Gia Bankanella

About Gia Bankanella

I have spent more than 10 years providing technical solutions through my work for the Federal government at Booz Allen. I have served as a deputy program manager, supporting a team of multi-disciplined experts to solve complex tasks for the government, including hosting regular collaboration sessions and building reports for contract delivery, providing just-in-time project support to both clients and team members, and doing strategic planning and risk mitigation for the program. I also have experience with monitoring project financials, contract requirements, and sub-contracts, including charge authorizations, software purchasing, and contracting documents. Most of my work at Booz Allen has been providing instructional design and eLearning solutions. I am a whole package instructional designer from analysis to delivery. I worked with SMEs, contractors, and clients to deliver quality eLearning, vILT, and ILT products within the scope requirements of my clients. My work in education development ranges from non-profit work teaching 3rd grade science with AmeriCorps to creating professional development projects for the Federal government. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Adventure Education through coursework at both Warren Wilson College and Prescott College. I obtained an MS degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology at SUNY Albany. Through my research in both undergrad and grad school, I focused on investigating the successful integration of experiential and online education tactics in educational settings. The philosophy of Adventure Education is the integration of experiential education, and a general sense of adventure, into all forms of educational experiences from the classroom to the workplace. The appeal for me in pursuing it stemmed from a curiosity regarding what differentiated positive educational experiences from negative ones throughout my formal and informal education. I continue to apply this philosophy through all of my professional work projects. I am a hard-working person who is adaptable to both being a team player and working independently. I am adept at expressing myself through both speaking and writing. I have strong attention to detail and am very organized. I have a strong work ethic and am willing to work hard to make sure the job is done right the first time. I am extremely curious and always looking to hone new skills. I am passionate about the work that I do and care deeply about my team. Lastly, I love to spend time enjoying the outdoors, relaxing with my family, and tackling creative projects.

Experience

1. Senior Instructional Designer

   BAE Systems

   Feb 2026 — Present · US

Education

• Prescott College

  Bachelor of Arts, Experiential Education and Leadership

  2009 — 2010

• Warren Wilson College

  Bachelor of Arts, Outdoor Leadership

  2006 — 2008

• University at Albany

  Master of Science (M.S.), Curriculum Development and Instructional Design

  2012 — 2013

Skills

• Data Analysis
• Teaching
• Leave No Trace
• Community Outreach
• Research
• Eye for Details
• Captivate
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Grant Writing
• Nonprofits
• Volunteer Management
• Editing
• Teamwork
• Instructional Design
• Corporate Liaison
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Environmental Education
• Public Speaking
• Construction
• Powerpoint
• Web Design
• Strategic Planning
• Program Development
• Management
• Team Building
• Catering
• Curriculum Design
• Non-Profits
• Microsoft Office
• Social Media
• Analysis
• Customer Service
• Compassionate Communication
• Higher Education
• Organization
• Diversity Training