Leslie Credle
Leslie Credle is a passionate social justice leader and the Chief Executive Officer dedicated to reforming inequitable systems in housing and community support. As the Founder and Executive Director of Justice for Housing (J4H), she works to reunite families and communities impacted by incarceration, advocating for racial equity and the recognition of housing as a human right. Through a participatory model, Leslie centers the voices of those directly affected, ensuring that advocacy is humanized, transparent, and impactful.
With a background in technology management from Northeastern University, Leslie brings both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to her work. She has created programs and initiatives that leverage intimate community knowledge to drive systemic change, uphold dignity, and activate sustainable solutions for unhoused neighbors. Her work extends beyond policy, focusing on mentoring and empowering women and gender-expansive leaders of color, as exemplified by her involvement with programs like the Horizon Collective.
Leslie’s approach combines advocacy, education, and community-driven leadership, emphasizing that lasting change comes from listening to and elevating the communities she serves. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to equity, social justice, and the belief that access to safe, dignified housing is a fundamental human right.
• Northeastern University- B.S.
• 2026 Change Maker Award
• National consul for incarcerated women
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my personal experiences, especially the loss of my daughter, which inspired me to help women coming out of prison reunite with their children and secure stable housing. Creating programs that support these families has been deeply rewarding, and I’m honored that my work has been recognized, most recently with a 2026 Change Maker Award.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to build a diverse support network, especially when working in the nonprofit sector.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are staying active, enjoying time swimming, and continuously learning and problem-solving, especially through working on computers.