Leslye Folmar-Harris moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Morristown, New Jersey, when she was just eight years old. While in Morristown, she attended elementary, middle and high school. Upon high school graduation, Leslye attended the University of Hartford, where she earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and Spanish. After graduation, she moved back to Morristown, where she began her teaching career. After teaching for several years and experiencing the Morris School District as a teacher, Leslye had her first ah-ha moment.
In addition to her work requirements, Leslye unearthed her purpose: to model for, support, encourage and enrich the lives of students and educators who looked like her. Independent reading and outside work during summer break no longer satiated her appetite and perpetually left her wanting more. She knew that she needed an academic framework to effect real change. She then applied to and was accepted to Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned her Ed.M in Sociology and Education with an emphasis in Education Policy.
While at Teachers College, Leslye learned that all research is ‘me-search’ so she focused on the academic and social standing of African American girls in suburban academic settings. After graduation, Leslye continues to advocate for and academically prepare elementary and high school students through the implementation and running of several enrichment programs. In her free time, Leslye enjoys reading, running, engaging in Twitter shenanigans and spending quality time with her two sons and husband.
