Leslie Ponce-Díaz

Harvard GSD MArch II

 Projects       About

 


Hola! 


My name is Leslie and I am a first-generation and Mexican-American graduate of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a Bachelors of Architecture (BArch, Accredited) and double-minors in Nature Sustainability and Latin American Cultural Studies. 

I am currently pursuing a Masters in Architecture II (Post-Professional)
at Harvard University Graduate School of Design as a Dean’s Merit Scholar.

I enjoy mentoring first-generation youth by utilizing my passions in architecture, community and public service with my community organization, First-Gen Chisme.

Beyond work, I enjoy handcrafting Mexican beaded jewelry and
playing soccer with my family!

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Resume and portfolio available upon request and
can be reached at: 


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“Leslie’s investments in first-generation communities has been absolute and earned since arriving to the RISD campus. Whether quickly doing the work in her own way, leading online forums or making online presentations and workshops. She has left a lasting legacy at RISD, not because she have ever been compelled to, but rather because she is deeply, earnestly and caring about the multiple communities she serves.”

Tony Johnson, RISD Associate Dean

-First-Generation Legacy Award / 2023


“As a first-generation Mexican American college student, 2017 and 2019 Live Más Scholar is pursuing her passion for art and design, while building community, embracing her culture, and encouraging other students to do the same. Leslie is no stranger to taking leaps and embarked on a journey from her home state of Kansas to Rhode Island where she studies architecture, coupled with sustainability and art history at Rhode Island School of Design. In the architectural world of grey, Leslie does not shy away from color, illuminating any room she walks into.”

-Live Mas Taco Bell Foundation / 2021-23



“Leslie works daily to inject her creative energies and unwavering idealism into projects both on and off campus that address issues of equity, inclusion, community-building and social impact. Since stepping on to campus she has actively sought out involvement in local and global community engagement opportunities, understanding it as a vital way to strengthen and expand her academically grounded practice. Her experiences thus far have spanned from the high-level strategic to hands-on engagement - with individual and group impacts.”
Rosanne Somerson, Former President of RISD

-Newman Civic Fellowship / 2021-22