Melissa Villarreal

About Melissa Villarreal

I design and scale learning ecosystems that solve complex human and business problems. Sometimes that means creating a scalable program, other times redesigning systems or processes, but it always means aligning learning with real business outcomes. I’ve led initiatives across inclusive leadership, AI enablement, onboarding, compliance, and manager development; designing frameworks, launching cross-functional programs, and building the infrastructure that makes learning operationally sound and embedded in culture. My approach blends learning science, storytelling, and cross-disciplinary design (game design, product, marketing, behavioral economics), resulting in programs that shape how people lead, collaborate, and perform at scale. I thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments where I can translate strategy into execution, partner with stakeholders, and build the systems that help people and companies grow. Curious about working together or just want to talk shop? Let’s connect.

Experience

1. Learning and Development Manager

   Stitch Fix

   Oct 2023 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Operationalized inclusive leadership across the employee lifecycle by launching Leadership in Action, an eight-part eLearning series that achieved 70% completion within six weeks (vs. 30–50% industry standard). Partnered with DEI and Legal to embed inclusive behaviors into the manager competency framework, aligning performance, leveling, and feedback systems.• Built Stitch Fix’s Harassment Prevention compliance training program from the ground up, increasing completion from 11% to 98% and reducing manual enrollment time by 90% through scalable automations. Partnered with Legal, DEI, and L&D Ops to launch a targeted “Compliance Catch-Up” campaign, implement SOPs, and design a sustainable, audit-ready system aligned with state-by-state legal requirements.• Led redesign of new hire orientation to strengthen clarity, culture, and early connection. Mapped onboarding flow, aligned cross-functional content, and introduced peer-driven touchpoints to foster community from Day 1• Introduced a company-wide learning experience design process to streamline content development, increase quality, and accelerate delivery across initiatives. Established scalable workflows and quality standards adopted by the team, reducing friction and ensuring a consistent learner experience across programs

Education

• Western Governors University

  Master of Education - MEd

  2019 — 2021

• Southern Methodist University

  Bachelor of Arts

Skills

• Higher Education
• Esl
• Research
• Differentiated Instruction
• Special Education
• English as a Second Language (Esl)
• E-Learning
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Teacher Training
• Staff Development
• Instructional Design
• Educational Leadership
• Curriculum Development
• Public Speaking
• Educational Technology
• Student Engagement
• Lesson Planning
• Adult Education
• Classroom Management
• Tutoring
• Curriculum Design
• Teaching