Pouneh Lechner

Chief Strategy Officer

Pouneh is the Chief Strategy Officer at Science is Elementary, where she leads strategy, marketing, and communications to bring transformative STEM education to the children who need it most. A firm believer in the power of education, Pouneh was drawn to SiE’s mission to ensure that every child—regardless of circumstance—has access to high-quality STEM learning. She’s especially passionate about science education for the way it nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a way of understanding the world that lasts a lifetime.

Pouneh brings over two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and strategy across the technology, education, and nonprofit sectors. She has led integrated global campaigns, shaped brand messaging/positioning, and built cross-functional initiatives that drive engagement and deliver measurable results. Her ability to align vision with execution, combined with a collaborative leadership style, has made her a trusted partner across teams, organizations, and communities.

Her professional background also includes nearly a decade of nonprofit leadership focused on educational enrichment where she expanded the organization’s impact through strategic planning, community partnerships, digital transformation, and a 220% increase in fundraising. She holds a BS in Marketing and has been recognized for excellence in communications, leadership, and relationship management. Outside of work, Pouneh enjoys spending time with her family, especially when she can get them to join her in gardening, exploring the arts, studying ancient history, and always learning something new.