I'm Izabel Rego de Andrade

Expert in language, education, technology & innovation

― My background

Education has always been at the heart of what I do. I’m an expert in language learning, technology, and innovation, and throughout my career I’ve worn many hats — from teacher to director — all connected by one purpose: helping people grow through learning.

I’m passionate about the transformation education brings to people’s lives and approach every challenge as a problem solver and a leader who learns alongside others. Over the years, I’ve designed and delivered competency-based curricula and online programs in vocational and language education, always focused on creating learner-centered experiences that truly engage and make an impact.

From 2019 to 2023, I’ve had the privilege of leading a team that supports more than 340,000 learners each year, applying evidence-based methods, blended learning, and clear quality standards to improve engagement and results. For me, learning isn’t just about content — it’s about connection, curiosity, and measurable growth.

I’m multilingual and have worked across Switzerland and Latin America, experiences that taught me how to adapt learning solutions to different cultures and business contexts. I’m proud to be recognized for driving digital transformation in education, and I’m constantly inspired by how innovation can open new paths for people to learn, work, and thrive.

― Skills

Curriculum design

Competency frameworks

LMS management

E-learning development

Onboarding programs

Learning analytics

Quality frameworks

Team leadership

I believe the future of learning lies where technology meets human connection — and my mission is to build that bridge.

― Work experience

Learning Specialist

SENAI (São Paulo, Brazil) / 2010 – 2018

I designed competency-based curricula and digital learning paths aligned with business and workforce needs, driving SENAI’s long-term e-learning strategy and advancing innovation through technology-enhanced, accessible learning solutions.

― Education

Campinas State University

Master's degree, Applied Linguistics / 2008 - 2010

Brasilia University

Bachelor’s degree, Spanish Language and Literature / 2004 - 2007

― Courses

MBA in Digital Business

FIAP / 2023

Head of Online Learning School

SENAI (São Paulo, Brazil) / 2019 – 2023

SENAI is the leader vocational education institution in Latin America, offering onsite and online courses.

I led strategic initiatives that enhanced engagement and retention for 340K+ students annually, built cross-functional partnerships to deliver targeted educational projects, and established a Project Office embedding ROI-driven evaluation and a culture of continuous improvement.

Earlier Career in Learning & Development and Education

Brasilia, Brazil / 2003 – 2008

Educational Consultant, ABAQUAR – Published teacher training textbooks and implemented statewide professional development programs, improving literacy methodologies and teaching quality.

Assessment Researcher, CEBRASPE (former CESPE) – Coordinated development of a 10,000-item assessment bank for Brazil’s national education system; analysed large-scale data (PISA, ENADE) to inform policy and learning strategies.

Researcher, UNESCO – Researched innovative digital learning technologies and strategies for higher education, supporting the development of effective e-learning practices.

Campinas State University

Doctoral degree, Applied Linguistics / 2013 - 2017

Neurolanguage Coach

Efficient Language Coaching Global SLU/ 2025

User Experience

FIAP / 2022

Feasibility analysis of projects

FGV / 2021

Relocating

Switzerland / 2023 – 2025

Manage the family relocation to Switzerland, while integrating in the local labor market and strengthening professional connections.

I deliver Portuguese language training to primary school students under Switzerland’s HSK program at ABEC (Brasilianischer Verein für Bildung und Kultur), actively engage in professional networks such as Her Hack by Digital Switzerland and the Bitmark Hackathon to explore innovation in learning technologies, and support fundraising initiatives for Blaues Kreuz Schweiz, strengthening communication and stakeholder collaboration within Swiss organizations.

― Artificial intelligence

I explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to personalize and optimize teaching and learning processes. My current investigations seek to understand and develop AI tools that not only improve language acquisition but also make learning more accessible and effective, especially in the context of mobile learning. As showcased in my most recent presentations:

"Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) for Minority Languages: What Can Change with AI-Powered Tools?" (2025) "Exploring Creativity in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL): Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of AI." (2025)

This research line is crucial for unveiling how AI can create more adaptive, engaging educational experiences that align with the needs of the 21st century.

the letter a is placed on top of a circuit board
the letter a is placed on top of a circuit board
silver Android smartphone
silver Android smartphone

As a pioneer in the field of mobile learning (MALL - Mobile Assisted Language Learning), my research investigates how mobile devices can be effectively integrated into pedagogical processes, especially in language teaching.

My doctoral thesis, for example, focused on "Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (ALADIM): An Alternative Proposal for Teaching the Spanish Language." I have developed and evaluated applications and methodologies that transform the smartphone into a powerful educational tool, incorporating elements such as gamification to enrich the student experience.

This area highlights the importance of careful instructional design and understanding the dynamics of mobile technology use to maximize educational impact.

― mobile learning

Research

― Teacher training

I believe that teacher training is the foundation for educational innovation. My work extends to the creation and implementation of training programs that prepare teachers to integrate digital technologies into their practices, as well as develop pedagogical skills aligned with active methodologies and distance learning.

At SENAI, I led the development of curricula and courses that enabled teachers to meet the challenges of professional and technological education.

This pillar of my research aims to empower educators by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing educational ecosystem.

― Language learning

My specialization in Applied Linguistics and the teaching of the Spanish language is deeply intertwined with the strategic use of technologies. From developing digital teaching materials to exploring virtual platforms and inclusive tools, my work aims to enhance the acquisition of foreign languages.

I analyze how “new technologies in the Spanish language classroom” can be used to overcome difficulties and create more dynamic and culturally rich learning experiences, as addressed in my master's degree.

alphabet learning toy on gray apparel
alphabet learning toy on gray apparel
a blackboard with a chalkboard and some colored pencils
a blackboard with a chalkboard and some colored pencils

Let's talk

Get in touch to explore possibilities for specialized consultancy or strategic partnerships. Together, we can design the future of learning, drive innovation, and achieve extraordinary results.