Lesley Russell

Lesley Russell

Professional Summary

Lesley Russell is an educational reformer, speaker, and advocate for transformational, Christ-centered education. She is the founder of EQUIP 210, a national K-12 alternative and hybrid education program, and Next Generation Ministries, which focuses on helping students discover their purpose. Lesley also hosts the podcast Reinventing Education with Leaders and Visionaries, where she explores innovative education models and leadership strategies.

Education

• Master’s in Secondary Education – Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY

• Bachelor of Arts in English – Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Work Experience

President & Founder – EQUIP 210 (2023 - Present)

• Founded and leads EQUIP 210, a K-12 Alternative/Hybrid Educational Program with national and global influence.

• Oversees operations, strategic planning, and expansion efforts.

• Developed a leadership training program to establish EQUIP 210 campuses based on seven core values: Love, Grace, Kindness, Honor, Obedience, Excellence, and Courage.

• Provides guidance in leadership, curriculum design, IT platforms, scheduling, community engagement, and faith-based education.

• Built strategic partnerships with universities, trade schools, and community organizations to empower students in discovering their unique purpose.

• Designed teacher training programs focused on student-centered learning, interactive lesson planning, and identity-based education to foster a purpose-driven learning environment.

President & Founder – Next Generation Ministries / Independent Learning Academy (2012 - 2023)

• Established Southern California’s largest homeschool hybrid movement, serving thousands of students.

• Acted as Executive Director, overseeing multiple campuses and training campus directors in management and leadership.

• Pioneered a Christ-centered homeschool hybrid education model, engaging students, parents, and educators in a faith-based learning community.

• Developed a scalable, sustainable hybrid education framework, setting a precedent for similar models nationwide.

• Built partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions to enhance student opportunities and resources.

• Trained teachers and staff to equip students as change-makers with personalized education pathways.

Charter Head – Trail Life Troop 7401 (2017 - 2023)

• Founded the first Trail Life troop in Southern California, mentoring fathers in leadership and training them in Trail Life’s values and structures.

• Organized community outreach initiatives, including camping and hiking events, to encourage youth engagement.

• Developed a structured badge-earning program for youth, supporting the national Trail Life organization.

Expertise

✔ Educational Reform

✔ Leadership Development

✔ Curriculum Design

✔ Hybrid Education

✔ Community Building

✔ Teacher Training

✔ Public Speaking

✔ Podcasting

✔ Partnership Building

✔ Youth Mentorship

Ambassador & Consultant Roles

• Don’t Mess with Our Kids – Trained by Jenny Donnelly to educate pastors, churches, and community leaders on child protection in schools.

• Children’s Educational Act – Partnered with Mayor Kevin McNamee on an Educational Savings Account initiative for inclusion on the 2026 California ballot.

• Third Education Revolution/Truth and Transformation – Collaborating with global leaders on reforming education at an international level.

• Turning Point USA – Speaker at national events, advocating for alternative education solutions.

• Billion Soul Harvest/Global Education Forum – Collaborated with world leaders at the 2024 South Korea summit to transform global education.