We recently connected with Dr. Leslie Pledger and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dr. Leslie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I got my work ethic from my mother who passed away November 2022. Even though she is gone, the work ethic that she instilled in me as a little girl still operates today. My mother instilled a strong work ethic in me by having a strong work ethic herself. I watched her get up everyday to catch the bus to go to work. She made sure that school was a priority for us. Me and my siblings always got perfect attendance in addition to other awards. My mother made sure that we understood the importance of taking off our school clothes as soon as we got home, hang them up, and get started with homework prior to going outside or doing anything else. I did not realize that all of those mandates that my mother created for me would be very instrumental in developing my work ethic. I emulated what I saw her do and what she required from me. I still have an excellent work ethic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the founder of Solid Foundation Christian Academy, which has been supporting students who’ve been challenged by the traditional school system since 2003. I got my start in the public school system in Atlanta and I saw so much of my younger self in the students. Single parent households and many times a lack of resources, but a burning desire to experience more! When students are struggling at home, many times it involuntarily affects their studies. It’s not their fault. However, the way schools are set up, there usually isn’t the type of compassionate understanding these kids need. Instead, they’re labeled and begin to fall behind. What I witnessed during the early years of my career is what inspired me to design Solid Foundation as a school where individual learning styles and circumstances are respected.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Relatability, understanding, and the focus on education my mother instilled in me have been the guiding forces in my career and personal life. My ability to meet my parents and students where they are and create open lines of communication allow me to help people. They feel comfortable coming to me because I put empathy and understanding at the forefront of the relationship. I’ve had the pleasure of supporting people who otherwise would not have finished school because of these three qualities.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
When children are exposed to different career paths, resources, and opportunities, it opens up the world for them. At Solid Foundation, we’ve always sought out various community partnerships with organizations that can help our students grow into the type of citizens our country needs. We are looking to collaborate with companies, organizations, and individuals in all industries who can help our students gain life skills, work skills & experience, educational & health resources, However, we’re always open to out-of-the-box opportunities that can potentially serve as stepping stones to our students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solidfoundationchristianacademy.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/solidfoundation16
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solidfoundation16
Image Credits
Danielle Hamilton
