Collette Bowers Zinn
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Collette Bowers Zinn, J.D., M.Ed. is a fifth generation educator who trained as a litigator and brought the courtroom with her into education. Fifteen years in school administration have shown her where the gates are; law school taught her how to open them. That combination, an advocate’s rigor and an educator’s instinct, shapes how she helps students, families, and schools move through a system that rarely explains itself.
Collette founded Axis as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2020 to address the disparities that prevent underrepresented students and families of color from accessing and thriving in independent schools. As a Harvard-Westlake alum, former private school administrator for 15 years, and now a private school parent, Collette has firsthand experience and unique insight into the challenges and opportunities for social responsibility in education.
Collette holds a a J.D. from the University of Southern California, an M.Ed. from Pepperdine University, and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Quote to live by: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” —Angela Davis
KIKI BRYANT
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Kiki is a dedicated operations leader with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, committed to driving efficiency and impact. Her expertise lies in optimizing processes, managing complex projects, leading teams to achieve strategic goals, and spearheading successful fundraising initiatives.
Kiki loves dancing (especially Salsa), traveling (ideally to a beach), and exploring (particularly new restaurants). She is from St. Louis, MO, and is a lifelong Cardinals fan! And, she has a chihuahua who went viral on TikTok.
Quote to live by: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou
ANNIKA IHNAT
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Annika is a creative, multifaceted marketing communications strategist with 15 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations. She specializes in developing, designing, and executing integrated communications strategies that strengthen digital engagement, raise organizational visibility, and inspire audiences to take action.
In her free time, Annika enjoys dancing, cooking, live music, swinging her kettlebells, and exploring in nature.
Quote to live by: “What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe.” –bell hooks
CHISA IWUAGWU LEHANE
ADMISSIONS ASSOCIATE
With 20+ years in education, Chisa has experience as a teacher, literacy coach, and admissions professional, specializing in outreach to families of color at Oakwood School.
Chisa believes students thrive in joyful spaces with strong connections and is passionate about lifelong learning. With a bachelor's in elementary education, a master's in educational technology, and a DEI certificate from Cornell, she exemplifies this philosophy.
A longtime Angeleno from Michigan, Chisa loves travel, languages, and fitness.
Quote to live by: "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." – Picasso