About ME
CERTIFICATIONS
2023: Professional Certificate in Learning Design, Digital Learning Institute
2022: Approaches and Techniques of Facilitation, SSF
Igniting the spark
I was born in the vibrant heart of New York City, my parents, a Senegalese father and an Italian mother, brought their own worlds into ours. My father, ever the storyteller, had a gift for teaching through vivid metaphors and captivating tales. Every story he told carried a lesson, wrapped in imagery so colorful that those lessons have stayed with me to this day.
My mother, on the other hand, was a university professor with an incredible mind for structure and logic. She would share her course outlines with me, explaining the reasoning behind every decision—why this lecture had to come before that activity, why the pacing of the content mattered, and how her students would experience each step of their learning journey. I was captivated by the invisible architecture of learning, the way she built pathways for her students to grow and succeed.
Looking back, I realize these early experiences shaped everything I do today. My father taught me the power of storytelling to connect with others on a deep, emotional level. My mother showed me how to design learning that’s purposeful and transformative. Together, they sparked my lifelong fascination with how people learn and grow.
My Journey
My first step into the professional world of learning and development came as an intern at Impact International, where I saw firsthand the power of upskilling to unlock human potential. From there, I worked my way up to becoming a Facilitator, designing and delivering experiential learning sessions. Watching participants connect with the material—and seeing their personal and professional transformations—was deeply fulfilling.
One of my most memorable experiences as a facilitator was guiding a group of United Nations diplomats through a workshop on innovative thinking. The program was hands-on and immersive, from group discussions to artistic representations of solutions. It taught me an essential lesson: learning resonates most when it’s active, creative, and deeply personal.
This philosophy drives my work as an instructional designer today. I bring a creative, story-driven approach to learning design, weaving engaging narratives into practical experiences that leave lasting impressions. Whether it’s an e-learning course that feels like an adventure or a simulation that mirrors real-world challenges, I aim to create learning moments that stick—not just in the mind but in the heart.
My Approach
I believe learning should be both enjoyable and actionable. Too often, training programs overwhelm learners with abstract theory while failing to connect with their real-world challenges. My approach is different. By using design thinking and storytelling, I create courses that are tailored to the learner’s context, challenges, and goals.
From brainstorming with clients to storyboarding content, I think of every course as a journey. The learner isn’t just absorbing information—they’re embarking on an adventure, guided by practical tools, vivid scenarios, and moments of discovery. My goal is to make them feel invested, inspired, and equipped to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.
Beyond Work
Outside of work, I’m a husband and father—and my family is my greatest inspiration. Watching my children explore the world with endless curiosity reminds me of the pure joy that comes from learning something new. It’s a joy I strive to recreate in my courses, whether for professionals tackling workplace challenges or learners embarking on a new skillset.
My time with my wife and kids also fuels my creativity. The fresh perspectives I gain from our time together often spark innovative ideas for my projects, whether it’s a new way to frame a concept or a more engaging way to present material.
At the heart of everything I do is a belief in the transformative power of learning. Whether it’s a child discovering the thrill of gymnastics, a diplomat unlocking new ways of thinking, or a professional building confidence in their communication skills, I am driven by the same mission: to create experiences that inspire growth, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impact.
EDUCATION
Bachelor´s of Business Administration:
International Business
Loyola University Chicago
2019
Associate´s Degree:
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
2016
TOOLKIT
- Articulate Storyline 360
- Vyond
- Figma
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Midjourney
- Microsoft Suite
- Google Suite
- Canva
- Zoom
- Teams
- Google Meet
- Slack
- Teams
- Salesforce
- Workforce
- SurveyMonkey
SKILLS
- UX Design
- Instructional Design
- eLearning Design
- Storyboarding
- Web Design
- Project Management
- Content Development
- Video Editing
- Curriculum Development
- Learning Analytics
- Gamification
- Mobile Learning
- Facilitation
- Evaluation and Assessment
- Technical Writing
- Change Management
- Collaborative Tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Visual Design
- Interactive Design
EXPERIENCE
Instructional Designer & Learning Consultant
Impact International – Rome, Italy (2017 – Present)
I design and deliver learning solutions that drive engagement and real-world impact for global clients. My work spans e-learning design, blended learning, and experiential programs.
Key Projects:
- Designed a Leadership and Empowerment E-learning Course for a major energy company, reaching employees globally.
- Developed a gamified, scenario-based Value-Based Sales program for a pharmaceutical company, localized into 15 languages.
- Created video and animation content using tools like Articulate 360 and Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring alignment with brand identity and instructional goals.
- Worked on diverse projects, integrating instructional materials into platforms like Moodle and Canvas to optimize learner engagement.
Learning Experience Designer
Freelance Projects (2022 – Present)
I specialize in creating immersive and interactive digital learning experiences that combine creative storytelling with practical applications.
Key Projects:
- A Value-Based Sales learning program transformed into an asynchronous, gamified course with branching simulations and interactive activities.
- Developed visual backstories and simulated environments inspired by Situated Cognitive Theory to boost learner engagement and investment.
- Tested course prototypes with diverse audiences to refine UI/UX design, content value, and visual appeal.
Facilitator & Experiential Learning Specialist
Impact International (2017 – Present)
I design and facilitate experiential learning sessions that help participants translate theory into actionable skills through immersive activities.
Key Projects:
- Co-facilitated a leadership development course for middle managers in Milan, using the Wizard of Oz as a metaphorical learning journey for leadership skills.
- Led the World Café activity for UN diplomats, fostering innovative thinking and creative problem-solving on global challenges.
- Facilitated a team-building fashion show challenge for supervisors at a global fashion brand, enhancing collaboration and leadership.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME
“Working with Alassane has always been a pleasure thanks to his collaborative and team-oriented approach. He creates space for colleagues with more expertise or seniority to contribute while remaining assertive and professional in presenting his own ideas when he feels confident in his knowledge. He communicates his reflections in a clear and cordial manner, making collaboration seamless and enjoyable. His kindness, flexibility, and professionalism stand out, making him a true partner in achieving the best outcomes for projects.
Alassane brings a calm and methodical approach to problem-solving. He carefully assesses the bigger picture before breaking down tasks into manageable steps, ensuring a steady and organized workflow. His ability to maintain composure under pressure inspires confidence in his team.
In terms of communication and professionalism, Alassane’s commitment is evident in every interaction. He is polite, precise, and formal when necessary, but remains approachable and relatable. His dedication to preparation—studying, practicing, observing, and listening—makes him credible and confident in his work, especially when managing complex projects such as e-learning development.
Alassane’s passion for his work is unmistakable. He is cheerful, proactive, and creative, always willing to go the extra mile. His enthusiasm for e-learning design is particularly evident; I recall when he showed me a space-themed course demo he created for fun—it was beautifully designed and meticulously crafted.
Thanks to his expertise in e-learning platforms and design, as well as his ability to communicate effectively with both clients and technical teams, Alassane consistently ensures that projects meet and exceed expectations. Clients have trusted his choices in content, aesthetics, and user experience, and his ability to “speak the language” of programmers has been invaluable in achieving effective and high-quality outputs.“
“ From the very beginning, Alassane stood out for his ability to quickly integrate into the team, fostering social cohesion and collaboration effortlessly. His multicultural identity has always been a tremendous asset, enriching every project with diverse perspectives and insights.
In terms of teamwork and collaboration, Alu excels. He is approachable, supportive, and consistently contributes to a positive working environment. His natural talent for building relationships and facilitating productive discussions has been invaluable in team settings.
When it comes to problem-solving, he demonstrates remarkable flexibility and a proactive attitude. He approaches challenges with creativity and a solution-oriented mindset, always eager to learn and adapt. His ability to remain composed and resourceful under pressure has been a key factor in overcoming obstacles on several projects we worked on together.
His public speaking, facilitation, and instructional design skills are truly exceptional. He communicates with clarity and confidence, engaging audiences and ensuring alignment among stakeholders (a real show-man 😊). His professionalism and commitment to excellence have had a significant positive impact on every initiative he has been a part of, driving outcomes that exceeded expectations.“
“Alassane is a professional who is always dedicated to serving the team, bringing a great capacity for listening to others and an equally impressive agility in problem-solving. A prime example of this agility is the many situations we faced together while delivering training courses in organizational contexts, where the needs of the moment required a swift reorganization of activities to adapt to the needs of the group of participants we encountered. Alassane is always ready to handle unforeseen circumstances or novel situations, as well as to bring innovation to his problem-solving strategies.
He consistently strives to contribute value aimed at achieving the team’s objectives, offering a perspective that is both systemic and appropriately critical.
He is highly attentive to building his network, both within the organization we work for and externally with various stakeholders.
I have always felt valued through the work I have done with Alassane, and my interactions with him have been a source of personal enrichment.“
“Over the years, Alassane has contributed to a wide variety of programs and initiatives, working with both large and small groups.
He has played a significant role as a facilitator in key onboarding processes and programs for mid-level and junior professionals (e.g., Eni). Additionally, he has co-facilitated programs targeting senior-level participants, demonstrating proactivity and consistently receiving positive feedback (e.g., Bureau Veritas, Fendi, Siram).
Alassane has independently delivered training modules on critical soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. His facilitation style—both in-person and virtual—is energetic, credible, and supported by a strong command of technology.
Furthermore, he has made valuable contributions to asynchronous learning products, showcasing impressive instructional design and digital development skills (e.g., Ferring).
Alassane has embodied the “Impact culture” throughout his time with us, bringing the team energy, positivity, availability, and kindness.“