Lex Zain is an early childhood learning and development leader who has worked in New York City since 2012. From 2012 to 2021 she served as the middle school director of the Leaders In Our Neighborhood (LION) Charter School in the Bronx. She effectively managed the development of the middle school curriculum budget during this time, which included formulating and executing academic continuity strategies during various crises, including a global pandemic. In 2021, Lex Zain advanced to the role of chief academic officer at LION. In this position, she is tasked with the oversight of the K-12 curriculum and the integration of innovative teaching philosophies and strategies, such as project-based learning approaches. She further supports the charter school by managing an academic budget of about $500,000.

Ms. Zain studied psychology as an undergraduate at Middlebury College in the Bronx. After graduating magna cum laude, she continued her education at PACE University, earning a master of arts in teaching. She also holds a master of education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.