Today we’d like to introduce you to Lessley C. Romero-Rodriguez.
Hi Lessley C., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Story: From Volunteer to Visionary Leader
My journey began when I was just 13 years old. At the time, I was too young to officially work through GDYT (Grow Detroit’s Young Talent), which only accepted youth starting at age 14. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I found a way to stay involved and give back by volunteering at my church — a place that continues to be close to my heart. I remember asking my pastor if I could help around during the summer, and that’s how my service to the community really started. I was eager to contribute, to grow, and to be part of something meaningful. Also Very proud to be Mexican.
The Spark During the Pandemic
A year later, COVID hit and turned the world upside down. But even in uncertainty, there was opportunity. In the summer of 2020, I finally joined GDYT — virtually. That experience was more than just a summer job; it was the moment everything changed. GDYT invited us to a virtual summit hosted by L!FE Leaders Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to developing youth leadership. I registered, attended, and felt instantly drawn to their mission.
After the summit, they invited youth to apply for their leadership program — and I did. I was nervous during the interview, but I pushed through and was accepted. That moment was a turning point. From eighth grade onward, I became deeply involved with L!FE Leaders, helping organize annual youth summits, coordinating logistics, and growing alongside a passionate team. The organization taught me critical life and professional skills — from writing resumes and cover letters to networking and public speaking. They helped shape me into the leader I am today.
Building Leadership and Community Roots
I have always had a deep commitment to giving back, and my volunteer work has remained constant. My church, which partners with organizations like Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners, and Heart to Heart, allowed me to continue helping during the pandemic — even when we had to get vaccinated just to serve safely. These experiences grounded me in purpose and humility.
Meanwhile, I continued my education with dual enrollment at Henry Ford College during high school, where I began pursuing my associate degree in computer science. This would eventually lead me to even greater opportunities in tech and innovation.
Expanding My Network and Passion Projects
Thanks to L!FE Leaders, I met Shamere Duncan, a fellow youth leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. She shared her business idea and she launched She So Detroit, a youth-led brand. I took on the role of Executive Sales Associate, handling inventory, logistics, and ensuring quality customer engagement. That experience was incredibly empowering, teaching me about business operations and teamwork.
At one of our launch events, I was introduced to another incredible opportunity. Someone in attendance followed me on LinkedIn and invited me to join Omniwomyn, a nonprofit supporting women in underserved communities. I was honored to be brought on as a Program Coordinator, where I help organize impactful workshops and streamline operations to uplift women across Detroit.
Another major milestone came when I attended a summit hosted by Youth Tank, where I happened to meet a representative from the Apple Developer Academy at a booth. It was a true “right place, right time” moment — I felt like God placed me there. I applied and was accepted into the Apple Developer Academy in Detroit (a partnership with MSU), where I spent 10 months learning app development, design, and professional skills. I graduate this June and have been accepted into their exclusive Renaissance Program, a post-academy program that continues to build leadership and innovation.
Furthering My Impact
Thanks to connections through Jeremiah Steen and the Steen Foundation, I was selected as a $10M Endowment Fellow in collaboration with the Children’s Foundation. I served as a youth advisor, helping recommend five nonprofit organizations to receive $1 million each. This opportunity was both humbling and powerful — it gave me a seat at the table where real funding decisions were made. It meant a lot to have my voice matter on that level.
In addition to everything else, I am currently a student and active participant at Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI), where I work with my Success Coach to set goals for college, career, and community involvement. UNI has opened many doors for me and continues to be a guiding light in my journey. I also want to recognize Mercy Education Project (MEP) in downtown Detroit. Since eighth grade, they’ve supported me with one-on-one tutoring and encouragement that helped me succeed academically.
Where I Am Now
I’m 19 years old and still living out my mission — giving back, growing, and embracing every opportunity. I’m continuing my education at Henry Ford College, working toward my associate degree in computer science. I’m also proud to be part of a faith-driven, supportive family — with amazing parents and a little brother who motivate me every day.
I believe that when passion meets purpose, great things happen. Through all the ups and downs, my faith in God and my belief in community have remained constant. Whether I’m volunteering, coordinating summits, mentoring youth, or building tech solutions, my heart is always centered on service, growth, and leading with love.
* Student, Apple Developer Academy | MSU (Aug 2024 – Present) Developed accessible, user-centric apps in a collaborative tech/business environment. Accepted into the post-academy Renaissance Program.
* Program Coordinator, Omniwomyn (Aug 2024 – Present) Facilitated empowering workshops for women and streamlined internal operations.
* Executive Sales Associate, She So Detroit (Jul 2024 – Present) Managed logistics, sales, and events for a youth-led fashion brand.
* Student, Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (Mar 2023 – Present) Engaged in year-round workforce development, leadership, and goal-setting programs.
* Student Intern, L!FE Leaders Inc. (Oct 2020 – Present)
Supported youth summits and professional skill development for Detroit youth.
* Volunteer, Forgotten Harvest (Sep 2020 – Present)
Distributed food to families in need throughout the pandemic and beyond.
* Youth Advisor, Steen Foundation & Children’s Foundation (Aug 2024 – Jan 2025)
Helped allocate $10M in grants; completed ABFE training in nonprofit finance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. It’s been a journey filled with a lot of ups and downs and I’m still walking it. Honestly, I’ve had moments where I’ve felt completely overwhelmed. Between school, community work, internships, and personal life, there are times I’m exhausted, physically and mentally. I’ve stayed up late working on projects, juggling deadlines, trying to be there for everyone — and sometimes I forget to take care of myself.
I deal with anxiety, and that affects me in ways people don’t always see. Public speaking, for example, used to terrify me. I would get so nervous before events, even when I knew what I wanted to say. There are days where I smile in meetings, but deep down, I’m battling self-doubt, asking myself, “Am I good enough? Do I belong in this room?” But I keep showing up anyway.
I’ve also had to push through burnout , moments where I felt like I was pouring from an empty cup. Being a first-gen student comes with pressure. You want to make your family proud, break barriers, do everything right… but the weight of that can feel heavy. There were times when I wanted to pause, but I kept going because I knew my purpose was bigger than my pain.
Through it all, I’m deeply grateful. I thank God every day for giving me the strength and energy to continue , even when I’m tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed. My parents have been my rock. Their support, sacrifices, and faith in me keep me grounded. I know I carry not just my own dreams, but the dreams of generations before me.
So no — it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been real. And it’s made me stronger, more compassionate, and more committed to lifting others as I climb.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a little bit of everything —and honestly, that’s what I love most. My “9-to-5” doesn’t look like everyone else’s. I don’t clock in and out at a traditional job. Instead, I pour myself into service , into my community, into youth, into creating impact wherever I can.
Right now, I’m a student at the Apple Developer Academy, where I receive a stipend to learn app development, design, teamwork, and professional skills. Outside of that, I intern and serve with organizations like L!FE Leaders Inc., Omniwomyn, and Urban Neighborhood Initiatives. I’ve helped coordinate youth summits, lead workshops, support women in underserved communities, and even allocate millions of dollars in nonprofit funding as a Youth Advisor. And through it all, I keep one goal at the center, to serve.
I specialize in people. In empathy. In showing up. Whether I’m handing out food with Forgotten Harvest, mentoring youth, or helping launch a youth-led business, I give my heart. I want others to feel seen, heard, and supported — especially young people who are still figuring out their voice like I was just a few years ago.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed grounded. I’ve built so much , but I’ve never lost sight of where I came from. I’ve never stopped volunteering. I’ve never stopped thanking God. Every opportunity, every door that’s opened, every leadership role I’ve stepped into , I know it’s all a blessing. And I try to give that same energy and love back into the world.
What sets me apart is that I lead with heart first. I don’t just show up to do the work ,I show up with intention, humility, and purpose. I don’t do what I do for the title, or for the check. I do it because I genuinely care.
You’ll find me everywhere at events, behind the scenes, mentoring, organizing, listening, lifting others up. I may not always have the fanciest title, but I promise you’ll feel my presence, my passion, and my belief in the power of service.
That’s what I do. And that’s who I am.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who have helped shape who I am today. First and always, I give all the glory to God. In moments when I’ve been overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or unsure of myself, He has been my peace and my strength. He opens doors I never imagined and gives me the energy to keep going even when I feel like giving up. Everything I am is because of Him.
I am endlessly grateful to my parents/Family my mom Maricela Rodriguez , Dad Luis F. Romero-Martinez , little brother Luis F. Romero-Rodriguez jr. who have been my rock since day one. Their love, guidance, and sacrifices are the reason I can even dream this big. They’ve been with me through the good, the bad, the late nights, and the stressful days — and they never stop encouraging me to keep going, to keep believing, to keep showing up for others and myself.
In school, I was blessed with so many teachers who went above and beyond to support me — people who truly saw me and poured into me. Teachers like Ms. Wonch, Mr. Durandetto, Ms. Lopez, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Scott, Ms. Moore, Mr. Abdel, Ms. Markusic, Ms. Hightower, Mr. Fitz, Mr. Badih, Mr. Elswick, Mr. MacLean, Ms. Bianca, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Nava, Ms. Vargas, Ms. Love, Ms. Campos, Ms. Crossland, Ms. Feamster, Ms. Campa, Ms. Harper, Ms. Barreto, Mr. Colson, Ms. Cornett-Collins, and Ms. Norton — thank you for pouring into me and believing in my potential. Your words, your care, and your support stayed with me long after the classroom.
A special thank you to Mercy Education Project. Since 8th grade, they’ve been a safe haven of support — a place that poured into my education, confidence, and heart. I especially want to thank Mary Beth Lohman and Allison Fenske — your compassion and belief in me made such a lasting impact on my life. You saw me, uplifted me, and gave me the tools to thrive.
To the team at L!FE Leaders Inc. — Amy Nederlander, Maria Franklin, Tanesha McGhee, Angelica Williams, and Markuis Cartwright — thank you for shaping me into a stronger leader, thinker, and speaker. You’ve pushed me to use my voice with boldness and compassion. Logan Newman (94 Feet) and Shamere Duncan (SheSoDetroit) — your authenticity and drive continue to inspire me. And Jeremiah Steen, thank you for opening life-changing doors through the Steen Foundation.
At Omniwomyn, thank you Layal Bou Harfouch, Myiah Williams, Chloe White, and Susanna Vuljaj for creating space for me to grow and show up fully as myself. You’ve helped me walk more confidently in my purpose.
At Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (UNI) — thank you Alyssa Avila, Tanya Aho, Emily Embick, Vania Ruiz, and Karina Reyes — your mentorship, guidance, and belief in youth leadership have pushed me forward in powerful ways.
I am also grateful for the Meaningful Power Foundation and Dr. Derwin Warren — your encouragement and guidance have helped shape my journey and understanding of power, purpose, and responsibility.
Thank you to Critical Youth Theory and Jelani Stowers, for giving me a place to reflect, grow, and be part of meaningful, transformational work. And to CS for Detroit and Dr. Chanel Beebe — thank you for your constant dedication to youth development, community healing, and innovation. You’ve shown me that I can lead and serve through both creativity and critical thinking.
To Pastor Joe and Heart to Heart Ministries, thank you for feeding my spirit and reminding me of my divine purpose through love and truth. And to Centro Familiar Cristiano UMC and Rev. Patricia Gandarilla — thank you for being part of my spiritual journey and holding space for my growth in faith and service.
To everyone at the Apple Developer Academy — thank you for giving me a space to create, collaborate, and thrive. Anny Staten, Theo Caldwell, Kiana Bauer, Kevin Buchholz, Alex Enriquez, Mike Goggins, Dahime Gordon, Nick Gordon, Delon Hardy, Mallery Heise, Shonda Jones, Tyler Lawrence, Nick Melekian, Benia Morgan-Ware, Maria Reyna, Marcus Westbrooks, Telayne Keith, Status is Reachable, and Henrik Jones — your mentorship and care have meant the world to me. And to my peers — Mari, Breona, Abisola, Rayaan, Analu, Na’khale, Cameron, Shakira, Kensea, Shay, Hana, Ra’khyia, Alicia, Linda, Danielle, and Cheyenne — thank you for walking this journey with me and becoming like family.
To Flor Rivera Hernandez at National Legacy Solutions — thank you for your guidance, love, and belief in my leadership and heart.
And to my best friends — Alexandra, Casandra, Evelyn, and Yanisia — you are my chosen family. You’ve stood beside me in my lowest and highest moments, never letting me give up on myself. I love you all deeply.
There are honestly so many more names I could say. If you’ve ever prayed for me, loved me, challenged me, lifted me, or simply reminded me that I matter — thank you. You are part of my story. You are part of my purpose. And I carry your impact with me in everything I do.
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Image Credits
Tariq Topey
Tariq Instagram : merlinstreetfilms
