Leslie Patron (she/her/hers) came to the John W. Gardner Center in July 2012. She contributes her expertise in communications and outreach as a Web and publications editor, and as the manager of the Gardner Center’s social media presence.

Leslie’s previous experience includes serving as the Project Manager for Communications and Outreach at the Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance (RIASPA), where she worked to increase RIASPA’s membership and social media presence; wrote, formatted, and distributed a series of quarterly policy briefs; and oversaw a statewide initiative that allowed high-school youth to receive graduation credit for innovative collaborations with classroom teachers and community partners outside of the classroom. Prior to this, she served as a Research Project Assistant and Publications Associate at informing change in Berkeley, CA. 

Leslie is from East Side San Jose's Alum Rock neighborhood and spends her spare time researching and documenting local history.