Basic Info

First Name

Leanna

Last Name

Pearson

Username

leannapearson

Additional Contact Information

Pronouns

she/her/hers/herself

Progressive Profile

Tagline

Executive Leader in Strategic Planning & Community Engagement | Transformative Advocate for Organizational Growth | Nonprofit & Corporate Strategy Expert

Bio

My journey into progressive politics began with roots as an African American Woman and a first-generation college graduate growing up in New York City. My story shaped my understanding of systemic inequities and fueled my desire to advocate for legislative and policy changes that create equitable opportunities for all. Early in my career, I recognized the power of civic education and grassroots organizing to empower marginalized communities and build collective strength.

  • Education & Advocacy: As a high school special education teacher focusing on social studies, I ensured my students understood their civic responsibilities and felt empowered to make a difference in their communities. Later, as a Democracy Coach with Generation Citizen, I guided middle school students in developing action projects to address local issues.
  • Government & Policy: As a government staffer, I gained insight into the legislative process and how meaningful policy change happens. I contributed to initiatives focused on equity, education, and social justice.
  • Fundraising & Leadership: I successfully led my New Leaders Council cohort in raising $20,000 and later coached the following year’s cohort on effective fundraising techniques.
  • Community Building: I’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders, community partners, and leaders, ensuring initiatives are collaborative, sustainable, and impactful.

My work has always been about creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and building systems that support equity and justice. I’m proud of my contributions and excited about the work ahead.

Impact

I’ve made an impact by leaning into my strengths: building relationships, amplifying voices, and creating pathways for others to thrive. As a person of color, a woman, and a first-generation college graduate, I’ve always understood the importance of representation and the power of creating spaces where people feel seen and heard. Whether in education, government, or community organizing, I’ve focused on breaking down barriers and driving meaningful change. My impact on progressive politics has always centered around education, equity, and empowerment. I’ve worked at the intersection of advocacy and implementation, ensuring ideas don’t just stay on paper but translate into meaningful action.

In my government role, I’ve been part of teams working on policies to close equity gaps in education and community resources. I’ve also served as a bridge between policymakers and their communities, helping ensure transparency, accountability, and genuine collaboration.

In fundraising and organizing spaces, I’ve leveraged my ability to build relationships and mobilize networks to raise resources and create sustainable support systems. The $20,000 we raised at the New Leaders Council wasn’t just about the money; it was about proving what’s possible when people believe in a shared mission and work together to achieve it.

My approach has always been about empowering others to step into their potential, creating systems that outlast any one individual, and ensuring the communities I serve have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to advocate for themselves.

Mission

In this political cycle, I want to build bridges between policy and community, resources and people, and vision and execution. I want to be in spaces where I can amplify the voices of those often left out of decision-making processes and advocate for policies that address systemic inequities. Whether through organizing, policy development, or leadership roles, I aim to ensure that progressive values are not just spoken about but actively implemented to create lasting change.

This cycle, I’m particularly excited about opportunities to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders. I’ve seen firsthand how civic education and grassroots organizing can transform individuals and entire communities. I want to continue building spaces where young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, feel equipped and inspired to step into leadership roles.

Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to serve as a nonprofit executive director or a leader within an organization deeply rooted in equity, advocacy, and community empowerment. I want to lead an organization that doesn’t just address symptoms of systemic issues but actively works to dismantle the systems themselves.

I aspire to be known as someone who builds sustainable systems, nurtures leadership in others, and drives measurable impact in historically underserved communities. I want my work to leave a legacy of stronger policies, more connected communities, and leaders equipped to carry the torch forward.

In the long term, I also see myself contributing to policy advocacy at a broader level, ensuring that community voices shape the policies intended to serve them. Whether through legislation, nonprofit leadership, or strategic advising, I want to stay at the intersection of policy, education, and community engagement.

At my core, I want my career to reflect my commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, which have guided me from the beginning. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities to create meaningful, lasting change in the spaces I enter.

Work History

Employer

New York State Assembly

Occupation

Chief of Staff

Start Date

January 2, 2024

End Date

November 11, 2024

Employer

Office of the Brooklyn Borough President

Occupation

Director of Community Affairs

Start Date

December 23, 2022

End Date

September 8, 2023

Employer

Office of the Brooklyn Borough President

Occupation

Senior Aide (Chief of Staff) to the Deputy Borough President

Start Date

April 4, 2022

End Date

December 23, 2022

Employer

The DC State Board of Education

Occupation

Urban Leaders Fellowship Policy Fellow

Start Date

February 1, 2022

End Date

April 1, 2022

Employer

The AnBryce Foundation

Occupation

Director of Programs

Employer

New York City Department of Education – Brooklyn Institute for Liberal Arts

Occupation

Secondary Special Education Teacher

Start Date

September 6, 2020

End Date

September 8, 2022