Monica Garcia
Monica Garcia, MS.Ed, MBA, is an accomplished learning and development professional with a robust background in instructional design, educational technology, and leadership development. Currently, she serves as the Lead Instructional System Specialist (Curriculum Development Branch Chief) for the United States Air Force, where she leads a team of five instructional systems specialists and forty learning engineers across five locations. In this role, she oversees the design and development of courses for thirty-five Air Force career fields at the Air Force Career Development Academy (AFCDA), spearheading the modernization of Career Development Courses (CDCs) by transitioning them to an eLearning platform. Monica’s work includes guiding teams through the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of eLearning courses, providing strategic insights, and advising senior leaders during stakeholder planning sessions.
Monica’s academic achievements reflect her commitment to continuous growth and interdisciplinary expertise. She earned a Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University, following her Master of Business Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she was inducted into the Beta Sigma Gamma Honor Society. She also holds multiple associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, including Education and Training, Instructor of Military Science and Technology, and Airway Science, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology in Air Traffic Control from Thomas Edison State University.
Throughout her career, Monica has demonstrated strong leadership in both civilian and military educational environments. She has developed and delivered comprehensive training programs that prioritize learner engagement and operational effectiveness. Her background in air traffic control, combined with her expertise in process improvement and project management, positions her as a versatile professional capable of bridging technical and human-centered learning needs.
• Adobe Learning Summit Design Thinking Certificate
• Enterprise Design Thinking Practioner
• Instructional Design Certificate
• Professional Managers Certification
• Purdue University - MS.Ed
• University of Southern Mississippi - MBA
• Thomas Edison State University - BS
• Community College of the Air Force - AS
• Citrus College - AA
• International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)
• Association for Educational Communications and Technology
• Online Learning Consortium
• Beta Sigma Gamma
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my dad and my husband, who have stood by me through every stage of my journey. Their encouragement has given me the strength to pursue my goals, take on challenges, and grow both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to get outside of your comfort zone—because that’s where the magic happens. It’s in those moments of discomfort that you truly grow, discover new strengths, and create opportunities you never imagined possible.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this field is simple: don’t be discouraged by the walls you encounter—they might just be another opportunity to make beautiful mistakes. Every challenge can become a lesson and every setback can lead to growth if you approach it with curiosity and resilience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, giving back, and supporting local rescues are the values that guide both my personal and professional life. I strive to stay grounded in what matters most—building strong connections, helping others, and contributing to causes that make a meaningful difference in my community.
Locations
United States Air Force
Biloxi, MS 39534