ATD-LA News

As each new year begins, many of us choose a single word to anchor our focus. It’s a simple practice, yet choosing just one word can feel surprisingly complex. Absolutes rarely define our lives and careers. Still, if I had to choose one word to guide us into 2026—one that reflects who we are and who we aspire to be—that word is intentional.

This year, ATD Los Angeles is moving forward with deep intention. Every decision, program, partnership, and moment of connection will be designed with one purpose in mind: to elevate our members' experience and success. You are the heart of this chapter, and our commitment is to ensure that everything we offer meaningfully supports your growth.

To guide us, we are aligning all chapter activities with our four pillars—our north star for 2026 and beyond:

These pillars represent more than a framework—they are our member promise. Just as organizations articulate a brand promise or mission, this is our commitment to you. When you invest in ATD-LA, we invest in your long-term success. This is our answer to “Why join ATD-LA?” not only today but also next year and five years from now.

2026 will be a year centered on you—your aspirations, development, and potential. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned practitioner, we want ATD Los Angeles to be the place where you feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. I look forward to learning, growing, and celebrating with you throughout the year. Here’s to a new year filled with purpose, possibility, and the courage to become the best version of ourselves.

Cheers to 2026—and to the intentional journey ahead! Join us at ATD Los Angeles and make this your year to thrive.

Sincerely,

Maura

Maura Lemon, 2025-2026 President

As someone who has spent over 15 years in the learning and development space, I know firsthand that transformation doesn’t happen by chance—it happens through connection, continuous learning, and intentional growth.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join ATD - Los Angeles, the leading community for talent development professionals in Southern California.

This fall marks your season of growth. By becoming a member, you’ll gain access to a rich portfolio of programming designed to accelerate your career and deepen your impact in the field.

Here’s just a glimpse of what’s waiting for you:

Special Fall Offer: October 13–31, 2025
Join now and receive $50 off your individual membership using promo code JOINUS2025 at checkout.

Are you a student or in career transition? Email us at president@atdla.org to access our lowest rate of the year—just $49.

This is more than a discount—it’s an invitation to invest in your professional journey, connect with industry experts, and shape the future of talent development.

Let’s grow together. Join ATD-Los Angeles today and start unlocking your potential into 2026 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Maura Lemon, ATD-LA President

Per the terms of the chapter bylaws, we call for your nomination to join the Board of Directors.

The ATD-Los Angeles Chapter Board is a very diverse group and values the thoughts and skills of everyone. Our volunteers and board give their time pro bono (not paid). We coordinate the tasks for several learning programs, chapter meetings and membership related projects.

The following positions are up for election this year, with a two-year term on the ATD-LA Board of Directors beginning in January 2026.

All nomination forms must be submitted by or before the deadline of October 19, 2025.

• President Elect
• Secretary
• Director of Chapter Meetings
• Director of Marketing
• Director of Membership

Nominate yourself or someone else to appear on the ballot during the membership voting period in October. The Call for Nominations period is open now through October 19.

Click to Nominate

Visit position descriptions here.

In addition, we are also looking to fill other volunteer positions:

If you have any interest, please contact President Maura Lemon @ president@atdla.org.

Limited-Time Offer: Free Retest for APTD® and CPTD® Candidates Earning an ATD certification boosts your professional credibility, validates your expertise, and sets you apart in a competitive job market. It demonstrates your commitment to the field, increases your value to employers, and can open doors to career opportunities. Now through June 30, 2025, receive a free retest when you apply for the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD®) or Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) certification.* Have an easier testing experience knowing you have the security of a free second test.

Apply for APTD Apply for CPTD

USE THE CHAPTER CODE: When applying for either certification or for any purchase at ATD, remember to use the ChIP Code 8028 or choose Los Angeles from the drop down. 

The chapter receives a portion of every purchase to help bring you valuable resources.

*The free retest offer is for new applicants from May 18-June 30, 2025 and does not apply to team bundles or those paying with a partner-provided code. No refunds, substitutions, or credits for prior purchases will be issued. Applicants will receive an email within five business days of applying with instructions on how to redeem the retest offer. Retest must be redeemed by April 30, 2026.

ATD-LA successfully met all required CARE elements for 2025 and was recognized for 100% achievement of CARE. Based on our reported CARE Plus responses, ATD-LA was also recognized as a CARE Plus achieved chapter. The 2025 award is for chapter affiliation requirements met in 2024.

Thank you to the 2024 ATD-LA Leadership team for providing and sustaining a vibrant community that serves our members and the entire talent development profession!

As we step into 2025, I am deeply honored to serve as your president during this critical time for talent development. Reflecting on the challenges and resilience demonstrated by our community—especially in light of the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area—I want to express solidarity with all who have been affected. This moment calls for unity, compassion, and purpose.

Each year, I choose a word to encapsulate the focus of the year ahead. For 2025, that word is “intentional.” To me, being intentional means making deliberate, meaningful choices—acting when it makes sense, communicating with clarity and purpose, and approaching both personal and professional growth with unwavering focus.

Our board’s journey this year will be anchored by four key priorities: building a stronger, more connected community; advancing the skills and capabilities of our members; fostering innovative, forward-thinking solutions; and embracing a growth mindset to navigate opportunities and challenges alike.

Building Community

Our strength lies in our community. By fostering connections among professionals, we create a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and shared learning. Let's continue to build bridges, share experiences, and support one another in our professional endeavors.

Advancing Skills

In a rapidly evolving landscape, continuous skill development is essential. We are committed to providing resources and opportunities that enable our members to enhance their competencies, stay ahead of industry trends, and meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Fostering Innovative Solutions

Innovation is the cornerstone of progress. We encourage embracing new ideas and approaches to address the dynamic needs of our organizations and learners. By cultivating a culture of creativity, we can develop solutions that drive success and growth.

Navigating 2025 with a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset empowers us to view challenges as opportunities for development. As we navigate the complexities of 2025, let's remain open to learning, resilient in the face of obstacles, and committed to personal and professional growth.

Together, with intention and purpose, we can make this year impactful for all.  I look forward to collaborating with each of you as we advance the field of talent development into the future and beyond!

Warm regards,

Maura Lemon

2025 Chapter President

Association for Talent Development - Los Angeles Chapter

We are excited to announce that ATD has updated its logo colors to align with our ongoing efforts to ensure a cohesive and accessible identity across all our offerings. The new blue and green color palette emphasizes our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

This refreshed branding better represents our values and mission, making it easier for everyone to connect with and recognize our organization.

Thank you for being a valued part of the ATD community. We look forward to continuing our journey together with this fresh, new look.

ATD-LA successfully met all required CARE elements for 2024 and was recognized for 100% achievement of CARE. Based on our reported CARE Plus responses, ATD-LA was also recognized as a CARE Plus achieved chapter. The 2024 award is for chapter affiliation requirements met in 2023.

Thank you to the 2023 ATD-LA Leadership team for providing and sustaining a vibrant community that serves our members and the entire talent development profession!

Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy membership in your premier Learning & Development community at 2023 rates!

Join as a new member or renew your current or expired membership before Monday, April 1,* to get in on last year’s rate! Yes, you can take advantage of this offer, even if your membership is not yet due for renewal (just call or email the office).

Here are some NEW perks to take advantage of today:

• Option to renew for two years and lock in your 2023 membership rate (call or email the office to take advantage of the extended savings)
• Earn continuing professional development credits for CPTD and APTD certifications while attending ATD-LA Chapter Meetings and events
• Access to special member rates to events in other ATD chapters
• Virtual and in-person chapter and networking events

ATD-LA is the only community dedicated to Learning & Development professionals in the Los Angeles area, where you can build your professional and peer network, engage in career enhancement, and take part in professional development opportunities.

For any questions or assistance, contact Denise at 562.908.3020 or office@atdla.org.

*Member rates will be increasing by $10 for all membership levels on April 1, 2024.