Nakiyah "Kai" LeSure, Executive Assistant (she/her)

Kai comes to Mahonia Public Affairs with a love of education, organization and fostering positive relationships. She graduated from Concordia University-Portland with a degree in Education, minoring in both Psychology and Literature. She furthered her education by earning a Master's degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in March 2022. Since then, Kai has been working in the classroom, helping preschool students learn and grow with patience, compassion and enthusiasm.

Kai is driven by a passion for learning and engagement, and she thrives in environments where she can interact with and support others. She respects those in leadership roles and is always willing to take on additional responsibilities to contribute to her team's success. Her strengths include student development, special education, and progress reporting — making her a valuable asset in any educational setting, whether she’s inside the classroom or advocating for the voices of our young people through policy.

Known for her initiative and quick learning, Kai continuously seeks opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge. Her dedication and hard work are evident in everything she undertakes, ensuring she is a great addition to any organization. Kai is eager to bring her talents and enthusiasm to new challenges, projects and proposals through legislative advocacy, organizational management and leadership development.

Originally from Sparks, Nevada, Kai moved back to the Pacific Northwest in 2021 and loves spending time reading with her book club, babysitting for family friends, or FaceTiming her loved ones. As a former college basketball player, Kai has a deep understanding of the positive impact that teamwork, tenacity and fun bring to the workplace. When she’s not working, reading or enjoying sports, you’ll probably find her with her adoring black lab, Cash.