Annapolis High School, 2003 
B.S. Temple University, 2007 
M.S. Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy, 2011

Leslie Forgenie connected to the Trust as a Boys & Girls Club member where she received the support to thrive academically and inspiration to ultimately work in public service. After graduating from Annapolis Senior High School in 2003, Leslie earned her undergraduate degree from Temple University in Philadelphia.

At Temple, she studied Communications and was active within several community-based organizations and nonprofits. She led initiatives on housing and volunteer training while with a student-led nonprofit that helped connect low-income residents with vital needs such as housing and employment. As a member of a grassroots organization in Philadelphia, Leslie researched state and city legislation on tenant rights, eminent domain, zoning, and home ownership to organize educational workshops and door-to-door outreach.

Upon graduation, she worked at the technology start-up SEER Interactive in online business-to-business marketing and search engine optimization.

Seeking to gain the analytical and financial skillset necessary to change career paths and enter the public service sector, she enrolled in the graduate program at Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy. As a graduate student Leslie served as a student consultant on real estate development projects in New York and New Jersey. She was also a key member on the school’s team for the 2010 JP Morgan Chase Community Development Competition in New Orleans where she presented the financial portion of the team’s proposal after advancing to the finals.

After earning her Masters in Urban Policy Analysis and Management in 2011, Leslie went on to work for the Housing Partnership Development Fund Corporation in New York City and manage affordable housing developments.  She is currently working for Renew Jesey Stronger - a state program that offers assistance for homebuyers and homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy.