Leslie Varela: East middle school coordinator

LESLIE@urbanpromisecharlotte.org

Reliable. Kind. Full Circle Leader.

Leslie is the Middle School Coordinator at Camp Hope, and a longtime UrbanPromise community member.  A native of Charlotte and a former StreetLeader and Intern, she double majored in Sociology and Psychology before beginning her career at another afterschool program. She is passionate about personal growth, mentorship, and coaching - all skills she first discovered during her time as a StreetLeader at UrbanPromise. Leslie’s experience came full circle when she rejoined UrbanPromise as a full-time staff member, a community that feels like home. 

When she’s not supporting middle school students, you’ll find Leslie running or hiking outdoors, or thrifting at one of her favorite local shops.  She loves supporting small businesses, spending quality time with her loved ones and curling up with a good book.

Quick Stats:

  • Hometown: Charlotte, NC

  • Passion Points: Mentorship, personal growth, and social advocacy.

  • Ask her about: Her favorite thrift find, the best running trail in Charlotte, or her journey from StreetLeader to full-time staff

  • Superpower: Using her lived experience to serve as a bridge for the next generation of servant leaders

“My hope is that I am known as someone who walks alongside others illuminating God’s love, patience, peace, and empathy. The work I do at UrbanPromise aligns with the hope because it will provide me the opportunity to serve, lead, and grow in a space that also desires to walk alongside others and illuminate God’s light.”