“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get,” said Forrest Gump, one of film’s most beloved characters and the source of Lesly’s favorite movie line. As the Assistant Director of STEM, College & Career Readiness, Lesly says, “I enjoy building relationships with the youth I serve. I try my best to become a trusted adult for them. It is important for me to make sure every youth I come across feels heard, supported, and valued.” A strong role model for middle school youth, if given a chance to be anyone else for a day, she’d be Selena Quintanilla, “an inspiring, talented, and Hispanic humanitarian woman.” What are her top three life highlights? Becoming a mother, first generation college graduate, and being a role model for our youth.

Get in touch with Lesly at lroman@girlsincvalley.org