Leslie Graham Andrews, C'88

Leslie Graham Andrews, C'88

1. Alumna Trustee Interest Statement

I am interested in becoming the Alumna Trustee because I am a daughter of Spelman, and I consider the legacy of Spelman College a personal responsibility. Spelman shaped my intellect, strengthened my voice, deepened my confidence, and affirmed my obligation to serve with excellence and purpose. 


Since graduating in 1988, my relationship with Spelman has never been passive. For more than 35 years, I have served uninterrupted as SpelAgent for my class, helping keep my Spelman sisters connected, engaged, and committed to our collective responsibility as alumnae. I understand that Spelman's future depends not only on institutional leadership, but also on alumnae who are willing to serve, give, advocate, and lead. 
 
I bring more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, corporate strategy, sales, public speaking, relationship-building, and leadership. These experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to governance, institutional advancement, alumnae engagement, and resource development.

As Alumna Trustee, I would serve with humility, preparation, and deep devotion to the College. My interest is rooted in gratitude, but also in responsibility to help preserve Spelman's excellence, expand opportunity for future students, and strengthen the legacy that has shaped generations of Black women leaders. 

2. Engagement with Spelman as Advocate, Donor and Volunteer

My engagement with Spelman has been consistent, personal, and uninterrupted since I graduated in 1988. For more than 35 years, I have served my class as SpelAgent, encouraging alumnae participation, strengthening class connection, and helping sustain our collective commitment to Spelman's future. 
 
As a donor, I have given consistently because I believe alumnae philanthropy is one of the clearest expressions of gratitude and stewardship. I have been a member of the Guardian Society since 2010, reflecting my commitment to Spelman not only through annual support but also through legacy giving. I also serve as chair of the Great 88 Angels Endowed Scholarship, an effort that allows my class to invest directly in access, opportunity, and the next generation of Spelman women. 


As an advocate, I speak about Spelman with pride and intention. I promote the College's excellence, encourage young women to see Spelman as a place where they can grow and lead, and remind alumnae that our responsibility to Spelman continues long after graduation. 
 
To me, advocacy, giving, and volunteer service are connected. Each reflects my belief that Spelman's legacy is not simply something I inherited. It is something I am called to protect, strengthen, and pass forward.

3. Personal and Professional Experience

My personal and professional experiences have prepared me to serve as Alumna Trustee through a strong foundation in educational excellence, leadership, philanthropy, and community service.

Personally, Spelman gave me the confidence, discipline, and sense of purpose that have guided my life and career. As a daughter of Spelman, I understand the power of an institution that educates women to lead with intellect, integrity, and courage. My uninterrupted service as SpelAgent for the Class of 1988 for more than 35 years has strengthened my ability to build relationships, sustain engagement, and lead with consistency.

Professionally, I bring more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, corporate strategy, sales, public speaking, donor cultivation, and high-level relationship management. I have learned how to communicate a compelling vision, secure investment, build partnerships, and align resources with mission. These are essential competencies for a trustee committed to institutional advancement and long-term sustainability. I am confident I could be integrated into board operations due to my 20+ years of board experience, including serving as a chair, vice chair, officer, and committee chair.

My philanthropic experience has taught me that giving is both strategic and deeply personal. My role as chair of the Great 88 Angels Endowed Scholarship and my membership in the Guardian Society since 2010 reflect my commitment to expanding access and investing in future generations.

I would bring to this role a blend of professional expertise, alumnae loyalty, strategic thinking, and sincere love for Spelman.

4. Initiatives to Promote Spelman to the Outside Community

I have promoted Spelman to the outside community by using my voice, relationships, professional platforms, and alumnae leadership to tell the story of Spelman's excellence and enduring impact.

Throughout my career in philanthropy, corporate strategy, sales, and public speaking, I have consistently represented Spelman as a model of educational excellence, leadership development, sisterhood, and service. In professional settings, community conversations, donor circles, and civic spaces, I speak proudly about how Spelman prepares women to lead with confidence, intellect, and purpose.

I have also promoted Spelman through my service as SpelAgent for the Class of 1988 for more than 35 years, encouraging alumnae to remain visible ambassadors for the College. Through the Great 88 Angels Endowed Scholarship, which I chaired, I have helped advance a class-led initiative that demonstrates to the broader community the power of alumnae philanthropy and collective investment in students.

Through my role as president of the Cass Tech Alumni Association, I am sought out by young women, especially those from financially challenged households, as they consider Spelman as a transformational opportunity. I also use my public speaking acumen to lift up Spelman's legacy whenever possible, reminding audiences that Spelman is not only an institution of higher education, but a national treasure whose graduates help shape communities, industries, and the future.