By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Sesame Workshop has promoted Lesley Bourns to the role of SVP for the company’s international social impact (ISI) department.
In her new position at the company, Bourns will be responsible for overseeing the ISI department as it develops and executes international media-driven educational initiatives across several key outcome areas.
These priority areas include the promotion of emotional well-being, language skills, literacy, STEM education, creative problem-solving, climate change awareness, conflict resolution and more.
“Lesley is a visionary leader whose strategic and compassionate approach has contributed enormously to the success and impact of the Workshop’s global initiatives,” said Sesame Workshop CEO Sherrie Westin. “From the expansion of our Welcome Sesame program for children affected by conflict and crisis, to addressing the impact of climate on young children, Lesley is always focused on the most pressing issues facing young children.”
With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Bourns most recently worked as Sesame Workshop’s VP of international programs.
Since she first joined the organization in 2019, Bourns has been responsible for large-scale projects including developing and launching Sesame Workshop’s humanitarian advocacy strategy, leading the long-term Play to Learn educational entertainment project and building upon the global Welcome Sesame crisis relief initiative.
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Before joining Sesame Workshop, Bourns worked at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as a lead analyst on the policy analysis and innovation team.
Bourns has also previously served as chief of staff for the International Center for Transitional Justice.
Sesame Workshop is a global nonprofit organization that is known for its multi-media educational entertainment franchise, Sesame Street.
The non-profit organization utilizes education, entertainment media, research and philanthropic licensing partnerships to provide humanitarian aid to disadvantaged children and families around the world.