Leslie Candelario

Leslie is a marketing student at Florida International University. Her journey as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, arriving in the United States at the age of eight without knowing the language, has deeply influenced her career aspirations. She faced the challenges including a struggle with language barriers, cultural differences, and feeling isolated, which instilled in her a strong sense of empathy and the desire to make a positive impact on others facing similar challenges. It is important to her to engage in change-making marketing to create connections and promote inclusivity. Leslie was a member of the inaugural AYLF Miami cohort, and plans to further her education by pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and business administration, with the goal of becoming a transformative leader who advocates for justice and equality. She believes every person deserves a safe and open space where they can freely express themselves.