About Me

I bring together technical program management, learning design, and creative operations to build systems that support real people and real outcomes.

I’m Lora Brinkman, a project and program professional with over 15 years of experience working across technology, learning, and content-driven environments.

I started my career on the technical side, building and supporting web-based systems, databases, and reporting tools. That foundation gave me a strong understanding of how systems actually work behind the scenes. Over time, my role naturally evolved into leading cross-functional projects, managing platform delivery, and helping translate business needs into solutions that are practical and usable.

Today, my work sits at the intersection of technical program management, instructional design, and creative operations.

My Background

In my current role with the University of Missouri Extension, I lead initiatives that support instructional, operational, and reporting systems across a statewide organization. My work often involves coordinating across technical teams, stakeholders, and administrators to improve workflows, increase visibility, and support better decision-making.

Earlier in my career, I spent over a decade managing and supporting a national web-based financial literacy platform. That work included coordinating distributed teams, guiding platform enhancements, and leading a transition to cloud-based infrastructure to support long-term growth.

Across both roles, I’ve consistently focused on building systems and processes that are not only functional, but sustainable and scalable.

Learning Technology & Instructional Design

Alongside my professional experience, I completed a Master of Science in Learning Technologies & Design with an emphasis in Online Education and a minor in College Teaching (May 2026).

Through this work, I’ve developed a strong foundation in:

Instructional design and learning experience development
Learning management systems (Canvas, Moodle)
Accessibility and inclusive design
Aligning technology and content to meaningful learning outcomes

This has added a more intentional, research-based layer to the work I already do in practice.

As part of my graduate work, I completed a capstone focused on evaluating learning management systems and designing structured, user-centered online learning experiences. I also developed a research-based playbook on student well-being in online learning, translating academic research into practical strategies now being adapted for broader use in educational settings.

Creative Operations & Content Work

In addition to my corporate and academic work, I run a YouTube channel focused on quilting, sewing, and DIY education, where I create structured tutorials and learning content for an audience of over 13,000 subscribers.

I manage the full content lifecycle, including:

Planning and production workflows
Instructional design of tutorials and series
Publishing and audience engagement
Performance analysis and iteration

This work has strengthened my ability to communicate clearly, design for real audiences, and build systems that support consistent, ongoing content creation.

How I Approach My Work

I’m someone who naturally looks for structure in complex situations.

I tend to step back and look at how things connect, where processes break down, and how they can be improved in a way that actually works for the people involved. I’m comfortable moving between technical conversations, stakeholder priorities, and user experience without losing clarity along the way.

I value clear communication, practical solutions, and building systems that are sustainable over time, not just quick fixes. My goal is always to create something that works well in the real world, not just in theory.

Outside of Work

Outside of my professional work, I stay connected to my community through both leadership and service.

I am actively involved with a local quilting guild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, where I have held multiple board leadership roles, including CEO, Exhibit Coordinator, Publications Chair, and Newsletter Editor. These experiences have strengthened my skills in leadership, communication, and working within community-based organizations.

I am also a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and previously served in a variety of leadership and training roles. That experience continues to shape how I approach collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement.

In addition, I create and donate quilts to a local nonprofit that supports foster children, combining my passion for making with a desire to contribute in a meaningful, tangible way.

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