| Discover how industry-recognized microcredentials are transforming learners’ experiences by providing students with practical, digital mindset skills before they step into internships and full-time roles. Learn how a new innovative credential accelerates workplace readiness and gives students a competitive edge in the job market. Join academic leaders from Siemens Digital Industries Software who are pioneering new pathways to connect classroom learning with industry success. |
| About The Presenters |
Janelle Simmonds is passionate about advancing education where academia and industry meet. She brings expertise in university-industry partnerships, organizational strategy, and online learning to her work across higher education and the corporate world. As Global Enablement Lead for the Future Workforce Strategy team at Siemens Digital Industries Software, Janelle leads content and credential strategy—equipping educators and learners with resources to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. Before Siemens, she led partnership development at the University of Michigan’s Center for Academic Innovation and served as Chief of Staff to the Provost at UM-Dearborn. Janelle spent 12 years in the UK and Europe in international pathways education, leading programs and teaching marketing, PR, and business development. At Kaplan International Pathways, she served as curriculum consultant, college director, and associate director of Kaplan’s Center for Learning Innovation & Quality. She holds a BA in Communications and International Studies, and an MA in Communication from Wayne State University. She earned an executive coaching certification from the University of Michigan, and provides coaching and consulting to empower leaders and teams.
Belinda Medellin has been part of Siemens Digital Industries Software for three years, serving as the Global Academic Digital Initiatives Project Manager for the Future Workforce Strategy team. In this role, she spearheads the expansion of a digital badging program and manages various credentialing enablement initiatives, most notably the Expedite – Skills for Industry microcredential.
With a rich background in educational technology, Belinda brings valuable experience from her 14-year career as a secondary teacher in Texas and her involvement in the K-12 EdTech sector. Her pioneering work in creating the world’s first User Experience high school courses led to her recognition as the 2020 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year for Region 20.
Driven by her passion for merging technology and education, Belinda now leverages her expertise at Siemens to foster skills essential for thriving in the digital economy, bridging the gap between academic foundations and industry demands.