Leslie Herod is the program officer who works with the director of allies and institutions to research, develop, and implement comprehensive, strategic agendas for LGBT-focused grant making. Leslie is responsible for designing and implementing alliances between national LGBT and African American organizations as well as the Colorado’s Schools Transformation Initiative.
Prior to joining the Gill Foundation, Leslie served as a senior policy advisor to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., where she specialized in social services, criminal justice, mental health, senior citizen, child welfare, and anti-poverty issues. Leslie also held numerous staff positions within the Colorado General Assembly and was the outreach director for Referendum I, Colorado’s domestic partnership initiative.
Her mom’s military service allowed Leslie to travel the globe. She was exposed to constantly changing environments, which gave her the skills to become an active member and leader in the community. Leslie graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder where she was elected President of the Student Union’s Legislative Council. As president, Leslie made it her mission to create a campus climate that was inclusive of all students regardless of race, class, sexual orientation, gender, or ability.
Leslie serves on multiple boards and volunteers for numerous community groups and causes. Organizations she is involved with include New Era Colorado, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, the Victory Fund, and Urban Peak. She also serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Judicial Performance Commission for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.
Leslie Herod >>
