Her Story
About Leslie
Leslie Barrett is a dedicated community leader, creative strategist, and Project Lead at the Cleveland Public Library, where she has spent more than 21 years transforming lives through education, innovation, and public service. Beginning her career as a substitute library assistant, Leslie steadily advanced through numerous leadership roles—including computer aide, program coordinator, branch manager, and employee trainer—before becoming the first branch manager in the library system's history to achieve the position without a master's degree in library science. Today, she leads the development of a groundbreaking interactive exhibit celebrating broadcast history from 1978–1982, scheduled to open in 2027. A graduate of Tiffin University with degrees in Business Administration and Marketing, Leslie combines strategic leadership with a deep commitment to community engagement. Throughout her career, she has championed workforce development, accessibility, family engagement, and inclusive programming while serving in leadership roles across multiple employee resource groups. She is certified in Mental Health and Crisis Intervention and has been recognized with two WOW Awards and a City Council Award for her outstanding service and community impact during her leadership at the Fulton Branch. Leslie's journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose. As a young mother, collegiate athlete, wife, and dedicated public servant, she learned that success rarely follows a single path. Her advice to young women is simple yet powerful: being told "no" doesn't define your future—there is always another path to achieving your goals. Passionate about paving the way for other women, Leslie continues to mentor future leaders while remaining actively involved in her community through volunteer work, disability advocacy, PTA leadership, gardening, and supporting her family. She believes that preserving humanity begins with serving others, one resource and one smile at a time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leslie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity to grow. Over the past 21 years, I began my career at the library as a substitute and worked my way through several roles before becoming the first branch manager without a master's degree in library science. Today, I have the privilege of leading the development of a nostalgic interactive exhibit, opening in May 2027, that will showcase broadcast history from 1978 to 1982. My journey has shown me that dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning can open doors that others may believe are out of reach.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have learned is that there is tremendous value in working your way up and embracing every step of the journey. Throughout my 21-year career with the Cleveland Public Library, I progressed from substitute to computer aide, youth assistant, program coordinator, branch manager, and now project lead for a Library of Congress initiative. Along the way, I was often told "no" because I did not have a master's degree, while also balancing college, raising my family as a young mother, and competing in two collegiate sports. Those experiences taught me that persistence, resilience, and believing in yourself are often more powerful than the obstacles placed in your path.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to never let rejection define your future. I was told "no" many times before I finally heard "yes," but I never allowed those moments to stop me from pursuing my goals. Success rarely follows a single path, and sometimes the road you take is different from the one you originally imagined. Stay determined, continue learning, and trust that your persistence will create opportunities in ways you may not expect.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the ability to continue growing both professionally and as a leader within my community. Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive the WOW Award twice, as well as a City Council Award for my community work at the Fulton Branch. These recognitions have reinforced my commitment to serving others, taking on new challenges, and continuing to make a meaningful impact through my work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are service, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. I believe in meeting people where they are! I am passionate about paving the way for other women and demonstrating that success is possible through perseverance and dedication. Giving back to my community is an important part of who I am, whether through chairing the Curb Cut Collective to promote disability access, serving on the F.I.T. committee for more than a decade, volunteering with employee resource groups, or supporting my children's schools through the PTA and being a team mom. Above all, I strive to balance my career with being a devoted wife, sports mom, community volunteer, and someone who enjoys life's simple pleasures, including gardening and spending time with my family.
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