About

    Julia Smith, PhD

    Senior Learning & Communication Strategist

    Canva AI- headshot

    Education

    Doctor of Philosophy in English with a Specialization in Writing Studies, University Of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Il

    Master of Arts, Rhetoric and Composition, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fl

    Bachelor of Arts in English with Honors; Minor in Spanish, Texas State University, San Marcos, Tx

    Micro-Masters, Certification in Instructional Design, University of Maryland- University College and edX

    Skills and Capabilities

    Professional

    Interpersonal Skills, Collaboration, Technical Writing, Branding, Visual Design, UX/UI design, Accessibility, Critical Thinking, Design Review, Personal Responsibility, Attention to Detail, Professionalism, Virtual and In-person training facilitation

    Learning Experience Design

    ADDIE, Backward Design, Subject Matter Expert Management, Project Management, Adult Learning, WCAG 2.1, Learning Science, Microlearning, CPE Requirements, Quality Assurance, Storyboarding, Content Library, Online Learning, Simulations, E-learning

    Technical

    Artificial Intelligence, Data Management Tools, Learning Management Tools, SCORM (Articulate Storyline, Captivate), Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint etc), Audacity, Vyond, Adobe Creative Cloud, Camtasia, Zoom, Teams, Website Design Applications, , Project Management Software (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Planner)

    Experience

    Communication is more than words on a page — it is the bridge between ideas and action, between organizations and the people they serve. I believe that strategic, intentional communication has the power to transform how businesses operate, how learners grow, and how teams align around a shared vision. This philosophy has been the driving force behind my extensive career as a communication strategist, instructional designer, and educator, where I have dedicated myself to crafting messages and learning experiences that resonate, inspire, and drive meaningful results.
    My expertise spans corporate communication strategy, instructional design, curriculum development, and visual design — bringing a rare combination of academic rigor and real-world application to every project. I specialize in audience analysis, change communication, e-learning development, UX/UI design, and multimedia production, with proficiency in tools such as Articulate, Camtasia, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and a wide range of learning management systems. Whether developing enterprise-wide training programs, redesigning customer-facing content, or leading adult learners through transformative coursework, I apply frameworks such as ADDIE, Backward Design, and Kirkpatrick Evaluation to ensure every deliverable is purposeful, accessible, and impactful.

    Among my proudest accomplishments is leading the comprehensive redesign of Blackboard Professional Development, where I developed 25+ courses from concept to implementation and rebranded over 1,000 training materials and customer communication deliverables for accessibility and usability. As a Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology, I designed an innovative business communication curriculum that connected learners with real campus stakeholders — bringing authentic, hands-on experience to the classroom. Additionally, my consulting work through Wordstylus has allowed me to deliver customized communication and training solutions for clients ranging from NBC and the University of Phoenix to manufacturing firms and real estate continuing education programs.

    I am eager to bring my extensive background in communication strategy, instructional design, and organizational training to an organization ready to elevate how it connects, educates, and grows. If you are looking for a strategic partner who can translate complex goals into compelling content and effective learning experiences, I would love to connect and explore how we can create something exceptional together.