Leslie Kim

Leslie Kim brings over 18 years of experience building high-performing schools and systems rooted in equity and excellence. She began her career as a Teach For America corps member teaching Chemistry and Physics in the Bronx, then went on to teach and lead across various roles and teams at KIPP NYC, ultimately serving as Chief Academic Officer across 18 schools and 9,300 students. During her tenure, Leslie led the academic and assessment strategy of the organization through a period of rapid growth and change, driving proficiency results to all-time organizational highs exceeding pre-pandemic levels (66% in ELA and 71% in Math) and achieving early literacy outcomes significantly above the national average (86% at or above grade level K-2). Leslie's belief that education is one of the greatest drivers of societal equity shapes everything she does, from developing teachers to designing academic cultures where every child thrives.