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About Sheila Leslie
About Sheila Leslie
Biography
Sheila has dedicated her life to building a better community for Nevada’s families and, most significantly, Nevada’s children. After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, Sheila served her community in a variety of leadership positions, including, but not limited to, Food Bank Administrator for the Reno Community Services Agency, Executive Director of Tahoe Human Services, and Executive Director of Children’s Cabinet Inc, a public-private partnership that addresses the needs of at-risk children and families. Sheila is currently the Specialty Courts Coordinator for the 2nd Judicial District Court.
In 1998, driven by her passion for service, Sheila was elected as a State Assemblywoman representing District 27 in central/southwest Reno. In the Assembly, she served six terms with distinction. In her final term, she served as the Majority Whip of the Assembly, Vice- Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Chair of the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Committee, and a member of the Health and Human Services and Taxation Committees. Sheila is retiring from the Assembly this year due to term limits. Believing that there was more work to be done, Sheila is happy to be back on the campaign trail, this time for the Nevada State Senate.
Sheila has received many awards for her legislative and community service, including the Golden Pinecone for environmental leadership, Veterans Hero from the NV Veterans Service Commission, and the Striving for Latino Advancement Award from the Latinos for Political Empowerment.
Sheila holds a Masters Degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is the author of numerous articles on human services issues, including publications on teen pregnancy, youth gangs, and mental health.
She is a former Peace Corps Volunteer, serving in the Dominican Republic, (1979-80) and was an Americans Abroad Scholar, studying in Madrid (1973-74).
Awards & Honors
I am deeply grateful for the recognition I have received for my legislative efforts over the past twelve years from a variety of community organizations and advocacy groups.I am proud to work with so many inspirational people in our State and look forward to a renewed effort to improve the lives of Nevadans as your State Senator.
Honoree, Nevada Problem Gambling Center, 2010
Recognition Award, NV Hands and Voices, NV Early Hearing Detection and Instruction, 2010
2009 Public Affairs Champion, March of Dimes Nevada Chapter
Hand in Hand Award, NV PEP (Parents Empowering Parents), 2009
Hall of Fame, NV Women Legislators, NV Women’s Lobby, 2009
Jon Benedetti Award for Outstanding Support, Bristlecone Family Resources, 2008
Consumer Advocate of the Year, Nevada Justice Association 2008
2007 Public Health Legislator of the Year, UNLV School of Public Health
Immunization Advocate Silver Syringe Award, Northern NV Immunization Coalition, 2007
2007 Policy Leader, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte
Honoree, Celebrating Women in Leadership, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, 2007
Community Visionary Award, National Alliance on Mental Illness, No. NV Chapter and Crisis Intervention Team, 2006
Golden Pinecone Award, Public Servant of the Year, Nevada EcoNet, 2006
Santini Cup for Advocacy through Oral Communications, 2006
Dean’s Distinguished Service Award, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 2006
Honoring Our Heroes Award, Northern NV Policy Maker, Southern NV Area Health Education Center, 2003
Striving for Latino Advancement Award, Latinos for Political Empowerment, 2003
Veterans Hero, NV Veterans Service Commission, 2003
Senior Star, Sanford Center for Aging, UNR, 2002
2002 Legislator of the Year, NV State Psychological Association
Legislative Advocate Award, NV Disability Advocacy & Law Center, 2002
Profile In Courage Award, NV Attorneys for Criminal Justice, 2001
Appreciation Award, Nevada Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, 2001
Leadership Institute, National Conference of State Legislatures, Class of 2001
Legislator of the Year, Nevada Association of Social Workers, 2000
Flemming Fellow, Center for Policy Alternatives, Class of 2000
Humanitarian of the Year, Greater Nevada School Counselor Association, 2000
Nevada Women’s Role Model Award, Office of the NV Attorney General, 2000
Politician of the Year, Truckee Meadows Human Services Association, 1999
Rising Star Award, Outstanding First Term Legislator, Nevada Women’s Lobby, 1999