Lesley Vann’s experience spans more than 25 years in education, youth engagement, service learning, fundraising, development, strategic planning, and organizational transformation.

She has led schools for 17 years. She also has served with the United Way and other agencies, together raising millions of dollars.

Since May of 2007 Lesley has been Principal of Community International Consulting, based in New York. Her consulting services have included organization development, group facilitation, fundraising, instructional design, literature and network development for not-for-profits in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Kosovo, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, Russia, Singapore, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Nepal, Israel, France, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt, Greece, India and the U.K. Through these experiences, Lesley has become an innovative leader with years of experience leading continuing education training, professional development, continuous improvement, and diversity programs ~ often providing public speaking presentations at conferences.

Lesley has edited four books and has authored one book manuscript. She has had columns in newsletters and newspapers, and has appeared on television.

She has an A.B. with Distinction from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Prior to obtaining her Master’s degree in global- and peace education, Lesley served at two advertising and public relations agencies. Her doctoral studies emphasized leadership styles and education; civic virtue, and ways of galvanizing a new “Town Square” or “Assembly” to maximize the common good; civic engagement and civic renewal across cultures, generations, worldviews and eras.

Working to anchor dialogue, the “emerging global paradigm” and cultures of peace initiatives is key to her service within a variety of non-governmental organizations, where she serves as a writer, fundraiser, catalyst and convener.

She enjoys languages and has studied six years of Spanish, two years of French, and some Hindi.

She enjoys time with family and friends, nieces and nephews.

Singing is central to Lesley's life, and she has been an active member in choral music and folk societies, valuing the healing qualities of music, singing, creativity, and the beauties of nature.