Victoria Nelson — Mentor profile, Title: Learning & Development Strategist, Company: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), Industry: Learning & Development | Non-profit | Healthcare | Medical Research, Mentor Type: Albers

Background

Job Description

I serve as a strategy-focused learning and development professional at the Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where I align talent development with complex organizational goals. My focus centers on strategic leadership, change management, and empowering teams to navigate evolving career and technology landscapes.

In my current work, I lead large-scale enablement initiatives, including driving the change management strategy for enterprise-wide AI adoption and overseeing major digital transformations like an enterprise Atlassian platform implementation. Beyond technical integration, I focus heavily on human-centered growth—standing up structured leadership development programs and centralizing learning strategies to accelerate onboarding, performance, and professional development across the organization.

Through this mix of strategic change leadership and intentional program design, I help professionals build the adaptability and core capabilities needed to navigate their careers effectively in high-impact environments.

Company Description

Fred Hutch is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and related diseases. Within Fred Hutch, SCHARP serves as an international statistical and data management center, providing comprehensive statistical design, data integration, and trial management for global infectious disease research and clinical trials.

Employment History

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (SCHARP) | 2019 - Present Strategy-Focused Learning & Development Professional

Slalom Consulting | 2018 - 2019 Learning & Development / Organizational Effectiveness Role

Advarra (formerly Quorum Review IRB) | 2009 - 2018 Technical Learning & Development Roles

United Parcel Service (UPS) | 2005 - 2009 Business Development/Account Management

College Success Foundation (formerly Washington Education Foundation) 2001 - 2005 Program Management, Marketing & Development

Education

Seattle University:

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration, International Business
    Bachelor of Arts, Humanities

No civic involvement entered

Mentoring Objectives & Scope

My goal as a mentor is to help students build confidence, strategic adaptability, and clarity as they navigate their career options. Through our time together, I hope students will gain:

Navigating Non-Linear Career Paths: Practical strategies for transitioning between industries, translating transferable skills, and making intentional career moves without feeling locked into a single direction.

Strategic Mindset & Professional Adaptability: Insight into how to align personal strengths with broader business goals, approach complex workplace dynamics with confidence, and lead through change.

Actionable Guidance & Accountable Support: A candid, supportive sounding board to help refine goals, practice professional positioning, and build self-advocacy in high-impact work environments.

As a mentor, I can support students in the following: 

- Resume review, interview prep, LinkedIn branding
- Career exploration, matching interests and talents with professions and industries
- Student transition from college to first professional role
- Improved communication and interpersonal skills
- Development of leadership skills, confidence, and executive presence
- Expanding a network, building connection, navigating an organization
- Career Pivot - transition to new role, career, and industry
- Navigating Corporate Culture & Organizational Change: how to adapt, build influence, and thrive within complex matrixed or research-driven environments.

 

When and where do you hold meetings with your students?

Hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual). I'm available to meet near the Seattle University campus or downtown Seattle area.

Additional Information

I am deeply passionate about helping professionals navigate career growth, develop strategic adaptability, and build confidence in complex work environments. Having spent over 15 years expanding my career—starting in non-profit program management and business development before pivoting into strategic talent development—I love discussing non-linear career paths, navigating corporate culture and organizational change, and developing leadership skills.