Anita D. Jones
is a Learning Architect known for building training that performs—not just informs. With deep expertise in curriculum design, adult learning, and operational alignment, she has dedicated her career to transforming how organizations approach learning and performance. Her work bridges the gap between Learning & Development and real-world operations, ensuring that every course, workflow, and simulation aligns directly with how employees actually do their jobs.
Instead of relying on content-heavy programs, Anita focuses on clarity, workflow integration, and measurable outcomes—turning training into a true business advantage. She is recognized for designing high-impact learning ecosystems across mortgage operations, government, banking, logistics, and community service organizations. Her proprietary Learning Architect Method™ (Diagnose → Design → Build → Deploy → Measure → Optimize) serves as the foundation for systems that reduce errors, accelerate readiness, and elevate employee confidence from day one.
At Planet Home Lending, Anita rebuilt the Distributed Retail Sales curriculum, architected system-driven learning paths, and created a comprehensive 10-day Retention Operations program aligned to real job tasks and workflows. Her experience also includes managing global LMS operations at GE Power and leading the virtual learning migration for more than 2,500 employees at LoanCare—bringing structure, innovation, and usability to every learning environment she touches.
Beyond her technical expertise, Anita is committed to continuous improvement and learner-centered design. She creates training that evolves with business needs, empowers employees to think beyond memorized steps, and equips leaders with real performance insights. Her mission is clear and unwavering: to design learning that fits real life—relevant, adaptable, measurable, and built to drive lasting impact.
• Point Park University- M.Ed.
• Point Park University- Bachelor's
• Bradford Business School- Associate's
• Pennsylvania State Education Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to truly diagnose performance gaps, design training that mirrors how people actually work, and build systems that measure real improvements in readiness, confidence, and accuracy. I’ve learned to look beyond surface-level symptoms and instead understand the workflow, the tools, and the human experience behind every job.
My strong work ethic as a single mother of three has shaped my resilience, focus, and drive. And my experience across higher education, government, finance, and the mortgage industry has given me a unique perspective on how adults learn and what they need to thrive. All of this ultimately inspired me to build The Learning Architect™—a firm dedicated to creating learning that fits real life and empowers people to succeed from day one.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to think differently about learning—focus less on delivering information and more on improving real performance. Early mentors taught me to trust my ideas, lean into the strengths that come naturally to me, and focus on the work I do exceptionally well instead of trying to fit into roles that weren’t designed for my gifts. That guidance pushed me to stop shrinking, start building, and ultimately create my own methodology and my own firm. It taught me that when you follow what comes easy to you, you step into the work you were truly meant to lead.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to trust your abilities and take action even before you feel completely ready. Confidence is built through doing—not waiting. Invest in your skills, say yes to stretch opportunities, and don’t be afraid to speak up or take the lead. Lean into what comes naturally to you, because your strengths are not accidents—they are indicators of where you’re meant to grow. And most importantly, remember that you deserve to be in every room you walk into, whether someone announces you or you announce yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge—and opportunity—in my field right now is helping organizations shift from information-heavy training to learning that actually improves performance. Too many programs look polished on paper but fall apart in practice because they aren’t aligned to real workflows, systems, or the day-to-day reality of the job. The future of Learning & Development is in building training that is measurable, workflow-integrated, and tied directly to KPIs that matter. Companies that embrace this shift have a tremendous opportunity to reduce errors, strengthen employee confidence, accelerate readiness, and ultimately turn training into a strategic advantage—not an afterthought.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value clarity, practicality, and having all the information needed to make confident decisions—whether I’m designing training or navigating life. In my work, I believe learning should be transparent, actionable, and aligned with real results, not just activity. In my personal life, those same values show up as honesty, intentionality, and a commitment to growth. I’m passionate about empowering others through education, building community, and creating experiences that truly change behavior rather than simply checking a box. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that people thrive when they understand the “why,” the “how,” and the path forward.