Exploring Life & Business with Leslie Palomino of Poder Latinx

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Palomino.

Hi Leslie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began as a volunteer for nonprofits and political campaigns, knocking on doors and talking to neighbors about the issues that impacted their lives. From that first experience, I realized the power of showing up, listening, and connecting with people in my community. Since 2018, I’ve worked on eight election cycles from local races to state and federal campaigns learning firsthand how civic engagement can create real change.

Along the way, I gained experience at the Georgia Capitol as a legislative aide and chief of staff, participated in fellowships at Fair Fight Action and Poder Latinx, and in nonprofit work focused on civic engagement, building programs that empower Latino communities to have a voice in decisions that affect them. Every role I’ve taken, every door I’ve knocked on, and every conversation I’ve had has been driven by one guiding principle serving my community.

I’m the daughter of Peruvian immigrants who came to the U.S. in the late 1990s, carrying the hope of a better future and seeking opportunities. Their sacrifices taught me resilience, the importance of education, and the responsibility to give back. Watching my community navigate challenges like 287(g) policies and barriers to immigration inspired me to dedicate myself to advocacy and social justice.

Today, as Georgia State Director of Poder Latinx, a national civic and social justice organization, I continue to fight for immigrant rights and inspiring civic participation.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My road hasn’t always been smooth. I started at 17, a high school senior showing up in spaces where I was often the youngest person or the only woman of color. Early on, I think some people underestimated me because of my age. But I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me, encouraged me to trust myself, and reminded me that my perspective and voice matter. I brought creativity and innovative ways to my work.

I’ve learned to navigate imposter syndrome and stay grounded in my purpose. I often think of my work as “working backstage to change the world”, showing up, empowering others, supporting my community, and creating impact even when hope feels distant. Being a woman of color in politics means walking into rooms where I’m the only Latina, and instead of shrinking, I choose to show up brave and confident.

I’ve also made it a point to train and support others on their journeys, helping them pursue their careers in politics and advocacy. Through every challenge, I’ve learned that true leadership is about persistence, showing up, and lifting others as you rise in your career.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Poder Latinx?
Poder Latinx is a civic and social justice organization dedicated to empowering Latino communities to build sustained political power and actively participate in democracy. We specialize in voter engagement, issue advocacy, leadership development, and narrative change, using bilingual and culturally grounded strategies to mobilize communities that are often underrepresented. What sets us apart is our focus on centering Latino voices not just as participants but as decision-makers, while providing training and mentorship to cultivate the next generation of leaders. From grassroots organizing to state and federal advocacy, our work reflects our mission to create lasting change on issues like immigration, economic equity, and environmental justice. We are proud of our community-centered, strategic, and innovative approach, driven by the belief that challenges can be overcome through collective effort, resilience, and hope, si se puede. At Poder Latinx, we show up, empower others, and lift our communities, ensuring that Latinx voices are heard, valued, and shaping the policies that affect their lives. We are in 7 different states GA, FL, WA, NC, TX, CA and AZ. We were founded in 2019. We have an office located in Norcross, GA, we host monthly community events which more details can be found on our website PoderLatinx.org or follow us on our social media pages.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I can still remember sitting in the living room of our family home when my parents and sister received an envelope with green cards inside. I must have been around 14 years old. At the time, I didn’t know what a green card was or understand the legal system, but I could see the joy and relief on my parents’ faces, their smiles and tears told me everything. They had waited 12 years for that moment, and it changed my family’s life forever. From that day on, I knew I wanted to create those life-changing moments for other immigrant families, to study law, and to understand the system that held such power over our lives. Around the same time, I began learning how to organize and build community. I attended workshops by Asian American Advancing Justice, and found my place through a nonprofit, volunteering on a campaign in Gwinnett County to end 287(g), a policy that deeply impacted immigrant families. I spoke at Gwinnett board meetings, protested, and promoted the educational campaign to bring awareness. In 2020, we succeeded in getting the policy removed by getting new people elected to the sheriff office, cementing my commitment to advocacy and community empowerment. Immigration brought me here, but organizing, showing up, and building power have guided me ever since.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poderlatinx.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliempalomino/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliempalomino/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-palomino/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfndmW-kymY
• Other: https://palominophotography.pixieset.com/citizenshipforall2021/

Image Credits
Carlos Rivero – instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosarivero; other photos taken by me.