sumitha melathe

Hello there! I'm Sumitha.​

 

I'm an instructional designer/learning experience designer with over a decade (14+ years and counting) of experience in the world of digital learning. Throughout my career, I've navigated the complexities of learning and development across various industries such as media, healthcare, non-profits, advertising agencies, and startups.

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Why learning?

 

When I was young, teaching held a special place in my heart. I always imagined myself as either an elementary school or a high school Algebra or Geometry teacher. But, as I grew up, I started to steer towards technology. I ended up majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS) at the University of South Florida in hopes that I become an IT consultant. ​

 

However, my journey took an unexpected turn during my junior year as I immersed myself tutoring inner-city elementary school students that had trouble speaking and understanding English in Tampa, FL. Being a second-generation immigrant and having English as a second language, I understood the complexities of what it was like to be in their shoes. While tutoring these students, I realized that despite them not being able to comprehend English, they were able to understand technology quickly. It was during this time that I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology in learning and how it could revolutionize education.​

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"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world" - Nelson Mandela 

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These words resonated so deeply that it became my central theme in my grad school and City Year admission essays.

 

After undergrad, I decided to take a gap year (with much hesitancy from my parents) where I spent 10 months (1,700+ hours) serving at City Year New York, an education-focused non-profit committed to providing elementary and middle school students with comprehensive school support (Teaching English to ESL students, Leadership classes, After-school support) to help them remain in school and advance towards high school graduation. I was placed in a elementary/middle school in Harlem, NY where the high school graduation rate was less than 20%. 

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Following a meaningful gap year with City Year New York, I earned my Master of Education from the University of Georgia in 2013, specializing in Learning, Design, and Technology with a focus on Instructional Design and Development.

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Current Role/Interests

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I serve as the Learning Technology Supervisor at MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), where I lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge digital learning solutions to drive workforce development and performance improvements.

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Beyond my professional responsibilities, I actively contribute to community service by volunteering as an ESL teacher. I'm also a passionate supporter of Atlanta United, cheering proudly as a 17. In my personal time, I pursue my love for culture and the arts through the study of Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance.​​​

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