Leslie Ponzo: BRIDGE Working Group Member & SEPAG Leader

We're shining the spotlight on Leslie Ponzo, a dedicated parent leader and advocate whose passion for supporting families has become a driving force behind her tremendous contributions to The Rutgers Bridge Initiative.

Leslie's journey into advocacy began when she advocated for resources and tools for her youngest daughter's IEP. Through this experience, she recognized the evident gap that exists in developing truly transparent and open relationships between parents and school districts. As she worked to ask the right questions, understand what supports were available, and identify what was needed to ensure her daughter's success, Leslie came to recognize the importance of building strong relationships with teachers and school districts. These partnerships, she believes, are essential to better understanding the systems in place and ensuring families receive the support they need.

Her years of advocacy have reinforced the power of teachers and collaboration in providing resources for families facing similar situations. Leslie is passionate about helping parents and administrators better understand how to work within the system while building positive relationships that ultimately benefit students. Although the work itself can be challenging, balancing work, familial responsibilities, and volunteering, Leslie's passion for advocating for parents, students, and families fuels her drive to continue making an impact not only for her daughter, but also for community members who share similar experiences. By developing road maps, action plans, templates, and resources, Leslie hopes to help other SEPAG parent leaders develop the relationships and avenues of support necessary to ensure that students, families, teachers, and administrators develop cohesive relationships and truly collaborate.

Leslie's work with BRIDGE first began as a webinar presenter. Shortly afterward, she connected with Rutgers CESP after being encouraged to share her ideas and resources, eventually leading to her current partnership with the Bridge Initiative at CESP. Today, Leslie serves as co-lead of her SEPAG alongside fellow parent leader Dori Newton and a team of other parent advocates including Klarissa Bruno-Martin and Silvanna Greaux. Together, they continue to create opportunities for families to access resources, build connections, and strengthen collaboration between parents and their school district. Leslie's work within her SEPAG begins with her core team, where collaboration and shared experiences help guide initiatives that support families throughout their advocacy journeys.

Being a parent SEPAG leader has been an eye-opening experience for Leslie. Through her work, she has gained valuable insight into the impact that informed, engaged families can have when working alongside educators and school leaders. She continues to use her own experiences to empower others and encourage meaningful partnerships that help students succeed.

Prior to leading her SEPAG, Leslie built a career as a professional musical theater performer, She earned her bachelor's degree in theater and speech from Wagner College. While her professional path has evolved, her passion for advocacy is now at the forefront of her work, and she hopes to continue doing what she loves by supporting families and sharing her knowledge with others.

Outside of her advocacy work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters. She also enjoys movement and finds an oasis in reading. Looking ahead, Leslie is excited to continue her collaboration with The BRIDGE Initiative and share her passion for advocacy with others.

We're grateful to have Leslie as a key collaborator and appreciate the knowledge, resources, creativity, and dedication she brings to the team. Her commitment to strengthening relationships between families and schools continues to make a meaningful impact on the communities she serves.

Thanks for all you do, Leslie!