Leslie is a 10-year U.S. Navy veteran and higher education professional with over a decade of experience supporting student success through systems-level practice. She currently serves as a Veterans Counselor at Moreno Valley College, where she works with military-affiliated and nontraditional students navigating complex transitions into higher education. Her work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience, providing a unique perspective on the challenges students face during periods of transition.
Leslie is a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate at California Baptist University, where her work focuses on developing equitable, systems-level approaches to improving transition outcomes for student veterans and other marginalized populations. Her research emphasizes the role of institutions in addressing barriers to access, persistence, and completion.
Through Alarcon Consulting, Leslie partners with higher education institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies to assess systems, identify service gaps, and develop strategic, equity-centered solutions that strengthen programs and promote access, persistence, and long-term success.