Professionals in Transition SIG

Kesha Thomas Clark is an experienced professional currently working to transition into the learning and development field. In her recent work in underwriting, Kesha played a pivotal role in training and mentoring new assistant underwriters at QBE. At Argo Group, she created and facilitated training for a new agency portal, and provided on-going portal administration and user support while also managing a $6.7M book of business. In addition to her work in the financial services industry, Kesha has also worked in the nonprofit sector, leading institutional giving and grant writing at the Center for Family Representation, an organization serving low-income families facing separation through foster care.

Recently, Kesha collaborated with UCLA’s Office of Undergraduate Admission to design and deliver a leadership development workshop on employee empowerment for senior managers. She has also presented to local Toastmasters groups on goal setting and professional development. Additionally, as Vice President of Education, Kesha is currently leading training and support for Toastmasters' new learning management system for her club, as well as updating the group's new member orientation and onboarding process.

Driven by a desire to help people, Kesha is interested in leveraging her unique experience in business and the nonprofit sector to create impactful strategies and learning experiences that support professional growth and organizational success. Kesha holds a dual Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) and Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Pitzer College.

Your goals for the SIG:

As someone who is currently transitioning into learning and development, I am interested in helping and working with other professionals who have the same goal. As a co-lead for the Transitioning Professionals Special Interest Group, I would like to provide support to and a community for people to help them connect, learn, and grow together as they explore opportunities within L & D. Changing careers can be scary and overwhelming, and I hope by offering tools and resources, we can equip transitioning professionals with the confidence and knowledge they need to be successful in their future roles.

Favorite activity: Being outside and enjoying the sun as much as possible, whether it's walking, running, hiking, or hanging out at the beach. I am from Portland, Oregon and also lived in New York City for eight years, so I have learned to appreciate and take advantage of the great weather here in Southern California!

Inspirational quote: "Change is a process, not an event". This is from a book I am currently reading on instructional design called, "Design for How People Learn," by Julie Dirksen. During this time of my life, and I believe also within the context of learning and professional development, this particularly resonates with me and highlights a general truth that change, challenges, growth, and grace are all a part of the journey.