Emerson Fellow
Leslie Rios
27th Class, 2020-2021
Born in Wisconsin and raised in Hidalgo, Texas, Leslie graduated from St. Edward’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Economics, becoming a Presidential Award Receipt and a McNair Scholar in the process. Leslie first became interested in food justice when she took a course surrounding where our food comes from, and through the course, traveled to Costa Rica to learn about organic farming and unfair farm-worker practices. During her time at St. Edward’s, Leslie also served as Student Government President and interned at the Texas Capitol during the 86th Legislative Session as a policy aide, where she became interested in creating equitable policy change. Leslie has also participated in three service break experiences in the U.S and abroad, which reaffirmed her passion for social justice and quickly became interested in issues revolving around poverty.
Field placement: Houston Food Bank
Houston, Texas