Meaningful change begins with people.
I have spent my career asking one question:
What does it take to help every child—and every adult—thrive?
That question has guided my work as a teacher, school leader, state education leader, researcher, executive, and now as the founder of The Zaya Collective.
Along the way, I discovered something both simple and profound: lasting change doesn't happen because people are given more information. It happens when people feel seen, valued, and empowered to become something new.
That belief shapes everything we do.
At The Zaya Collective, we partner with leaders, organizations, and communities to create learning experiences that strengthen relationships, cultivate belonging, and transform practice. We believe that meaningful change begins with people, grows through community, and endures when learning is connected to purpose.
My work is grounded in a few simple beliefs that continue to guide me every day.
Belonging comes before learning.
People learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected. Whether working with young children or senior leaders, creating spaces where people truly belong is the first step toward meaningful growth.
Communities already hold wisdom.
Every family, educator, caregiver, and community brings valuable knowledge. My role is not to bring all the answers, but to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and help uncover the strengths that already exist.
Reflection leads to transformation.
Real change begins with understanding ourselves. When we create opportunities for honest reflection, we become more intentional in how we lead, teach, and serve others.
Nicol Russell, Ed.D.
My Journey
Every chapter of my career has reinforced a lesson that continues to shape my work today.
Teacher
Children taught me that relationships are the foundation of learning.
School Leader
Culture influences outcomes more than any single program or initiative.
State Leadership
Systems change when people are trusted, supported, and equipped to lead.
Research & Innovation
The most valuable evidence is the evidence people can actually use.
Executive Leadership
The greatest impact comes from helping others discover their own capacity to lead.
Founder
The Zaya Collective exists to help people and organizations create meaningful, lasting change together.
Founder