Her Story
About Lesly
Lesly Morales is a higher education professional, community organizer, and advocate for gender equity and social justice. They serve as the Women and Gender Equity Coordinator at Michigan State University, where they develop programs that promote inclusion, belonging, leadership, and the success of women and gender-diverse students. A first-generation college graduate, Lesly earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Community Governance and Advocacy from Michigan State University in 2022, along with minors in Chicano-Latino Studies and Law, Justice, and Public Policy.
Lesly’s career has been shaped by a strong commitment to community organizing, education, and equity. Before returning to Michigan State University, they served with City Year in San Antonio, supporting emerging bilingual students and creating culturally responsive programs that brought students together through celebrations, cultural activities, and community-building initiatives. They also worked as a Community Organizer with Poder Latinx, focusing on environmental justice, civic engagement, and advocacy. In their current role at MSU, Lesly leads initiatives including Men and Masculinities, FemFest, and the WILD Conference, using education, dialogue, and relationship-building to address gender-based violence and strengthen campus communities.
Throughout their career, Lesly has emphasized authentic connection, mentorship, and the belief that meaningful change begins with people and community. Their leadership philosophy is grounded in trust, transparency, service, and bringing one's authentic self to the work. They are also active in Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Incorporated and contribute to scholarship and mentorship efforts. Looking ahead, Lesly hopes to pursue a master’s degree and eventually establish a consulting practice focused on systems thinking and human-centered approaches to organizational development, allowing them to help institutions build more equitable, inclusive, and effective communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lesly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to watching my family thrive with very little. They taught me that you don’t need much to build a meaningful life—you need love, trust, integrity, and transparency. I believe in bringing my authentic self to everything I do and using my experiences to create meaningful, positive change.
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