Phaedra M. Leslie

Phaedra M. Leslie has a strong background in business development, workforce development, and community engagement. Phaedra M. currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Workforce Development, and Community Engagement at ALL Construction Group. Prior to this role, they worked as an Independent Consultant, providing guidance and support to organizations, businesses, and government agencies in the areas of human resources, talent management, and employee development.

From 2012 to 2021, Phaedra held the position of Director of Business Relations and Economic Development at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. In this role, they were responsible for creating strategic diversity workforce solutions and developing strategic alliances, policies, and initiatives connecting individuals, communities, and corporations.

Before joining the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Phaedra served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Tixe.Me from 2011 to 2016. Phaedra M. also worked at Target Group Inc., where they held various roles including Senior Vice President, Account Executive, and Account Manager between 2004 and 2010. Their responsibilities included driving enterprise growth, managing client accounts, and leading account management teams.

Phaedra's earliest work experience can be traced back to their role as Assistant to the Executive Director/Board Liaison/Academic Liaison at Erie Neighborhood House from 1998 to 2004. In this position, they supported the organization's mission and goals, managed communication between the organization and its Board of Directors, and supervised operational teams.

Phaedra M. Leslie holds a diverse education history. In 1999, they obtained an MA degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Prior to that, they completed their undergraduate studies at Denison University from 1989 to 1993, earning a BA degree in English with a concentration in Writing and Mass Media Communication, focusing on Radio/TV. Phaedra also received a Diploma in International Studies from Morgan Park HS. Additionally, they have pursued various certifications, including a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business in 2021, and certifications in Business Engagement and as an Illinois workNet Advisor. Phaedra has also undergone training in Project Management, Project Assessment and Recovery, and Principles in Building and Construction at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College and DePaul University, respectively.