Nikki D. Lester
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Product-minded Workforce & EdTech leader with 15+ years of experience driving adoption, engagement, and lifecycle success of technical learning platforms across K-12, higher education, and workforce markets. Experienced in customer onboarding, standards alignment (ASE/NOCTI), product evaluation, cross-functional collaboration, and translating field feedback into measurable improvements. Bridges product strategy, customer enablement, and workforce outcomes to improve adoption, retention, and long-term impact.
Technology professional with proven track record in instructional settings. Leveraged expertise in educational technology to create engaging and effective lesson plans. Known for strong team collaboration skills and adaptability to changing educational needs. Proficient in curriculum development and classroom management.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director, CTE & Product Strategy
zSpace, Inc.
04.2019 - Current
- Led workforce-aligned product strategy and customer enablement initiatives for immersive technical learning applications deployed nationally.
- Supported onboarding and implementation of immersive CTE applications across district and enterprise partners
- Partnered with Sales and Customer Success to increase adoption confidence through standards alignment documentation and educator training
- Monitored usage trends, field feedback, and support data to identify friction points impacting customer experience
- Developed enablement materials and implementation guides to improve time-to-value
- Led structured evaluation and replacement of 8 third-party applications, transitioning to second-party solutions for improved control and certification alignment
- Collaborated with product and engineering teams to refine learning flows based on completion data and instructor feedback
- Ensured applications were aligned to ASE and NOCTI credential standards to strengthen customer ROI conversations
- Supported release readiness for multiple new product deployments in a single year
- Acted as Voice of Customer between field educators, sales teams, and product development
- Contributed to feature prioritization discussions and roadmap alignment
- Delivered sales enablement training and partner briefings on product capabilities and workforce alignment
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance organizational growth and operational efficiency.
District CTE Director
Falcon School District 49
07.2011 - 03.2019
- Directed 30+ CTE programs aligned to workforce certifications and industry partnerships.
- Managed full program lifecycle from planning and funding through launch and operational handoff
- Used enrollment data, credential attainment rates, and employer feedback to refine pathway design
- Built partnerships with regional workforce organizations and employers
- Led educator professional development on standards alignment and program quality
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance educational programs and student outcomes.
Business & Technology Instructor
District 49
07.2003 - 06.2011
- Designed learner-centered curriculum aligned to workforce competencies
Diesel Mechanic
U.S. Army
08.1990 - 11.1995
- Developed operational discipline, mechanical systems knowledge, and hands-on workforce expertise
Education
Master of Science - Computer Information Systems
Regis University
Colorado Springs, COBachelor of Science - Management Information Systems
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, COSkills
- Customer Lifecycle Management
- Product Evaluation
- Roadmapping Support
- User Story Development
- Backlog Collaboration
- Voice of Customer
- Feedback Loops
- Industry Certification Alignment
- Workforce Pathway Design
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Certification
- CTE Director
- Principal
- Business & Technology Education
Technology And Platforms
- Salesforce & CRM Tools
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Immersive / XR Learning Platforms
- Learning Analytics & Reporting
- Collaboration Tools: Slack, Zoom, Notion, Google Workspace
Earlier Career
- Business & Technology Instructor, Designed learner-centered curriculum aligned to workforce competencies.
- Tier III Network Support, Managed technical troubleshooting and systems reliability.
- U.S. Army Veteran – Diesel Mechanic, Developed operational discipline, mechanical systems knowledge, and hands-on workforce expertise.
Timeline
Executive Director, CTE & Product Strategy
zSpace, Inc.
04.2019 - Current
District CTE Director
Falcon School District 49
07.2011 - 03.2019
Business & Technology Instructor
District 49
07.2003 - 06.2011
Diesel Mechanic
U.S. Army
08.1990 - 11.1995
Master of Science - Computer Information Systems
Regis University
Bachelor of Science - Management Information Systems
Colorado Technical University