Phaedra Leslie

Phaedra M. Leslie is a builder—of systems, partnerships, and pathways that actually work.

With 20+ years leading workforce development, diversity strategy, and economic opportunity initiatives, she doesn’t just talk about equity—she operationalizes it. From boardrooms to community spaces, Phaedra is known for turning big ideas into real access: jobs, contracts, pipelines, and partnerships that move people forward.

She has built inclusive hiring pipelines, shaped large-scale development strategies, and helped organizations align their values with measurable impact. She moves comfortably between corporate, civic, and community spaces—bridging gaps, building trust, and getting things done.

Phaedra is equally committed to philanthropy and civic leadership. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is a founding member of the South Side Giving Circle at the Chicago Foundation for Women, where she invests in grassroots organizations led by and serving Black and Brown women. For her, giving isn’t symbolic—it’s strategic, intentional, and rooted in long-term change.

With a background in Mass Media and Organizational Management, she brings both clarity and conviction to every room she enters. She knows how to tell a compelling story—but prefers results you can point to.

Based in Washington Park on Chicago’s South Side, Phaedra is a straight-shooter with a strategic mind and a vibrant spirit. She loves traveling, shopping with intention (and a little indulgence), dancing to house music, and discovering intimate live music experiences. She laughs loudly, loves proudly, and shows up fully—whether she’s building strategy or building community.

She doesn’t just open doors—she builds them.