, FEMSA), including SCORM-compliant modules, simulations, and storytelling-based experiences.
- Conducted needs analysis, stakeholder interviews and diagnostics to define learning roadmaps and business-aligned deliverables.
- Developed digital training, microlearning, and decision-based scenarios, enabling scale through LMS deployment.
- Facilitated Train-the-Trainer programs for leaders and SMEs, ensuring effective delivery and sustainment of learning programs.
Timeline
Senior Talent Specialist
Synaptive Medical
02.2023 - 03.2025
LATAM Talent Leader (Organizational Development & Change)
Linde
08.2018 - 12.2022
Talent Manager
Talisis
05.2017 - 08.2018
Coordinator of Recruitment Processes
OXXO
12.2015 - 05.2017
Talent Manager
Banorte
11.2014 - 12.2015
HR Planning & Development Manager
Farmacias del Ahorro
09.2012 - 11.2014
Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM)
Master of Science in Communication
Instituto Tecnológico de Durango
Bachelor of Industrial Engineering
Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)
Master of Organizational Development