Guess which one is Leslie!

Leslie Reyes
Youth Support Worker
leslie@youthmentoring.org

My name is Leslie Pastora Reyes and I have been blessed to be working with Youth Mentoring Connection for two years. Although we all contribute to several aspects of programming, my primary focus as one of the organization's Youth Support Workers is to support our youth (and at times their families) with several issues. Aside from making sure that the young people attend program, I meet with them on a one on one basis. I help young people navigate through difficult systems like probation, court trials, foster care, etc. And I connect with them vital resources like counseling centers, medical clinics, continuation schools, and any other community based or county based agency that offers assistance to these young people.

I have been dancing all my life and began my professional career in high school. Aside from dancing with small companies, I have also choreographed for companies, theatre groups, T.V., and film. After years of performing I wanted to take my dance in another direction and give back to my community. From 2005 to 2006 I worked in after school art enrichment programs and as a teacher’s assistant for LAUSD. I was then accepted and graduated from an AmeriCorps fellowship called Public Allies, who train young leaders working in the non-profit field. From 2006 to 2007 I was a case worker for Girls Today Women Tomorrow in partnership with the L.A. Bridges program.

At a young age I am so blessed to say that I know what my life’s purpose is. I am dedicated to give young people the gift my mentor gave me. I have been mentored by my dance teacher for over 20 years now, and consider her my second mother. She opened the world of arts and dance to me, which have taken to me places I cold never have imagined. Coming from an immigrant background and growing up in one of the worst “barrios” east of downtown Los Angeles, art was my guiding light. It was my mentor who saw my gift, nurtured it, and reminded me daily of all my potential. I plan to become an art therapist with a focus on dance/movement. I want to combine both my love for art/dance with my immense passion and firm belief that mentoring youth will positively change our communities.