Embedded Files
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 technology professional with over 20 years of experience designing, developing, and leading business applications that support higher education, learning, and organizational operations.
I started my career as a software developer, building web applications, databases, reporting tools, and system integrations. That technical foundation has shaped the way I approach every project. Over time, my role naturally expanded beyond development into business analysis, stakeholder collaboration, project leadership, and guiding application initiatives from planning through production support.
Today, I enjoy working where technology and people intersect. I enjoy helping translate business needs into practical solutions, improving processes, and building systems that are both technically sound and genuinely useful.
My Background
My Background
In my current role with the University of Missouri Extension, I lead the development of business applications that support instructional services, financial operations, and statewide programs. My work includes business analysis, solution design, systems integration, application development, release planning, and partnering with stakeholders to improve workflows and support better decision-making.
Before joining the University, I spent more than 13 years with Mapping Your Future, a nonprofit organization providing technology services to colleges, universities, and financial aid professionals nationwide. As Technical Lead, I developed and supported enterprise web applications, coordinated contractors, guided platform modernization, supported security initiatives, and helped lead the organization's migration from on-premises infrastructure to Microsoft Azure.
Across every role, I've been driven by the same goal: building systems that simplify complex work, support the people who use them, and continue delivering value long after they're deployed.
Learning Technology & Instructional Design
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 (2026).
Graduate school gave me the opportunity to build on the work I was already doing professionally by exploring how technology, instructional design, and user experience influence learning. It strengthened my ability to design systems that are not only functional, but intuitive, accessible, and centered on the needs of the people using them.
Areas of focus include:
Instructional design and learning experience development
Learning management systems (Canvas and Moodle)
Accessibility and inclusive design
User-centered course and technology design
Aligning technology with meaningful learning outcomes
My 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 that continue to influence my work today.
Creative Work
Creative Work
Outside of my professional career, I create educational content focused on quilting, sewing, and DIY projects through my YouTube channel and creative business.
What began as a creative outlet has grown into another opportunity to teach. Every project requires planning, instructional design, production, audience engagement, and continuous improvement based on viewer feedback.
Today, I manage the entire content lifecycle, including:
Content planning and production
Educational tutorial design
Video production and publishing
Audience engagement and community building
Performance analysis and continuous improvement
While the subject matter is different, many of the skills are the same ones I use professionally: organizing complex information, designing for the user, communicating clearly, and building repeatable systems that support long-term success.
How I Approach My Work
How I Approach My Work
I'm at my best when I'm bringing structure to complex work.
I naturally step back to understand how systems, people, and processes connect, where things are breaking down, and how they can be improved in a practical way. I'm comfortable moving between technical conversations, stakeholder priorities, and user needs without losing sight of the bigger picture.
I value clear communication, thoughtful planning, and solutions that are sustainable over time—not just quick fixes. My goal is to build systems that work well in the real world and continue delivering value long after they're implemented.
Outside of Work
Outside of Work
Outside of my professional career, I enjoy quilting, sewing, and creating educational content that helps others learn new skills. What started as a creative hobby has grown into a thriving online community where I share tutorials, patterns, and project ideas with thousands of makers around the world.
I'm also passionate about serving my local community. I currently volunteer with a local quilting guild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, where I've served in several board leadership roles, including CEO, Exhibit Coordinator, Publications Chair, and Newsletter Editor. Those experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and organizational skills while giving me the opportunity to support a community I'm passionate about.
I'm a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and previously served in a variety of leadership and training roles, experiences that continue to shape how I approach mentorship, collaboration, and service.
One of my favorite ways to give back is by creating and donating quilts to a local nonprofit that supports foster children. It's a meaningful way to combine creativity with community service and use something I enjoy to make a difference for others.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse