¡Hola! I'm Cristina, a dynamic learning and development leader with over a decade of experience.

About Me

Headshot of Cristina Perez-Simmons with long brown wavy hair and a blonde highlight, wearing a green and navy patterend blazer with a rose gold necklace.

My mission is to cultivate empowering and inclusive cultures where individuals can thrive authentically. I bring a unique blend of strategic innovation, a deep-rooted commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and the aim to foster both individual and organizational development.

I am a catalyst for change and a partner in growth. From sorority houses to board rooms, I have a breadth of experience in creating learning solutions for audiences at all levels. With 10+ years of developing people and teams, I am a driving force in leadership and talent development. I’ve worn many hats - an engaging presenter, empowering coach, creative instructional designer, and learning strategist. I strive to design effective learning experiences that meet organizational needs and with an inclusive, people-centered lens.

Raised in vibrant Southern California by Mexican immigrants, I continue to find ways to celebrate my Latinidad and embed DEIB best practices into everything I do.

Outside of my professional life, I am a first-time mom, coffee enthusiast, and committed lifelong learner. During my free time, you'll often spot me embarking on culinary adventures or getting lost in a good book, cafe con leche in hand.

Here are the skills & experiences I bring to your team:

  • Leadership Development

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

  • Adult Learning Principles

  • Strengths-based Coaching/Mentoring

  • Instructional Design

  • Presentation & Facilitation

  • Program Management & Strategy

  • Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

  • New Hire Onboarding

  • Employee Engagement & Experience

  • Learning & People Strategy

  • Organizational Development

  • Content Design & Development

  • Consultation & Needs Analysis

  • Evaluation & Assessment

  • eLearning (Articulate Storyline, Rise, Vyond, Camtasia)

  • LMS Implementation & Administration

  • Agile & Design Thinking

Leadership Development

With a strong focus on leadership development, I have a proven track record of designing and implementing high-impact, competency-based programs. These initiatives have significantly improved management effectiveness and coaching skills, fostering the next generation of impactful leaders.

Curriculum Design

Skilled in creating research-based, data-informed curricula for diverse learning environments, I specialize in aligning educational strategies with organizational goals across in-person, virtual, and blended experiences.

DEIB Advocacy

I am committed to designing experiences that feel accessible and inclusive to all learners. I have deep subject matter expertise – both research and experience-based – in DEIB topics and am a catalyst for driving these efforts to create an experience where employees feel empowered, connected, and valued.

Strategic Planning & Execution

As an adept program manager, I am an end-to-end owner of large-scale learning and development initiatives. My expertise lies in aligning program objectives with business goals, ensuring successful project execution from inception to completion. I have a knack for managing cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to achieve common objectives.

Leading with Strengths

As both a learning and development professional and Gallup-certified Strengths coach, I partner with leaders and teams to help people do what they do best every day. This certification not only provides me with skills and knowledge to help individuals reach their full potential but also the ability to be a collaborative and effective partner with my teammates and stakeholders.

Restorative

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Strategic

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Communication

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Activator

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Arranger

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Individualization

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Connectedness

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Responsibility

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Analytical

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Relator

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Restorative • Strategic • Communication • Activator • Arranger • Individualization • Connectedness • Responsibility • Analytical • Relator •

Portfolio of Work

Due to the proprietary nature of my work, a password is required to view my portfolio. If you were not provided one, please contact me to submit a password request.

Recommendations

  • "Cristina excels at engaging in purposeful instructional design whether for an in-person or virtual delivered program, or bringing a storyboard to life for e-learning modules. She specializes in consulting with relevant stakeholders to provide coaching to guide collegiate officers, other staff, and alumnae volunteers in tackling incidents and working proactively. Cristina's ability to navigate personalities and competing priorities help her excel in project management."

    Team Lead at Social Responsibility Speaks

  • "I have worked closely with Cristina over the last few years on both large and small education and development programs and continue to be impressed by her facilitation and presentation skills as well as her curriculum development ability. She is quick to navigate change as needed and communicates clearly and effectively throughout our projects. She has also become a trusted partner for my DEI education needs for her ability to center relationship building and strong stakeholder connection. "

    DEI Team Member at Alpha Delta Pi

  • "Cristina's prowess as a facilitator is truly commendable. She possesses a unique ability to create engaging and inclusive environments, fostering open dialogue and productive discussions. Her facilitation skills have been instrumental in driving successful workshops, training sessions, and team-building activities. Cristina's authentic communication style makes the content she facilitates accessible, interesting, and engaging."

    Leadership Program Team Member at Alpha Delta Pi

  • "Her change-agent leadership and programmatic expertise anchors our strategy in many ways – ultimately enhancing reach and outcomes for our education and communication efforts. Cristina guides us in programming that marries strategic priorities with real-time opportunities to foster growth, dialogue, and advocacy around DEI issues. She is a trusted resource and consummate professional that we are incredibly fortunate to have on our team. "

    DEI Team Member at Alpha Delta Pi

  • "I am beyond impressed with the professionalism, promptness, and product that I received from SRS. They helped our Education Department build out a series of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training specific to our members. It was the first of its kind and we could not be more pleased with the result. I very much look forward to working with them in the future and I would recommend them to any organization."

    Client at Social Responsibility Speaks