LaShunda Leslie-Smith, LMSW, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Services from St. John Fisher College, a Master's in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Master of Social Work Program, a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College, a Certificate in Business Excellence from Columbia University, and Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

 

LaShunda most recently served as the President and CEO of Young Women’s College Prep Foundation, Inc., which supported Rochester’s first and only all-girls charter school. She is now “doing her life’s work” as Executive Director of Connected Communities, an organization focused on holistic community revitalization that includes a cradle-to-college-to-career education pipeline, a mixed-income housing strategy, and community wellness through a rich network of community and support services. In addition, LaShunda founded Sent One Consulting, LLC, which provides nonprofit consultation, board development training, and executive coaching that drives transformational change.

 

Committed to her community, LaShunda serves on several boards and committees. LaShunda has been nominated and selected as the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including being named a Rochester Business Journal’s Woman of Excellence and a 40 under 40 honoree, Girls Scouts of Western New York Woman of Distinction, and an ATHENA Young Professional finalist by the Women’s Council.

 

LaShunda is blessed to share her journey with her husband of more than 25 years, Moses, and their two adult children, Branden and Myanna.