Essence Lee is a program officer on the Community Solutions Program in the Leadership Practice at IREX.

In this role, Essence supports communications, partner relations, fellow support, and event logistics.

Prior to joining IREX, Essence supported the Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning at American University. There she planned and implemented professional development workshops for faculty and managed the Center’s communications efforts. Before this, Essence worked as an English teacher in Thailand. She also previously served as an AmeriCorps member in Detroit, where she focused on providing educational and holistic support for low-income and first-generation youth.

Essence holds a MA in intercultural and international communication from American University and a BS in journalism and mass communication from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.