James Lesley, MS, RDN, SNS

Please share a little of your K-12 school nutrition journey.

Like many people I know in this industry, I more or less fell into it by accident and then immediately fell in love with it. I was looking for a job right out of grad school and an area supervisor position came up at a
district in Colorado. I jumped on it and have never looked back. I love how supportive and creative this industry is and that our work is seen and felt immediately by feeding our students every day.

What’s your all-time favorite movie, book or TV show?

• Movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel. The music is so much fun, the story is gripping from start to finish and Wes Anderson’s style is so visually stunning in this film, and I just can’t get enough of it.
• Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray. The themes it explores are so intriguing and speak to human nature unlike any other story.
• TV Show: 30 Rock. Tina Fey is a comedic mastermind, and no other show can fire so many jokes in 30 minutes!

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can play three different instruments: trombone, baritone and marimba.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Venice, Italy. I got engaged in Venice so it holds a special place in my heart, but it also has such a fascinating history, the people are so kind and welcoming and it’s unlike any other place I’ve been to since you constantly have to navigate around the canals. Plus, who could say no to good Italian food, espresso and wine for the rest of your life?

What famous person would you like to spend a day with?

Frank Sinatra. I think it would have been so much fun to hang out with him for a day and see some amazing musicians perform live—plus attending the afterparties together would be incredible!

If you were granted three wishes, what would you use them for?

One: To never have to worry about money again. Two: Guaranteed time to bake a little treat, paint or draw and read every day. Three: Eliminate cancer from the world.

What is your dream vacation destination?

A cruise that goes around the entire world and visits all seven continents! I love traveling, and cruises are the best way to see the world in my opinion. I would leave the ship at each port, eat my way through the cities and try to visit at least one museum in each location.

Is there a food you hated as a child but love now as an adult?

Broccoli! I used to dread it, but now it’s one of my favorites when it’s grilled or roasted and topped with parmesan cheese and lemon.

What is your favorite part of your day?

Coming home to my partner and our two amazing labs. They’re always so excited to see me and it always brightens my day no matter how difficult it may have been.