Lesli Blount
Lesli brings a wealth of experience to the board, and we're pretty jazzed to have her! Her fab background in organizational management, marketing, and fundraising, coupled with her commitment to LGBTQ+ youth, highlights her awesomeness as a Board member. Her life journey is all about community, peppered with the delightful twist of falling in love with an equally awesome woman later in life and joining a vibrant queer community.
Lesli is a long-time supporter and cheerleader of LGBTQ+ youth who has always shown her love for Outright’s mission despite being a really busy mover and shaker. As a newly minted consultant, Lesli recently struck out on her own to pursue her dream as a thought partner and coach to nonprofit leaders and managers, and a consultant to businesses seeking to better align their philanthropy and sponsorships with their values in ways that make a greater impact in our community.
Formerly the Director of Business Sponsorship at Vermont Public, Lesli combined her expertise in advertising, media sales, fundraising, public relations, and corporate philanthropy to foster growth and connections. And, her professional path is like a treasure map of experiences. It includes standout roles like the Director of Community Relations at KeyBank-Vermont and earlier adventures at the Greater Burlington YMCA.
Beyond professional achievements, Lesli is deeply involved in community leadership. She recently joined the board of CVOEO and has served on the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, COTS, and the Burlington Business Association boards, showcasing a commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility. Yeah, she's great.
Lesli received her education at Park University, Missouri, with a BA in Communications, which has been instrumental throughout her career. On a personal note, Lesli shares her life with partner Leandre Waldo, and is a dedicated bonus parent to teenagers Evan and Anya. On the weekend, you can catch her vegging with a good book, visiting with family and friends at one of Vermont's choice restaurants, or checking out the nooks and crannies of Vermont.
