Leslie Andrews
Vice President, Special Initiatives & Advancement, National Urban League
Leslie Graham Andrews is a transformative executive, board leader and entrepreneur who moves effortlessly between national philanthropy, community development and business growth. As vice president of strategic initiatives, partnerships and advancement for the National Urban League, she serves as the chief philanthropic officer for a five-year, $100 million Lilly Endowment grant. She manages a portfolio of 24 Fortune 100 corporate donors, generating over $3 million in annual support for the league’s mission.
She is the chief executive officer of Daisy Ventures LLC, a parent company for three service enterprises that extend her impact across sectors. Through Leslie Andrews Consulting, she counsels nonprofit organizations on designing and executing multimillion-dollar campaigns and strengthening fund development capacity. She also leads Leslie Speaks!, delivering motivational and corporate keynotes for professional and nonprofit audiences. She directs Ebony Queen Travel, a full-service travel brand that curates group and life-changing experiences for women over 40.
Andrews brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, sales, marketing and community development, with a track record of revenue generation, partnership cultivation and strategic board development. Her work emphasizes equity, grassroots advocacy and intentional diversity practices that enable organizations to authentically connect with and serve multicultural and inclusive communities.
A committed civic leader, Andrews serves on six community boards and has held multiple board chair roles. She is a highly regarded mentor to emerging nonprofit leaders, students, and early- to mid-career women, and released her first book, “Grown Woman Commandments,” in 2025.