Oregon State University

Saint Mary's University

Duke University

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)

freeCodeCamp

Rutgers University

Mt. Hood Community College

Founder at Routes Maker, Inc.

I joined the Food Front Cooperative in October 2023. I now serve as a pivotal liaison for member engagement and lead the establishment of a Professional Development Committee. My role draws upon my expertise as an Instructional Designer and Experiential Learning Specialist to enhance the cooperative's educational programming and member involvement.

Key Contributions:
- Advocate for cooperative values and principles, driving democratic decision-making and promoting a culture of self-help, equality, and solidarity.
- Actively solicit and integrate member feedback into the Board's strategic decisions, championing a member-centric approach.
- Uphold the highest ethical standards in all Board and member interactions, ensuring integrity in governance and operations.
- Engage with external stakeholders to bolster FFC's presence and partnerships within the community.
- Pioneering the Professional Development Committee, designing and implementing educational programs that are at the forefront of cooperative professional growth.

Food Front Cooperative

Board Member

I am a Learning Experience Strategist. I help clients define their projects, determine the scope of work, and meet learner goals. I then seek to ensure the outcomes of UX and Instructional designers fulfill the client's needs. Toward that aim, I perform the following:

As the driving force behind Collin MacFhearghuis Training, LLC, I leverage my expertise as an Instructional Designer and Experiential Learning Specialist to craft dynamic learning experiences that inspire growth and development. My role centers on curating innovative instructional materials and immersive learning journeys that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. I engage with diverse stakeholders to ensure that each learning solution aligns seamlessly with the unique goals of co-ops, credit unions, local businesses, and students.

Knowledge:
+ Ideate and test educational business models & value propositions
+ Conduct user research, competitive analysis, and stakeholder interviews
+ Formulate concepts and requirements into a strategic roadmap

Skills:
+ Learning Experience Design
+ Experiential Learning Methodologies
+ Instructional Strategy Development
+ User-Centered Design (UCD)
+ Curriculum Design and Implementation
+ Learning Management Systems (LMS) Administration (LearnDash, WordPress)
+ UX Research and Evaluation
+ E-Learning Development
+ Collaborative Project Management
+ Community Engagement and Cooperative Principles

Abilities:
+ Develop learner experience artifacts, including site maps, user journey maps, process flows, user personas, wireframes, and low-fidelity prototypes
+ Leverage Design Thinking for innovative problem-solving
+ Foster collaboration and alignment among stakeholders
+ Create engaging and interactive online learning environments
+ Analyze data and feedback to continuously enhance learning outcomes
+ Adapt to emerging technologies and industry trends
+ Facilitate workshops and training sessions to promote cooperative values

Collin MacFhearghuis Training, LLC

Instructional Designer and Experiential Learning Specialist

As a seasoned gig-worker across multiple platforms—Grubhub, SJ Distributors, Uber, and Lyft—I honed my customer service, community engagement, and entrepreneurship skills. My roles required a blend of organizational skills, adaptability, and attention to detail, like the traits needed for successful instructional design.

In a fast-paced, delivery-oriented setting, I provided seamless and efficient services, meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality client interactions. With a firm commitment to safety, I ensured all stakeholders' well-being, mirroring the care and meticulous planning that go into designing learning experiences.

In my ride-sharing roles, I completed over 4,500 trips and consistently maintained near-perfect ratings, highlighting my focus on exceptional service. My commitment to clear communication and stakeholder engagement directly informs my current work in experiential learning, as both require a deep understanding of individual needs for a collective benefit.

Notably, my entrepreneurial mindset allowed me to thrive in self-managed environments, a skill I now apply to the self-directed, innovative landscape of instructional design and experiential learning. I also developed an eye for business modeling and strategic thinking, tools that are essential for planning and implementing transformative educational initiatives like Cause-MOOCs.

Multi-Platform Operations

Gig-worker

During my impactful tenure at TCB Industrial, I specialized in hazardous waste management, leveraging comprehensive training in OSHA and HAZWOPER regulations. This experience has enriched my current Instructional Designer and Experiential Learning Specialist role, particularly in areas like meticulous planning and risk assessment essential for executing large-scale educational projects.

I actively participated in maintaining clean environments, managing challenging projects, including cleaning oil spills. This eco-responsible approach aligns perfectly with my current endeavor to embed sustainability principles into experiential learning modules.

My extensive work in confined space projects and decontamination procedures has fine-tuned my skills in managing complex, layered tasks—traits invaluable when navigating the intricacies of instructional design. I conducted meticulous safety inspections and upheld stringent regulations for hazardous waste storage. This attention to detail has transferred to my current role, where I ensure effective and safe learning environments.

Another critical aspect was overseeing the safe and compliant shipping of hazardous waste. The logistics and risk mitigation strategies involved are directly relevant to planning and distributing educational content in diverse settings.

My unwavering commitment to safety and environmental sustainability went beyond merely minimizing risks; it positively influenced the communities we served. This ethos continues to serve as a cornerstone in my current role, guiding me as I empower learners to become conscientious stakeholders in their communities, especially in social, economic, and environmental sustainability matters.

TCB Industrial Corporation

HAZMAT Technician

Xchange Stewards began a visionary platform cooperative endeavor to establish a transformative multilateral barter exchange within the Portland Metropolitan Area. As a co-founder and CEO, I harnessed entrepreneurial skills first developed at Portland Ten (tenx.org), applying critical business development expertise to design and refine the platform cooperative business model; this innovative concept aimed to revolutionize traditional barter systems by introducing a dynamic platform for multi-party barter transactions, enhancing participant collaboration and interconnectedness.

Our vision extended beyond conventional barter systems. Instead, we aspired to create a distributed, decentralized network inspired by the principles of decentralized finance (DeFi). This approach eliminated intermediaries and centralized institutions, leveraging technology to enable peer-to-peer barter transactions. We deployed a credit tracking system called mutual credit clearing, which tracked exchanges of goods and services among participants, fostering a cycle of reciprocal transactions.

Teamwork was fundamental to our success, and I exemplified essential teamwork skills throughout the project. Effective communication allowed for the transparent sharing of thoughts and ideas, while my commitment to responsibility ensured timely completion of tasks. Honesty and transparency fostered trust within the team, facilitating open discussions and sharing updates. Active listening and empathy enabled me to understand my teammates' motives and work styles, contributing to effective collaboration. I actively ensured that all team members heard every voice and valued every contribution, showcasing my acute awareness of team dynamics. Through these collective efforts, Xchange Stewards sought to foster collaboration, empower participants, and establish a transformative paradigm of economic exchange.

Xchange Stewards, LLC

Co-Founder

During my tenure at the Earth Energy Collective (EEC), I collaborated with my team to extend the visionary ethos of Cascadia Commons by spearheading the creation of a groundbreaking platform cooperative, bridging the gap between residential homeowners, solar energy installers, and financiers. Leveraging my entrepreneurial acumen and business development expertise, I navigated the intricacies of establishing a dynamic ecosystem that harnessed sustainable energy solutions to benefit all stakeholders.

As EEC's Platform Operations Strategist and Residential Outreach Representative, I ensured a seamless blend of operational excellence and strategic foresight. My multifaceted skill set was instrumental in implementing the platform's strategic vision, fusing innovative technology with cooperative ideals. Employing business intelligence skills, I identified opportunities and challenges within the renewable energy landscape, forging partnerships with solar installers and financiers to create a collaborative network aligned with EEC's mission.

This approach extended to the comprehensive use of user engagement, e-commerce, and digital marketing techniques. I cultivated a vibrant community through strategic user engagement strategies, fostering trust and resonance among residential homeowners. My e-commerce proficiency ensured seamless transactions among stakeholders, while my digital marketing expertise effectively conveyed the numerous benefits of transitioning to solar energy. This holistic approach, rooted in empathetic communication and personalized engagement, significantly bolstered the establishment of trust and alignment with EEC's values, leading to increased adoption and enthusiastic community participation.

Earth Energy Collective

Platform Operations Strategist and Residential Outreach Representative (Director of Project Finance)

As President of the Cascadia Education Project, Inc., I skillfully orchestrated the organization's revival from the brink of dissolution. My strategic efforts encompassed recovering crucial legal documents, updating the Federal tax-exempt designation with the IRS, and initiating innovative programs and projects that breathed new life into the organization's mission. This revival required a profound blend of leadership, legal acumen, and strategic foresight, enabling me to navigate intricate processes and reinvigorate the organization's purpose.

Cascadia Education Project, Inc.

President

At Cascadia Commons, I founded a benevolent society that promoted social, economic, and environmental sustainability throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our goal was to cultivate a flourishing community that harmonized with nature. Using my expertise in business development and entrepreneurship, I sought to create a comprehensive network of local lodges, cooperatives, and initiatives that were specifically tailored to address the complex challenges of the Cascadia Bioregion.

Throughout my journey, I used entrepreneurial skills to drive success. By researching the market landscape, I gained insights that enabled strategic stakeholder mapping and identified key partnerships. I devised engagement strategies that resonated with our target audience and amplified our initiatives to rally a passionate community. I also crafted communication strategies that amplified the voices of local communities, highlighted cultural events, and promoted sustainable practices to foster a deeper sense of regional identity.

Cascadia Commons

Co Founder

I adeptly harnessed the power of ArcGIS, coupled with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator programs, to craft innovative and visually captivating maps pivotal for advancing Essex County's ambitious revitalization initiatives. My key role encompassed the creation of exact and detailed modern maps and a comprehensive understanding of Adobe Photoshop's intricate photo-editing tools and Illustrator's vector-based design capabilities. 

I skillfully navigated the software, seamlessly merging geographic data with visual elements and ensuring the meticulous collection and maintenance of accurate records throughout the design journey. This process demanded a keen eye for detail, proficiency in selecting and manipulating images, and employing advanced techniques like layering, masking, and blending modes. My dedication to mastering these tools allowed me to consistently deliver final products punctually, earning commendation for surpassing project expectations and contributing to the revitalization of Frederick Law Olmsted's Branch Brook Park.

Collin S. Ferguson