Women today are not just participants in their fields—they’re reshaping them. Their vision, innovation, and empathy set them apart as true trailblazers who not only excel but elevate entire organizations. They drive growth, embrace change, and open doors for others, proving that leadership goes far beyond the traditional boundaries.
Kristin Lehman, Chief Learning Officer at Hewitt Research Foundation, exemplifies what it means to be an influential leader. Her ability to blend creativity with a sharp strategic vision has transformed the foundation’s programs, propelling them toward new heights of success. Kristin’s dedication to fostering innovation and her talent for building impactful partnerships have set her apart, making her a leader whose work inspires and empowers others.
Fascinating Professional Journey
Kristin Lehman’s professional path is as diverse as impressive. With a master’s degree in mathematics, she’s also explored fields like interpreting for the deaf, wilderness leadership, speech and language pathology, linguistics, and gifted education.
During her master’s studies, Kristin hit a turning point in a particularly challenging real analysis class. Struggling to grasp the material, she reached out for help—an experience that shaped her as an educator. She learned firsthand the importance of breaking down complex ideas and meeting students where they are.
Kristin has taught mathematics at Eastern Washington University and Whitworth University, worked with the organization ‘Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted’ (SENG), and served as a community educator in Washington State’s public schools. Her teaching experience spans everything from kindergarten astronomy to coding and mathematical artistry for young learners.
Her leadership of the Invent Washington program, focused on invention education, broadened her perspective even more. Now, as a key figure at Hewitt, Kristin Lehman’s wealth of experience fuels her contributions to the foundation’s mission.
Carrying Forward the Legacy
Founded in the 1960s, Hewitt Research Foundation has spent more than 60 years offering personalized evaluation services, standardized testing for grades 3-8, and well-rounded educational programs. Known for its commitment to homeschooling families, the foundation’s slogan, “develop a mind for a lifetime of use,” reflects its long-standing dedication to quality education.
The foundation’s core programs, like the “Lightning Literature” series for grades 7-12 and the “MC Detective Agency,” which introduces complex subjects like chemistry to children ages 8 and up through comic books, have been pillars of its mission. Additionally, the foundation organizes innovative programs like the Independent Innovator Challenge and the US National Innovator Challenge, encouraging creativity and innovation among young learners.
In 2019, Kristin Lehman and her father joined Hewitt at a time when its leadership was transitioning. With many staff and board members nearing retirement, the foundation needed fresh energy to continue its mission. Kristin’s deep connection to the foundation’s values, particularly its integration of literature with strong foundations in language, math, and hands-on learning, made her the ideal candidate to lead the next phase of growth.
Overcoming Transitional Challenges
When Kristin first joined Hewitt Research Foundation, the organization was at a pivotal moment. Much of its infrastructure was outdated, and as part of its modernization, Hewitt’s headquarters were relocated closer to her home. This move, however, revealed shortcomings in the existing technology, and the systems started to fail. Kristin and her team were tasked with rebuilding the technological infrastructure from scratch—a significant challenge for a small team with limited resources.
In partnership with Whitworth University’s computer science department, Kristin worked with interns and technology experts to modernize Hewitt’s systems. This collaboration has been crucial in keeping the foundation’s operations running efficiently, even in the face of technological hurdles.
Role and Responsibilities
As Chief Learning Officer, Kristin Lehman oversees a range of educational programs at Hewitt Research Foundation, blending her experience in education, leadership, and operations. She plays an instrumental role in organizing the US National Innovator Challenge, a fully virtual competition that connects students with mentors, including patent attorneys, and provides personalized feedback to students across the U.S. Through these efforts, she has even facilitated the production of an award-winning student prototype.
Kristin is also responsible for the Future Scholars Journal, working with peer reviewers and partners like STEAM NHS and Innovation World to ensure that students receive the support and mentorship they need. Her collaborative efforts extend to curriculum development, where she provides feedback to authors and coordinates the work of editors and designers.
On the operational side, Kristin ensures that Hewitt Research Foundation’s systems function smoothly, collaborating with IT and customer service teams. Her role is a delicate balance of education and operations, driving both the foundation’s academic and administrative success.
Empowering Through Education
Kristin Lehman’s approach to leadership is centered around empowering others to reach their full potential. She is a firm believer that education should be flexible and inclusive, giving every learner the opportunity to succeed. Drawing from her own experiences as an educator, Kristin sees learning as a collaborative process where mistakes are valuable, and every voice matters.
At Hewitt, she fosters a culture of innovation, ensuring that everyone on her team feels heard and valued. Whether it’s guiding her team through a complex project or helping individuals address gaps in their skills, Kristin is committed to creating an environment where growth is encouraged.
Balancing Innovation and Stability
Hewitt Research Foundation is committed to creating a diverse range of educational resources, blending both traditional and innovative approaches. One of their most exciting initiatives is the MC Detective Agency, a unique comic book series designed to teach college-level chemistry to kids as young as 8. Kristin saw the potential in this bold concept and worked closely with the author to turn it into a full-fledged curriculum. The gamble paid off, as young students embraced the material with enthusiasm, proving that even challenging subjects like chemistry can be made fun and accessible when approached creatively.
Kristin Lehman has a knack for balancing innovation with thoughtful planning. She often starts with small pilot projects and works alongside trusted partners to manage risks. For example, the Independent Innovator Challenge began as a way for homeschoolers and micro-schools to qualify for the US National Innovator Challenge. After several years of success, Hewitt was chosen to oversee the national program, a testament to the careful strategy Kristin used to ensure its growth. Another example is the Future Scholars Journal, a new initiative built in collaboration with Innovation World and STEAM NHS. By scaling these programs gradually and leaning on strong partnerships, Kristin ensures they are both innovative and sustainable over the long term.
Beyond developing curriculum, Hewitt also runs various educational service programs, such as the Independent Innovator Challenge and the US National Innovator Challenge, as well as offering a standardized assessment for homeschoolers in grades 3-8.
Technology-Driven Educational Services
Under Kristin Lehman’s leadership, Hewitt Research Foundation has embraced technology to broaden its reach and improve accessibility. The US National Innovator Challenge, for example, was moved to a fully virtual format even before the COVID-19 pandemic, eliminating the need for participants to travel and ensuring that all students, regardless of location, can participate.
This virtual platform has not only expanded nationally but internationally, allowing students from countries like Mexico and Kenya to interact with professors in Spain and receive valuable feedback. By leveraging technology, Kristin has made it possible for Hewitt to connect with students and mentors from around the world, furthering the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and global collaboration.
Talent Development and Mentorship
Kristin emphasizes the importance of mentorship in talent development at Hewitt, tailoring her approach based on the individual’s journey and needs. For interns, she adopts a hands-on mentorship style, offering structured guidance and support as they navigate the early stages of their careers. As employees progress and gain experience, Kristin provides a balance of structure and creativity, allowing them the flexibility to grow while ensuring they have the necessary resources. For more seasoned employees, her focus shifts from direct mentorship to facilitating access to the resources they need to succeed. Kristin believes in a highly individualized approach to talent development, recognizing that each person requires a unique blend of structure and freedom to thrive.
Strategic Vision and Future Goals
Looking ahead, Kristin Lehman’s focus is on stabilizing and securing funding for Hewitt’s newer programs, including the Future Scholars Journal and the Independent Innovator Challenge. She is actively working to build a strong base of donors, grants, and partnerships to support the foundation’s initiatives.
In the long term, Kristin envisions expanding Hewitt’s curriculum offerings to reflect diverse viewpoints and cater to a broader range of learners. Her goal is to continue fostering partnerships that align with the foundation’s mission, ensuring that Hewitt remains a leader in innovative, inclusive education.
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“Hewitt Research Foundation is dedicated to supporting families pursuing alternative educational models in delivering exceptional education, in line with their slogan, “develop a mind for a lifetime of use.”
