I am a Learning & Development Specialist and former K–12 leader with a passion for educational innovation, workforce development, and organizational learning. My experience spans classroom teaching, instructional coaching, and school leadership, where I designed and evaluated programs that improved performance, engagement, and culture. These experiences fueled my interest in how adults learn, adapt, and thrive in dynamic environments, leading me to pivot my research and professional focus toward talent development, leadership coaching, and organizational effectiveness.
My current research aspirations center on exploring how organizations can:
Design scalable, data-informed learning programs that drive measurable outcomes.
Leverage adult learning theory and instructional design to enhance employee engagement and retention.
Integrate coaching, feedback cycles, and leadership development into sustainable organizational cultures.
Use emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools, to personalize and expand access to learning.
I am especially interested in bridging the gap between educational theory and corporate practice, applying evidence-based strategies from instructional research to improve professional learning across industries. My long-term goal is to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on how organizations can foster continuous learning cultures that adapt to change, close skill gaps, and unlock human potential.
Lopez-Colson, G., De Leon, J. & Jimenez, R. “A critical view of STEM curriculum from the LatCrit perspective: LatCrit in STEM, necessary or irrelevant?” Oral Presentation, 2022 NARST 95th Annual International Conference. Vancouver, British Columbia, March 27-30, 2022.
Colson, G., Ortiz, M. Colyer, R. & Chapman, A. “Do perceptions mirror the reality of the science field? Understanding Latina’s perceptions of scientists.” Oral Presentation, 5th Annual STEM Education Consortium. South Padre Island, Texas, February 10-12, 2022.
Lopez-Colson, G., De Leon, J. & Jimenez, R. “A critical view of STEM curriculum from the LatCrit perspective: LatCrit in STEM, necessary or irrelevant? (Work in Progress).” Oral Presentation, 22nd Annual Curriculum & Pedagogy Conference. October 20-23,2021.
Lopez-Colson, G., & Ortiz, M. “Promoting Scientific Literacy for All in the Classroom.” Oral Presentation, 2021 NARST 94th Annual International Conference. April 7-10, 2021.
Member since January 2018 - 2024
Latino/a RIG [LARIG] Secretary 2022-2023
Member since January 2018 - 2024