Leslie Ponce-Diaz

Leslie is an aspiring architect dedicated to designing spaces that empower environmental stewardship and enhance community well-being. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Architecture II at Harvard University Graduate School of Design as a Dean's Merit Scholar and 2024 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow. Leslie obtained a Bachelor's of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design with double-minors in Nature Sustainability and Latin-American Cultural Studies.

Leslie's passions in architecture and education led her to founding the community organization, First-Gen Chisme. As a Mexican-American and first-generation student, she is dedicated to empowering first-generation youth through the intersections of design, culture and mentorship!