Leslie Marie Sparks

Leslie Sparks is a dedicated Community Outreach Specialist and advocate committed to uplifting stories, holding space, and walking alongside individuals as they access care, dignity, and joy. With a career rooted in service, Leslie brings extensive experience in community engagement, customer service, and education. She has spent over two decades applying her life experiences to empower others, particularly through her work in outreach, housing support, and social services.

Currently with Calpep, Leslie facilitates HIV prevention programs and promotes self-advocacy among diverse communities, including cisgender and transgender women. In addition to her outreach work, she has served as a Teaching Assistant at Safe Passages and as an Academic Specialist with AmeriCorps, supporting social-emotional and learning development for students from Pre-K through fifth grade. Her work consistently reflects her belief that servitude is a way of life and that everyone deserves access to resources and opportunities.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Leslie is also a skilled Loctician and stylist, running her own business for over 25 years. She holds certifications in natural hair care and styling and has earned recognition from the City of Oakland for her community contributions. An advocate for teen parents, a motivational speaker, and lifelong learner, Leslie combines her communication skills, organizational expertise, and heartfelt dedication to make a meaningful impact on the lives she touches.

• Certificate of Recognition
• Natural Hair Certified

• School of Hardknocks — M.L.E.

• Safe Passages