Marlena Ward-Dodds is a teacher, trainer, change agent, innovator, coach, and servant leader with over 20 years of successful professional experience that includes entrepreneur, college professor, insurance professional, training and development, marketing and instructional design consultant.
Receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Law Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she went on to continue her education at Concordia University where she earned her MBA in Risk Management. Soon after completing her MBA, Marlena began teaching in higher education and has been awarded the Top 10 Adjunct Faculty at Concordia University in 2015 and 2018. In addition to teaching, she also works as an Instructional Design Consultant at Concordia University. Marlena is pursuing a second Master's degree in Educational Design Technology and is expected to finish by May 2019. Her research interest includes blended learning, digital literacy and the digital divide for adult learners.
Marlena’s education and professionalism have placed her in corporate, sales and managerial positions with both regional and national insurance carriers. It has also allowed her the privilege to instruct and counsel hundreds of adult learners and traditional students in pursuit of their college education. Additionally, she has created and conducted many workshops for adult learners and business professionals.
Working as an independent consultant providing curriculum design, training and development for professionals and small business owners, she has equipped hundreds of people to flourish in their business and personal lives. Through facilitating workshops, webinars, mastermind sessions, individual training sessions, and coaching through her Facebook group-- The Marketing Maze, Marlena has created a reputation of being high-energy, engaging, approachable and empowering in her delivery.
Her love for business and coaching does not stop there; she created a high-end rhinestone products and apparel company Trinity Xpressions, LLC. Trinity Xpressions started with a focus on helping companies and individuals add a unique touch to their logos and special occasions by offering custom designed rhinestone T-shirts and other embellished apparel. In 2019, the family will be opening The Bling Boutique, a place to create and purchase rhinestone products and apparel.
Marlena is just as passionate about social responsibility as she is with her professional endeavors. Marlena was instrumental in starting a Milwaukee Chapter of the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA). She has served in various capacities at her church, World Outreach Center, including Director of Training and Development and Project Manager for Melva Henderson Ministries.
Marlena is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
In her downtime, Marlena enjoys time with her family and friends. She is also an avid reader and enjoys live music.
Receiving her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Law Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she went on to continue her education at Concordia University where she earned her MBA in Risk Management. Soon after completing her MBA, Marlena began teaching in higher education and has been awarded the Top 10 Adjunct Faculty at Concordia University in 2015 and 2018. In addition to teaching, she also works as an Instructional Design Consultant at Concordia University. Marlena is pursuing a second Master's degree in Educational Design Technology and is expected to finish by May 2019. Her research interest includes blended learning, digital literacy and the digital divide for adult learners.
Marlena’s education and professionalism have placed her in corporate, sales and managerial positions with both regional and national insurance carriers. It has also allowed her the privilege to instruct and counsel hundreds of adult learners and traditional students in pursuit of their college education. Additionally, she has created and conducted many workshops for adult learners and business professionals.
Working as an independent consultant providing curriculum design, training and development for professionals and small business owners, she has equipped hundreds of people to flourish in their business and personal lives. Through facilitating workshops, webinars, mastermind sessions, individual training sessions, and coaching through her Facebook group-- The Marketing Maze, Marlena has created a reputation of being high-energy, engaging, approachable and empowering in her delivery.
Her love for business and coaching does not stop there; she created a high-end rhinestone products and apparel company Trinity Xpressions, LLC. Trinity Xpressions started with a focus on helping companies and individuals add a unique touch to their logos and special occasions by offering custom designed rhinestone T-shirts and other embellished apparel. In 2019, the family will be opening The Bling Boutique, a place to create and purchase rhinestone products and apparel.
Marlena is just as passionate about social responsibility as she is with her professional endeavors. Marlena was instrumental in starting a Milwaukee Chapter of the National African-American Insurance Association (NAAIA). She has served in various capacities at her church, World Outreach Center, including Director of Training and Development and Project Manager for Melva Henderson Ministries.
Marlena is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
In her downtime, Marlena enjoys time with her family and friends. She is also an avid reader and enjoys live music.
