LAS VEGAS, NV, March 03, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Monique Makhlouf, M.A., CHE, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Makhlouf has established herself as a transformative leader in learning and development, currently serving as executive director of learning and development at Wynn Las Vegas LLC since January 2026. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in evolving the department from a traditional training function to a dynamic learning culture. Her approach emphasizes voluntary participation over mandatory training, encouraging active engagement by demonstrating the value of each class and aligning experiences with the brand's pillars of excellence, progressiveness, artistry and service. She has designed leadership curricula for both Las Vegas and Boston locations, instituted foundational programs such as Foundations of Leadership and developed the Climb program to prepare managers for directorship roles. She has also partnered with University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and Boston University to design and facilitate leadership classes. Her partnership with UNLV has evolved to offer transferable credits at both the undergraduate and graduate level, to employees who successfully complete select programs, integrating practical learning with academic achievement.
Her tenure at Wynn Las Vegas LLC began in May 2023 when she joined as director of learning and development. During this period, Ms. Makhlouf launched Wynn University, focusing on upskilling and reskilling leaders within the country's largest five-star luxury resort. Her initiatives have resulted in improved retention and promotion metrics, reflecting her commitment to making a tangible difference in employees' lives.
From 2016 to 2023, Ms. Makhlouf served as director of learning and development at Yes& Company, where she guided a large conglomerate through multiple acquisitions and organizational changes. She unified diverse entities under a shared mission, vision and values, demonstrating her expertise in cultural integration and transformation. Her earlier role as corporate training and development manager at Yes& Company from 2016 to 2018 further solidified her reputation for driving measurable outcomes in leadership development and upskilling across various industries. Notably, her work in launching English as a Second Language training has empowered individuals to enhance their prospects and transform family trajectories.
Prior to her corporate achievements, Ms. Makhlouf held academic leadership positions at UNLV. As interim director of education at the Center for Professional and Leadership Studies from 2015 to 2016, she collaborated with what is now known as the Sands Center to bridge practical experience with academic education. Concurrently, she contributed as an instructional designer at the center during the same period. Her dedication to education extended to teaching roles; she was an adjunct communication instructor at the College of Southern Nevada from 2014 to 2016 and a full-time visiting lecturer in the communication studies department at UNLV from 2014 to 2015. Earlier, she served as a graduate teaching assistant at UNLV from 2012 to 2014.
Ms. Makhlouf's professional journey began in hospitality and training roles that laid the foundation for her expertise in people development. She worked as a corporate trainer, server and host team lead at The Capital Grille under Darden Concepts Inc. from 2004 to 2013, followed by a position as training specialist at Bluepoint Solutions in 2013. Her early career included experience as a therapist at Autism Partnership from 2004 to 2005 and as a trainer, performer and cashier with Forum Ride Associates from 2002 to 2004.
Throughout her career, Ms. Makhlouf has maintained active involvement in industry organizations such as Women We Admire, the American Society for Training & Development (now ATD). She also served as student director of education for the International Association of Business Communicators from 2011 to 2013.
Her academic background is distinguished by progressive achievement in communication studies. She earned a Master of Arts in communication studies from UNLV in 2014 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies at the same institution in 2012. Her educational journey began with an Associate of Arts in communication and media studies from the College of Southern Nevada in 2010 as well as an Associate of Arts in general studies from the same institution. She also holds the certified hospitality educator credential from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, obtained in 2016. These academic accomplishments provided Ms. Makhlouf with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that have been integral to her success in designing impactful learning programs.
Beyond her professional roles, Ms. Makhlouf has demonstrated civic engagement through service on the School Organizational Team at Gordon McCaw Elementary School and leadership positions including vice president of education for the International Association of Business Communicators at UNLV, president of the Association of Students in Communication at UNLV and public relations coordinator for media relations at UNLV. She has also led leadership development for philanthropy organizations through her partnership with Wynn Resorts Foundation. She also engages in voluntary leadership development work for non-profit organizations in her free time.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including Top 50 Women Leaders of Las Vegas for both 2025 and 2024, winner of Top Debut Paper at Western States Communication Association Conference in 2014 and Dean's Honor List at UNLV for two consecutive years. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society through the National Communication Association, the Golden Key International Honour Society, Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Chi Eta Honor Society through the National Communication Association and is a recipient of multiple scholarships. Ms. Makhlouf's creative endeavors include producing the documentary "No Greater Odds," which highlights community college experiences—a project that continues to be showcased at national educational conferences.
Ms. Makhlouf attributes her achievements to embracing new opportunities even before feeling fully prepared, a philosophy supported by a strong family network that enabled her to balance rigorous academic pursuits with professional responsibilities. The support provided by her husband and mother was instrumental during pivotal moments throughout her education and career.
Born in Las Vegas, Ms. Makhlouf enjoys spending time with her two young children, visiting libraries, attending dances and balls and crocheting large blankets. She remains dedicated to advancing people skills among leaders amid technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, emphasizing that genuine human connection is essential for innovation and well-being within organizations. Her ongoing mission is to strengthen the learning and development pipeline so future professionals can access meaningful opportunities regardless of background or resources.
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