Who is Leslye?
Leslye Oquendo-Thomas is a proud product of public schools and a first-generation college graduate. She was raised by a single parent in a Spanish-speaking household and lived in Bronx municipal housing, dependent on public assistance. Her upbringing shaped her understanding of dignity, fairness, and the real consequences of policy decisions.
She is Puerto Rican, married to a Black American whose parents immigrated from Trinidad, and the mother of two biracial daughters. Her family reflects the multi-racial, working-class families that define the 17th District. She is also the primary caretaker for her 79 year old mother who suffers from dementia. On her free time, she mentors students with the Yonkers Partners in Education Program (YPIE). She also started a family hot sauce business recently, using her mother-in-law’s West Indian hot sauce recipe - Thomas Family Taste.
Professional Experience
For more than a decade, Leslye has worked in the Yonkers City Council office of Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Isaac, including 2 years as Chief of Staff. She worked directly with constituents every day — resolving housing issues, preventing evictions, acting as an intermediary with DSS, and connecting residents to services and resources.
Before starting to work at the Yonkers City Council, Leslye served internationally with the United Nations in Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Ivory Coast) and with the Organization of American States in Ecuador, supporting democratic institutions and post-conflict transitions.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SUNY Buffalo and a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. She also holds a certificate in French language and civilization from Sorbonne University in Paris, France. She is fluent in Spanish and French.
Why She’s Running
There’s an open seat — and voters deserve a real choice!
Leslye is running because leaders should be accountable to the people who elect them. She believes that politicians should heed the will of the voters, NOT those who want to further their personal agendas. With her experience, values, and deep community roots, she’s ready to deliver results without excuses. She’s committed to advocate for the best interests of the residents of the 17th district, including REAL affordability in terms of housing, transportation, and higher education. She’ll also advocate for increased economic opportunities so that residents benefit from the development taking place throughout the city, increase efficiency of county services, such as DSS, and strengthen the Immigration Protection Act.
